Episodes

  • Symphony of Purpose with Nikhil Bumb - Walk Talk Listen (episode 184)

    Symphony of Purpose with Nikhil Bumb - Walk Talk Listen (episode 184)
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice Bloem sits down with Nikhil Bumb to discuss his journey from engineering to corporate social impact. Nikhil shares his upbringing as a South Asian American born in Wyoming and raised in South Carolina, describing how his family's immigrant experience and Jain faith shaped his worldview. He reflects on the challenges of growing up as part of a minority community, navigating cultural and religious differences, and finding his own identity. Nikhil also delves into his academic path, studying electrical engineering at Princeton University and later pursuing graduate studies at Georgia Tech, before transitioning from the technical field into a career centered on purpose-driven business strategies. His passion for making an impact led him to work with Medtronic, Deloitte, and Technoserve before settling into his current role at FSG, where he supports companies in creating equitable, purpose-driven models of growth. The conversation moves into the intersection of business, leadership, and social change, as Nikhil discusses the evolving role of corporations in tackling global issues. He introduces the concept of 'shared value,' advocating for companies to integrate social impact into their core strategies, rather than treating it as a separate philanthropic endeavor. Maurice and Nikhil explore the challenges of implementing these changes, the necessity of shifting organizational culture, and the increasing recognition of systems thinking and conscious leadership in today's business world. They also discuss the role of inner development and personal growth in achieving broader systemic change, touching upon frameworks like the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and their relevance to business and sustainability efforts. Nikhil emphasizes the importance of seeing businesses not just as economic engines, but as key players in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable society. Nikhil Bumb is a managing director at FSG, a nonprofit consulting firm founded by Michael Porter and Mark Kramer that helps organizations drive social change through equitable systems transformation. He leads the firm’s corporate impact work in the U.S., working with businesses to embed purpose into their strategies while achieving commercial success. With a background in engineering and an MBA, Nikhil brings a blend of analytical expertise and strategic vision to his work. He also serves on the board of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, where he champions interfaith dialogue and social justice initiatives. His experiences in interfaith engagement, corporate strategy, and systems-level thinking make him a compelling advocate for reshaping leadership and business models to meet the challenges of today’s world. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Nikhil via his LinkedIn profile and Instagram. Check the FSG website and LinkedIn profile as well.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode via walktalklisten. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Nikhil and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Disease of the Soul: Confronting Global Hunger with Roger Thurow – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 183)

    The Disease of the Soul: Confronting Global Hunger with Roger Thurow – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 183)
    Feb 26 2025
    In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, journalist and author Roger Thurow shares his decades-long commitment to addressing global hunger and malnutrition. With 30 years at The Wall Street Journal, including 20 years as a foreign correspondent in Europe and Africa, Thurow has consistently spotlighted issues of poverty, food insecurity, and the systemic injustices that perpetuate them. He reflects on his body of work, including The Last Hunger Season: A Year in an African Farm Community on the Brink of Change, The First 1,000 Days: A Crucial Time for Mothers and Children – And the World, and his most recent book, Against the Grain: A Deep Dive into Global Hunger. Through these works, Thurow examines how hunger persists in a world of plenty and highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and hope. The conversation explores Thurow’s idea of hunger as a “disease of the soul,” framing it not just as a humanitarian crisis but as a moral failing in societies with the resources to prevent it. Drawing from his extensive reporting in Africa and beyond, Thurow discusses the power of storytelling in mobilizing action and shifting narratives around hunger and poverty. He emphasizes the critical role of smallholder farmers, the importance of nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, and the broader social consequences of malnutrition. Thurow also speaks about the urgent need for what he calls the “clamor”—the collective outrage and demand for change that has historically fueled social movements. Without this global outcry, he warns, hunger risks remaining an invisible crisis, and those most affected will continue to suffer in silence. His call to action is clear: to raise voices loud enough to shatter complacency and ignite meaningful, lasting change. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Roger via his LinkedIn profile and Instagram.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode via walktalklisten. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Roger and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Faith, Research, and Transformative Action with Romina Istratii - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 182)

    Faith, Research, and Transformative Action with Romina Istratii - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 182)
    Feb 19 2025
    Dr. Romina Istratii shares her powerful journey from Moldova to Greece and beyond, shaping her work at the intersection of faith, gender, and international development. As a researcher and practitioner, she reflects on the limitations of traditional academia and the need for more inclusive, community-driven approaches to addressing societal challenges such as domestic violence. Romina discusses how her faith as an Eastern Orthodox Christian deeply influences her commitment to ethical research and social impact. She highlights the importance of decolonizing knowledge production, ensuring that local voices are not only included but lead the conversation. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Romina via her LinkedIn profile and via the website of the Institute of Domestic Violence, Religion and Migration and its LinkedIn page and Instagram.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode via walktalklisten. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Romina and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Delivering a Legacy with Ivy de Bruijn - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 181)

