Coffee with Changemakers

From Trash to Treasure: Pioneering Waste Solutions in South Africa

Thomas Chevallier, Co-founder and Director of Plant the Seed, launched a community-run organic farm as a student. Years later, this evolved into an impact-driven business providing end-to-end waste management solutions to South African schools and businesses. 
Plant the Seed has diverted 100,000+kgs of waste from landfills through its innovative ‘Zero Waste Toolkit’, as well as empowering 17,000+ people, including 1,000+ educators, with training in recycling and waste management.
We follow Thomas’ journey from starting a student movement to leading a revolutionary waste management business. He explores the challenges and successes of turning a passion into a business, finding ‘bleeding neck problems’, and how his team uses creative videos and nudges to drive behaviour change in schools.
Join us for an uplifting conversation about entrepreneurship, waste management, perseverance, education, and Thomas’ ongoing mission for a cleaner, greener future.Highlights
06:09 Launching the Student Organic Farm11:01 Challenges in Establishing a Sustainable Business16:05 Identifying the 'Bleeding Neck Problem'24:02 The Zero Waste Toolkit: A Comprehensive Solution30:33 Systems Thinking in Action37:11 Bridging Gaps: Education and Infrastructure44:34 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Challenges and Motivations50:20 Key Learnings, Reflections & Future Aspirations
Follow Thomas & Plant The Seed here: https://planttheseed.co.za/  

From Bullied to Builder: The 15-Year-Old Creating Lifelines for Teens

Anaiah Singh is a 15-year-old changemaker and the creator of HeartTalk, an app transforming teen mental health through peer-to-peer voice messaging. 
Inspired by her own struggles with bullying and isolation, Anaiah is on a mission to provide a lifeline for teens facing loneliness and mental health challenges.
Her Instagram account reached 30 million+ people and the beta version of her app attracted 3,000+ users within weeks.
In this episode, Anaiah shares her journey from a struggling middle schooler to a teen entrepreneur, discussing the youth mental health crisis and the challenges of building a supportive community. She reflects on personal growth, resilience, and the lessons learned in bringing her vision to life.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about using technology for good, building human connection, and Anaiah’s dream of a world where no teen feels alone.
Highlights
00:00 Anaiah’s Story
08:48 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
15:54 Building the MVP and Going Viral
20:57 Overcoming Challenges in Social Media
26:27 Reflections on Personal Growth
31:31 Encouragement for the Younger Self
Follow Anaiah and HeartTalk here: https://hearttalk.app/welcome_page   

201 Countries, 201 Stories, One Vision: The World Dream Project

"What is your dream?" That was the question Taichi Ichikawa, CEO of World Road, asked 201 young people from 201 countries.
Their answers are captured in his groundbreaking book, “We Have a Dream”, a collection of stories from around the globe focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
Taichi’s mission to empower young people quickly expanded beyond the page, inspiring a TV series on the Discovery Channel that showcases these powerful stories.
We explore how Taichi turned his vision into a global platform, building an education and training company, navigating the challenges of cross-cultural storytelling, and harnessing the power of community to drive change.
Join us for an uplifting conversation on dreaming big, resilience, and the power of storytelling to unite 201 countries with one vision.
Highlights03:03 Taichi's Journey: From Struggles to Inspiration09:02 The Birth of World Road and Its Mission11:56 Creating the Book: We Have a Dream18:07 Documentary and Media Collaborations21:04 Reflections on Inspiration and Community Support30:00 The Power of Vision and Support38:59 Common Threads in Dreams and Goals44:08 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers50:00 Finding Your Dream and Role Models
Follow Taichi & the World Dream Project: www.instagram.com/worlddreamproject

Beyond The Lens: Using Film as a Catalyst for Social Change

Anya Raza, a Pakistani-Dutch filmmaker, uses storytelling to challenge norms and drive social change. Known for her impactful documentaries, Anya’s work spans economic empowerment, humanitarian causes, human rights, and freedom of expression. For example, her film “How She Moves” follows classical dance guru Indu Mitha, showcasing her feminist and secular approach to dance in Pakistan, illustrating the power of art to inspire change.In this episode, Anya shares her journey from economics to filmmaking, reflecting on the importance of empathy, speaking up on sensitive issues, and connecting with audiences on a human level. Join us as Anya shares insights on navigating complex social issues, personal growth, and making an impact through storytelling.Highlights04:17 The Journey to Filmmaking07:22 Questioning the Status Quo11:23 The Power of Storytelling19:56 Inspiring Action Through Films21:21 Guiding Viewers to Take Action & Challenges31:43 Human Connection in Storytelling41:26 The Importance of Trusting Your Intuition46:49 Upcoming ProjectsFollow Anya and her impactful work here: https://www.instagram.com/anyarazaofficial/

