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Anjal Niraula, CEO of Gham Power, shares the story behind this Nepal-based solar enterprise that has spent over a decade bringing reliable electricity to communities across the Himalayas — from Mount Everest Base Camp to rural smallholder farmers — by evolving through every shift the market and the country have thrown at them. The conversation moves through 18-hour daily blackouts, a mountain biking expedition across the Annapurnas that closed Gham Power's first million-dollar round, the hard lessons of building a board from scratch, and what it means to lead a company through earthquakes, protests, and a pandemic while staying grounded as a new father. It is a rich and generous conversation about patience, reinvention, and what it really takes to build something that lasts in one of the world's most challenging environments.

Celeste Vogel, CEO and cofounder of eWAKA Mobility, joins us for a conversation recorded live at eWAKA's headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Celeste shares the story behind eWAKA, a company at the intersection of transportation and logistics that deploys electric cargo bicycles and motorcycles across East Africa while connecting drivers to financing, delivery jobs, and a full maintenance ecosystem. The conversation traces eWAKA's origins to an unexpected challenge from Celeste's youngest son Noah, who pushed his mother to stop watching problems from a distance and start doing something about them. From working under a tree and operating out of a single shipping container to running a full assembly warehouse, Celeste reflects on what it takes to build a company from scratch in a new country, lead with clarity during rapid growth, and stay grounded through the inevitable hard seasons. It is a warm, energizing conversation about purpose, reinvention, and courage.

Join this conversation with Dr. André Habisch, chair of the Bayer Cares Foundation and a leading voice at the intersection of ethics, economics, and social innovation, as he reflects on how moral philosophy and economic systems are deeply intertwined. Drawing on decades of experience across academia and policy, Habisch explores the principle of subsidiarity—solving problems at the most local level possible while enabling broader coordination when needed. From postwar Germany’s reconstruction to today’s challenges in environmental stewardship and shared resources, he illustrates how decentralized, trust-based systems can foster resilience and innovation. He also offers a thoughtful lens on leadership, distinguishing between acting from conviction and acting with responsibility. It’s a grounded, insightful discussion on building systems that better serve people and the planet.

In this episode of Founder of Impact, Ratul Narain shares the journey behind Bempu, the India-based social enterprise he founded to help protect vulnerable newborns through simple, life-saving technologies. He reflects on building Bempu from an engineering-driven idea into a growing company, navigating moments of deep uncertainty, and staying resilient through setbacks, including COVID, layoffs, and the challenges of scaling in public health systems. Along the way, Ratul offers a thoughtful look at leadership, community, and the steady persistence required to solve hard problems. It is an honest and hopeful conversation about innovation, purpose, and what it takes to give more babies a healthier start in life.

In this episode of Line of Sight, Partner and Global Knowledge Lead of Dalberg Advisors, Kusi Hornberger, shares how his path into impact investing evolved into a deeper conviction: that capital can be a force for social and economic change. Now based in Washington, DC, a city that sits at the heart of global policy and finance, Kusi brings a unique perspective on how public systems and private capital intersect, shaping markets whether we support them or challenge them. We explore the “missing middle,” the overlooked small and growing enterprises with the potential to drive outsized impact, and how sustainable impact structures can bridge critical financing gaps. It’s a thoughtful conversation on reimagining capital so that smaller organizations are empowered to create change at the same scale as much larger institutions.

Sara Leedom — Co-founder & COO of Inkomoko Centering Dignity and Economic Power with Inkomoko’s Sara Leedom In this episode of Founder of Impact, the spotlight turns to Inkomoko with cofounder and COO Sara Leedom, who shares how the organization is transforming the economic future of refugees and micro-entrepreneurs across East Africa. We explore the origins of Inkomoko’s model, the realities facing displaced entrepreneurs, and the organization’s commitment to centering dignity in every aspect of its work. It is a powerful reminder that when refugees are given the tools to lead their own growth, they do far more than survive; they thrive, innovate, and strengthen entire local economies.

In this episode, Doug Hewitt, CEO of 1951 Coffee Company, shares the powerful mission behind his nonprofit social enterprise — using the coffee industry as a platform to create jobs, dignity, and hope for displaced people from around the world. He tells the story that sparked 1951 Coffee, sheds light on the global scale of forced displacement, and explores the guiding philosophy behind his work: stay rooted in purpose, but flexible in the path. It's a conversation about compassion, innovation, and building a more inclusive future — one cup at a time.