    Delivering a Legacy with Ivy de Bruijn - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 181)
    Feb 12 2025
    Ivy de Bruijn, a passionate advocate for sustainable development and network coordination. As a program manager at SDG Netherlands, Ivy shares her journey from a legal career in intellectual property and media law to her current role, where she bridges connections among diverse stakeholders to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her experience with leadership training in Colombia, and a deep commitment to societal impact—has shaped her approach to fostering meaningful collaborations. Ivy talks about the intersection of the SDGs and the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), emphasizing the importance of personal growth, relational skills, and systemic thinking in creating sustainable change. Ivy also reflects on her experiences navigating different career paths, the importance of bottom-up initiatives, and how music and personal leadership have played a role in her journey. Tune in to gain insights on the power of connection, adaptability, and the evolving role of leadership in addressing today’s global challenges. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Ivy via her LinkedIn profile and via the website of her organization SDG Nederland, their LinkedIn profile and Instagram. Ivy and the foundation of her husband are also on instagram. The foundation Che Amigo also has a website and the book her husband wrote in close collaboration with her: Leiderschap in mijn Community.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode via walktalklisten. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Ivy and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Lessons from My Father: Advocacy, Health, and Resilience with Sharuna Verghis - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 180)

    Lessons from My Father: Advocacy, Health, and Resilience with Sharuna Verghis - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 180)
    Feb 5 2025
    In this episode, Sharuna Verghis shares her journey as a public health researcher, educator, and advocate for migrant and refugee health. She reflects on how her father’s deep commitment to social justice shaped her path, leading her to work extensively on migration and health for over two decades. From her early days being part of the participatory research network CARAM Asia to her interdisciplinary research on refugees' access to healthcare, Sharuna highlights the intersections of human rights, public health, and policy. As the co-founder of Health Equity Initiatives, she discusses the urgent mental health needs of refugees in Malaysia and the devastating impact of funding freezes due to recent executive orders. Sharuna also speaks candidly about the resilience of displaced communities, the challenges of advocacy, and the crisis of value-based leadership in global health. She underscores the importance of small acts of kindness and systemic change to address deep-rooted inequalities. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on faith, social activism, and the personal cost of striving for justice. Despite the obstacles, she remains committed to creating meaningful change, drawing strength from the lessons instilled by her father. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Sharuna via her LinkedIn profile and via the website of her organization Health Equity Initiatives.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Sharuna and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    46 mins
  • Creating Safer Communities with Diana Gerson - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 179)

    Creating Safer Communities with Diana Gerson - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 179)
    Jan 29 2025
    Since 2005, Rabbi Diana Gerson has served as the Associate Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis (NYBR). She has played a critical role in uniting interfaith leaders to champion child welfare, community resilience, and violence prevention. Diana is an internationally recognized advocate and speaker, leveraging her leadership to mobilize global faith communities around protecting vulnerable populations and addressing systemic challenges in both physical and digital spaces. In this episode, Diana reflects on her journey, from her early realization that women could lead in faith to her pivotal work co-founding the Global Advocacy Hub for Children and Families. With moving anecdotes, she shares insights on fostering interfaith collaboration and the essential role of ethical leadership in addressing societal challenges like online child safety. Diana also offers a heartfelt perspective on spirituality. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Diana via her LinkedIn profile and social media handles: Instagram and Twitter. Via her website, you can find links to the organizations she works for: website.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Diana and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    59 mins
  • Sustainable Impact Through Innovation with Nina Benoit - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 178)

    Sustainable Impact Through Innovation with Nina Benoit - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 178)
    Jan 22 2025
    Nina Benoit is Director of Sustainability at Brightest, a TEDx speaker, and a passionate climate activist dedicated to creating meaningful change for our planet and communities. Nina discusses her work at Brightest, where she collaborates with co-founder Chris Bolman and the team to provide ESG software solutions and consulting services designed to help businesses drive sustainable impact. She also highlights her educational outreach efforts, which include her popular LinkedIn content and the newsletter This Week in Sustainability, aimed at inspiring action and innovation in sustainability practices. Nina shares her vision for the future, including her plans to launch a podcast in 2025 that will explore AI solutions with a positive impact on sustainability, featuring thought leaders and experts in the field. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the critical role of education, communication, and innovation in advancing sustainability goals. Reflecting on her commitment to empowering the next generation of climate leaders, particularly Gen Z, Nina offers valuable insights into how young people can drive meaningful change. This episode also revisits Brightest’s broader mission, connecting Nina’s work to previous discussions with her colleagues Chris and Alondra, underscoring the organization’s focus on collaboration, ethical leadership, and sustainable innovation. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social responsibility. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Nina via her LinkedIn profile and the Brightest social media pages: LinkedIn and website.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Nina and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The Fire Within with Andriy Pinchuk - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 177).

    The Fire Within with Andriy Pinchuk - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 177).
    Jan 15 2025
    Andriy Pinchuk, a Ukrainian Orthodox priest who fled to Norway with his family due to the war shares his life journey, including his calling to the priesthood despite his parents' objections, his work establishing a charitable fund in Ukraine, and his current efforts to support Ukrainians in need. He discusses his faith, expressing both unwavering belief and moments of doubt regarding the Church's structure. His daughter, Maria, served as the translator during this interview. Andriy also shares his family's experiences during and after their escape from Ukraine, along with his hopes for the future. Finally, the interview also includes a discussion of the Sustainable Development Goals and his perspectives on their importance and challenges. Listener Engagement:
    • Discover more about Andriy via his Facebook page.
    • Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
    • Explore the songs selected by Andriy and other guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.
    Follow Us:
    • Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram.
    • Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
    • Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).
    Show more Show less
    46 mins