Reimagining Classrooms: Building Tokyo’s School of the Future

Kai Childs is on a mission to change education with The Innovation Fellowship, a new international school in Tokyo that empowers students to explore their passions and build real-world skills.In this episode, we explore Kai’s path from career experimentation in his 20s to building a purpose-driven school in his 30s.At The Innovation Fellowship, students learn through project-based work, self-paced academics, and research. They tackle unique projects that spark their curiosity and build essential skills for the future. Kai candidly shares about the school's launch, the importance of a shared vision, and the power of starting small.Join us as we discuss reimagining education, building purpose-driven communities, and Kai’s take on meaningful, lasting change.Highlights00:00 Getting to know Kai13:26 Experimentation & Mindset Shift: From 20s to 30s21:28 Building a School: Launching the Innovation Fellowship in Tokyo28:42 Personalised Projects for Students35:01 Accreditation and a Well-Rounded Education36:38 Creating Value and Developing Real-World Skills52:21 The Importance of Alignment and Not Forcing ThingsFind out more about The Innovation Fellowship: https://www.innovationfellowship.org/

Sustainable Tourism & Slow Living in Japan’s First “Zero Waste Village”

Kana Watando is the Co-founder and Director of INOW Kamikatsu, an educational tourism organisation based in Japan’s first “Zero Waste village”, Kamikatsu. With a mission to integrate sustainable living practices into everyday life, Kana helps visitors immerse themselves in the village's unique and charming lifestyle, offering homestay experiences and hands-on educational programs that build deep connections between visitors and the local community.We explore Kana’s journey from Canada to rural Japan, examining the challenges and rewards of life in Kamikatsu, where 80% of the village's waste is diverted from landfills. This innovative approach has established the town as a leading example of sustainable living and waste management, serving as a model for communities in Japan and beyond.Join us for an inspiring conversation about Zero Waste living, rural revitalization, and the power of community-driven change.Highlights02:07 Kana’s Journey to Kamikatsu06:23 Choosing to Live in Rural Japan11:29 Zero Waste Efforts in Kamikatsu15:43 Projects and Impact of INOW Kamikatsu22:36 Tours and Experiences Creating Impact26:27 Overcoming Challenges in Sustainable Tourism and Education28:19 Deep Understanding of Place and Co-Creation in Sustainable Tourism32:04 Balancing the Needs of the Local Community and Authentic Experiences36:49 Seeking Community and Taking Things Step by StepFind out more about INOW Kamikatsu and follow Kana’s journey: https://inowkamikatsu.com/

Green Ultra Athlete & Entrepreneur: Pushing Limits for the Planet

Carole Fuchs is a green ultra athlete, entrepreneur, and climate activist who has climbed some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. As the founder of Feel Run, a circular economy business that creates sustainable sportswear, Carole is passionate about reducing the environmental impact of the sports industry.We explore her many adventures in extreme environments, including her experiences climbing Everest and the challenges she faced on the way. She also discusses her latest project, the Great Himalaya Run—a 1,600-kilometer run across the Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal—where she will document the devastating impacts of the climate crisis on both the environment and the local communities.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carole about adventures, resilience, climate activism, storytelling, and blazing a new path towards impact.Highlights02:25 From Alpinist to Environmental Entrepreneur06:05 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action14:22 The Impact of the Climate Crisis23:26 Challenges and Successes of Feel Run28:05 Carole's Daily Routine and Motivation33:36 Reaching the Peak of Everest38:49 Environmental Challenges on Everest: Melting Glaciers and Waste41:52 The Great Himalaya Run: Raising Awareness and Engaging Communities52:37 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers: Take Action and Build MomentumFollow Carole here: https://www.instagram.com/carolefuchs/And support her Great Himalayan Run crowdfunding campaign: https://gogetfunding.com/the-great-himalayan-run/

Defending Human Rights in Myanmar: Legal Heroes on the Front Lines

Zar Li Aye, a lawyer and human rights defender from Myanmar, has dedicated herself to building a network of legal experts who courageously protect the rights of persecuted individuals - often risking their own lives in the process.She shares her remarkable journey from an aspiring musician to a key figure in the fight for justice in Myanmar.Zar Li delves into the country’s political landscape, shedding light on the hurdles her team faces in providing legal aid to the imprisoned and oppressed. She also explores the significance of trust, courage, and collaboration in their vital mission to amplify the voices of the voiceless. Drawing from rewarding stories from the front lines, she offers advice for aspiring changemakers and shares her goals and dreams for the future.Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Zar Li on resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice in Myanmar and beyond.Highlights08:41 From Musician to Lawyer25:03 Challenges and Triumphs in Providing Legal Assistance31:04 The Power of Trust and Teamwork in Leadership36:13 Rewarding Moments and Appreciation42:59 Personal Growth and Advice for Changemakers50:28 Future Goals and Aspirations53:34 Ways to Support Zar Li's WorkFollow Zar Li and her vital work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zar-li-aye-99889595/