Social Innovation Discussions

Coming from a variety of horizons and backgrounds corporate executives, social entrepreneurs, foundation leaders, individual philanthropists, and policy makers share their experience and thoughts at Stanford events.

They work in the field of environmental sustainability, international development, healthcare, poverty alleviation, energy, environment, and aspire to solve the world’s toughest problems.

This university podcast featuring audio lectures, panel discussions, and audio interviews is produced by the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Edward P. Lazear - Financial Crisis and a Changing Business World

The future of financial regulation has been a topic of intense debate in the aftermath of the financial crisis. In this audio interview, Stanford MBA student Lisa Scheible talks with Edward Lazear, an expert on labor economics from Stanford, about how government regulation and policy have influenced the economic recovery and how they can prevent similar crises in the future.

The World’s Water Infrastructure Challenge

Featuring Colin Sabol 2

ITT Corporation’s Colin Sabol talks about the urgent need for investments in water and sanitation infrastructure.

Jessica Jackley - International Development Through Microfinance

Jessica Jackley is cofounder of Kiva.org, the nonprofit microfinancing website that allows people to promote international development and break the cycle of poverty by lending as little as $25 to a specific third-world entrepreneur. In this audio lecture, sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, Jackley talks about how she is revolutionizing philanthropy and inspiring a new generation of philanthropists through technology.

Beth Kanter - Activating Philanthropy Through Social Media

How can nonprofits leverage social media technology such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and blogs to support philanthropy? In this audio lecture, nonprofit consultant Beth Kanter talks about how she has done just that, thereby raising thousands of dollars to help children in Cambodian orphanages get to school. Learn how to get people involved in your cause, donate, volunteer, and solicit friends—all with a few keystrokes.

Promoting Social Entrepreneurship Among Youth

Featuring Bill Drayton

Bill Drayton, founder and CEO of Ashoka, identifies key skills of change makers and lays out a plan to teach these skills around the world.