Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, on Turning Waste into Value, the Future of Reuse, and Why Policy Is Key to a Circular Economy
What are the real economics behind recycling and reuse—and why, despite decades of progress, are we recycling less of our growing waste?
In this insightful conversation with TerraCycle Founder and CEO Tom Szaky, we unpack the market forces, policy levers, and behavioral dynamics that shape the global waste system. Szaky explains why recycling often fails to scale, how value—not technology—determines what gets recycled, and why the world still produces more waste per person each year.
We dive into:
The harsh truth about recycling economics: why most recyclers only process what’s profitable.
The “Great Fiberization” trend and the myths around compostable and “eco” packaging.
Why technology isn’t a silver bullet—and why true change must confront value and cost.
France’s groundbreaking reuse model: a case study in regulation that works, with retailers like Carrefour leading the way.
How policy drives innovation: the interplay between free markets, extended producer responsibility, and consumer behavior.
A hopeful yet pragmatic look ahead to 2030, and what it will take for circular systems to thrive globally.
Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, on Philanthropy and Building a Culture of Giving Across Arizona
Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, shares an inspiring look into how one of America’s leading statewide community foundations is redefining philanthropy, partnership and social impact in Arizona and beyond.
In this powerful conversation, Anna María discusses how the Arizona Community Foundation brings together individuals, corporations and nonprofits to drive meaningful change in education, affordable housing and environmental innovation. She explains how philanthropy can start as early as childhood and how anyone, from Girl Scouts to global CEOs, can play a role in building stronger, more equitable communities.
Listeners will gain insights into:
The unique statewide model of the Arizona Community Foundation and its $1.6B in managed assets.
Why community foundations serve as neutral conveners that unite government, business and civil society.
Arizona’s role as a living laboratory for environmental innovation.
How bold, risk-taking philanthropy can unlock catalytic solutions to complex social challenges.
Anna María also reflects on her own remarkable journey and why she believes the future of philanthropy lies in creativity, collaboration and community-driven leadership.
Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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High-Impact Corporate Giving: How Companies Can Drive Social Change Without Losing Focus
Corporate giving is more than philanthropy — it’s a strategic tool for impact. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how companies can deploy their balance sheets, human capital, and core business capabilities to achieve meaningful social outcomes.
Our guest, Gwen Lim, Head of the Southeast Asia office and Partner at The Bridgespan Group, unpacks insights from her newly released report “High-Impact Approaches to Corporate Giving” (published September 2025). She shares what distinguishes corporate giving from other forms of philanthropy, the key trade-offs between impact and risk, and how firms can align purpose with performance.
Discover how leading corporates are:
Navigating reputational and political risks while maximizing social good
Leveraging business assets like data, platforms, and expertise for public benefit
Structuring high-impact strategies through corporate foundations and internal initiatives
Balancing short-term financial results with long-term social outcomes
Engaging employees, investors, and customers in purpose-driven impact
Gwen also shares fascinating case studies — from Bloomberg’s data-led volunteering to DHL’s disaster logistics — illustrating how capability-led giving can transform communities.
This episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders, CSR professionals, philanthropists, and anyone curious about how business can become a force for good in an age of uncertainty.
Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, on Community Transformation, Youth Empowerment & Breaking Cycles of Poverty
What does it take to transform a neighborhood long defined by poverty into a community of opportunity, dignity, and hope?
In this episode, Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, shares how three organizations—the Warehouse, Reach Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center—are leading a $600 million revitalization effort in Wilmington, Delaware’s Riverside neighborhood.
Logan discusses how teens help design and run a state-of-the-art community center, why holistic redevelopment is central to breaking intergenerational poverty, and how community members themselves are shaping the vision for their future. He also reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and explains why his ultimate goal is to work himself out of a job by building a community that thrives without external support.
You’ll hear about:
How The WRK Group blends housing, education, health, and economic vitality into one comprehensive model.
The story behind the Warehouse teen center, run for teens, by teens.
The challenges and breakthroughs of creating lasting, systemic change.
Why restoring hope is as important as bricks and mortar.
Generational impact stories—from tragedy to triumph—that reveal what’s at stake.
This conversation is an inspiring look at what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and community ownership come together.
Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
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Ari Simon, President of Tambourine Philanthropies on why the status quo in science funding is broken and how philanthropy can bridge today’s crisis while building a stronger system
Philanthropy faces a “Sputnik moment” in science funding. Ari Simon, President of Tambourine Philanthropies, shares why the U.S. research system is under existential threat — and how foundations can step up now.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why labs, postdocs, and decades of data are at risk from sudden funding cuts
Four immediate philanthropic responses to keep research alive
How tools like recoverable grants, guarantees, and IP-based financing can bridge gaps
Why supporting early-career scientists and researcher well-being is urgent
Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
About Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship
Listen to 300+ interviews on philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Guests include Paul Polman, David Lynch, Siya Kolisi, Cherie Blair, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bob Moritz, David Miliband and Julia Gillard. Hosted by Alberto Lidji, Visiting Professor at Strathclyde Business School and ex-Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation. Visit Lidji.org for more information.
Listen to Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship, Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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