Julie Schaefer, founder and CEO of Winning Presence, has spent over two decades helping leaders and organizations unlock performance through communication. In this episode, she shares her signature approach, “strategy through storytelling,” and explains why purpose-based leadership is more than a mission statement—it’s a compass for decision-making, culture, and crisis response. Drawing on her corporate experience and work with executives worldwide, Julie offers insights on building authenticity, engaging employees, and turning values into actions. Tune in to learn how leaders can develop a “winning presence” that inspires trust, drives results, and leaves a lasting impact.

In this episode, we explore the power of transforming organic waste into renewable energy with Madrin Maina, the Africa Director of Sistema.bio, a social enterprise that is creating opportunities through its patented biodigester technology. Madrin shares her journey as an entrepreneur — what inspired her path, the challenges she’s faced, and how her leadership is helping families and farmers save money, reclaim time, and improve their quality of life. Along the way, we explore the ripple effects of clean energy: healthier communities, stronger local economies, and a more sustainable planet. Sistema.bio is part of the portfolio of social enterprises supported through the Miller Center–Chevron Climate Resilience Initiative, which strives to help reduce poverty, drive economic and social opportunities, and develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathalie to explore her journey as a social entrepreneur blending culture, community, and commerce. Nathalie shares how LIKHA began, the lessons she’s learned leading a mission-driven business, and the power of storytelling and craftsmanship in driving impact. From the early challenges to building a global brand rooted in Filipino heritage, this conversation offers an honest, inspiring look at what it means to build with purpose.

Welcome to "Founders of Impact," our Line of Sight spin-off series that delves into the remarkable journeys of founders who are redefining success by combining business innovation with a commitment to positive societal change. In each episode, host Karen Runde, Miller Center's Senior Director of Academics & Entrepreneur Network, engages in candid and insightful conversations with visionaries who have dared to challenge the status quo. Discover the origins of their enterprise, strategies, challenges, and triumphs that shape the landscape of social entrepreneurship.

How can maps help solve the world’s toughest challenges? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Yarnold shares stories from his new book, The Geography of Hope, revealing how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) fuel collaboration and optimism worldwide. From women de-miners in Sri Lanka building livelihoods and status, to African conservationists balancing development and biodiversity, to city planners in Prague tackling urban sustainability, Yarnold shows how data and visual storytelling create common ground across cultures. He also reflects on career shifts, the power of showing vs. telling, and why every organization needs better storytellers. A compelling look at where technology, social justice, and hope intersect.

In this episode, we feature Mina Shahid, CEO and co-founder of Numida, a leading digital microfinance institution (MFI) in East Africa. Mina shares his personal journey, from his early experiences that shaped his passion for financial inclusion to the founding of Numida. Born out of a mission to empower micro- and small businesses (MSBs), Numida leverages proprietary technology and innovative credit processes to deliver convenient, unsecured working capital to entrepreneurs often left out of traditional financial systems. Tune in to hear how Mina’s vision and leadership are driving real impact across the region—improving livelihoods while building a thriving, scalable business.

In this episode, Susan Namirimu shares how her passion for sewing became a catalyst for economic empowerment in Northern Uganda. Originally from Kampala, Susan moved to Gulu for university, where she saw firsthand the lack of job opportunities for young people. Determined to make a difference, she founded Mtindo, a training academy that equips vulnerable women—many of them young mothers—with fashion entrepreneurship skills. Beyond sewing, Mtindo provides life skills training, fostering confidence and self-advocacy. Graduates either secure jobs within Mtindo or launch their own tailoring businesses, building a future of financial independence. Tune in to hear how Susan is transforming lives, one stitch at a time.

Andrei Iancu — Founder & CEO of Halo Industries Growing up in Communist Romania and earning a bachelor’s in aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering at Iowa State University, Andrei Iancu had no concept of entrepreneurship. That all changed at Stanford, where he earned a PhD in mechanical engineering and became inspired to start a company and make a meaningful impact on the world. Drawing on his work in a Stanford research lab, he founded Halo Industries, which creates novel laser-based systems for materials fabrication to help manufacturers drastically reduce waste, improve quality, and enable next-generation technologies. And if that’s not enough, his next big thing may be addressing gaps in childcare and early childhood education.