Social change is driven by strong values, moral clarity, and a deep commitment to justice—yet it rarely unfolds under ideal conditions. This episode explores one of the most uncomfortable but unavoidable realities of changemaking: trade-offs. Drawing on examples from activism, politics, development, and systems thinking, the conversation unpacks why trade-offs are not signs of compromise or failure, but structural features of working within complex, constrained systems. The discussion reframes trade-offs as strategic choices shaped by power, resources, institutions, and time, and examines how changemakers can navigate them deliberately without abandoning purpose or values. By grounding the idea of trade-offs in both lived practice and theoretical frameworks, the episode offers listeners tools to make clearer, more ethical decisions when no option is perfect.

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

After more than a decade in corporate law, Serena reached a crossroads that forced her to question everything she thought success was meant to look like. A single offhand question—“Do you know what’s ahead if you stay on this path?”—sparked a journey from burnout and identity loss to reinvention, courage and quiet leadership. In this conversation, Serena explores what it means to thrive as an introvert in an extroverted world, how to protect your energy in noisy environments, and why deep thinking, active listening and genuine presence are underrated leadership superpowers. Together we unpack the myths of “faking it till you make it,” the trap of perfectionism, and the art of finding balance between visibility and authenticity. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like they were on the treadmill of achievement—and is ready to step off and rediscover what fulfilment truly means.

About Our Guest: Serena Low is a trauma-informed coach for introverts, host of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, and has been an introvert all her life. She supports quiet achievers to grow into Quiet Warriors and achieve professional visibility without having to act extroverted.

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

Business often gets talked about as if it sits neatly in the “economic” box, separate from ethics, power, and social responsibility. In reality, business has always been part of everyday social life, shaped by politics, culture, and shared ideas about what is acceptable or fair—and shaping those things in return. This episode looks at business as just one of several ways change happens, tracing how it has evolved from pre-industrial moral economies, through industrial capitalism, to today’s neoliberal context. Along the way, it unpacks the real limits of what business can achieve under capitalism, while also explaining why businesses are so often asked to step in when governments are constrained by politics, budgets, or slow institutions. The conversation then explores two common models of purpose-driven business—B Corporations and social enterprises—drawing a clear distinction between businesses that aim to be good in how they operate and those that exist specifically to do good through their core purpose. Rather than presenting business as a silver bullet, the episode encourages a more honest and practical conversation about when business can genuinely contribute to social and environmental change, and where its role is inherently limited.

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.