In Episode 17 of the Do More Podcast, we’re joined by Tshepo Mantjé to explore the strength and impact of vulnerability, inspired by Brené Brown's influential work, Daring Greatly. Host Warren Farrer and Tshepo discuss how the courage to be open has redefined Tshepo’s life, from his personal journey to his leadership approach in early childhood development (ECD) and law reform.

Tshepo candidly shares how his encounter with the concept of vulnerability as a strength – not a weakness – has shaped his perspective on connection, authenticity, and leadership. In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Breaking away from traditional views on masculinity to lead with compassion and openness
• Advice for those in ECD and similar fields on embracing one’s full emotional self
• How vulnerability creates deeper connections, resilience, and a lasting impact on communities

Whether familiar with Brené Brown’s insights or new to this topic, join us for an inspiring conversation on how daring greatly can lead to powerful change – both personally and for others.

In Episode 16 of the Do More Podcast, we’re keeping things creative! Join Cara Goschen and Sbu Khumalo, our Senior Creative, as they explore how creativity fuels the impactful work we do at the Do More Foundation.

From storytelling and design to collaboration and community engagement, this episode dives into the tools, processes, and mindset needed to keep our communications fresh, relevant, and purpose-driven. Sbu shares his journey from corporate to nonprofit, the role curiosity and passion play in his work, and the lessons learned from creative campaigns like BaBonise and our Vega brand challenge.

💡 Key Takeaways:

The importance of play and curiosity in sparking innovation.
Why bringing young voices into our creative process is crucial.
How collaborative tools like Canva and Asana help us stay connected and agile.
Ready to get inspired by the power of creativity? Listen now and find out how we’re making an impact, one creative project at a time!

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Do More Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Jessica Ronaasen and Nicole Biondi dive into one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools—play. They explore why play is so crucial in Early Childhood Development and how integrating playful practices can transform our work environments, break down barriers, and inspire fresh, creative thinking.

Jessica and Nicole discuss the profound impact of play on both personal and professional levels. They share insights on how play fosters meaningful connections, liberates new ways of thinking, and creates a safe space for experimentation and innovation. Whether it's at home, in the office, or in everyday interactions, play has the power to change how we connect, grow, and thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of play in Early Childhood Development.
• How to incorporate play into your work culture.
• Practical tips for bringing more play into your life.
• The role of play in fostering creativity and innovation.

Don’t miss this engaging and insightful conversation that shows why play is more than just fun—it’s essential for growth and connection.

Explore the critical importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Episode 14 of the "Do More Podcast." Join Jessica Ronaasen and Tshepo Mantjé eas they delve into why the early years of a child's life are so crucial for their overall development and future success.

In this episode, Jessica and Thsepo discuss the often-overlooked significance of the first thousand days of a child’s life, emphasizing how this period shapes the brain’s development and forms the foundation for future learning and growth. They explore the interconnected aspects of nutrition, responsive caregiving, and stimulating environments, which are essential to nurturing a child's potential.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into why investing in ECD is not just about education but about giving children the best start in life. Jessica and Thsepo share their personal journeys and the challenges they’ve encountered in advocating for ECD, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding early learning and the urgent need for community and parental involvement.

Through their engaging conversation, Jessica and Thsepo offer practical advice for parents, educators, and organizations on how to support young children's development effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about building strong foundations for our future generations.

Explore the unique approach to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in Episode 13 of the "Do More Podcast." Join Warren Farrer and Caesar Kenny as they delve into the transformative strategies employed by RCL Foods to drive sustainable community impact. Caesar, with his extensive experience in corporate affairs and operations, provides valuable insights into how intentional CSI spending can create lasting benefits.

In this episode, Warren and Caesar discuss the crucial role of aligning corporate purpose with community needs. They highlight the importance of intentionality in CSI efforts, ensuring that investments are strategically directed to areas where they can make the most significant difference. Caesar shares his personal journey and the emotional connection he developed with the Do More Foundation, emphasizing the profound impact of seeing their work firsthand.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why positioning CSI within corporate affairs can enhance its effectiveness. The discussion covers the integration of sustainability and transformation goals, illustrating how a cohesive strategy can amplify positive outcomes. Caesar explains how RCL Foods' purpose of "We Grow What Matters" resonates both at a corporate and personal level, fostering a culture of meaningful contribution.

Through their engaging conversation, Warren and Caesar offer practical advice for other corporates looking to maximize their CSI efforts. They stress the importance of being intentional, understanding community needs, and forming strategic partnerships. The episode also underscores the value of long-term commitments, showing how early childhood development initiatives can shape future leaders and create a brighter future for all

Explore the transformative power of collaborative partnerships in Episode 12 of the "Do More Podcast." Join Iris Naidoo and Kabelo Mosate-Dambuza as they delve into the complexities and successes of working together to create lasting impact in communities. Kabelo, a specialist in the development field, shares insights from his extensive experience in driving development work in deep, rural areas.

In this episode, Iris and Kabelo discuss the importance of finding partners that align with your values and vision. They address common challenges in collaborative efforts, such as aligning objectives with donor criteria and the need for sustainability. Kabelo emphasizes the significance of having a shared vision and open communication to achieve collective impact.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the criteria both funders and organizations consider when forming partnerships. The discussion also highlights the importance of long-term commitments in developmental work, illustrating how strategic partnerships, like the one with the Tutuwa Foundation by Standard Bank, can lead to sustainable, systemic change.

The episode underscores the necessity of co-creating solutions with communities, ensuring that initiatives are representative and effective. Kabelo explains how involving local stakeholders leads to better ownership and success of programs.

Through their candid conversation, Iris and Kabelo inspire organizations to embrace the challenges of collaborative partnerships, emphasizing trust and shared goals. They remind us that development work is a long-term commitment, much like nurturing a family, where mutual support and communication pave the way for meaningful, lasting change.

Explore the profound effects of a family-first culture in the workplace with Jessica Ronaasen and Cara Goschen in Episode 11 of the "Do More Podcast." This episode offers an in-depth look at how the Do More Foundation has embraced family-first principles, particularly in support of working parents. Jessica and Cara, both leaders and mothers, share their personal experiences and insights on integrating family life with career aspirations.

The conversation reveals how the foundation's supportive policies have helped them navigate the complexities of motherhood and leadership. They discuss the critical role of flexible workplace practices, which not only support breastfeeding mothers but also allow parents to balance professional responsibilities with family needs effectively.

Through candid discussions, Jessica and Cara highlight the importance of creating an environment where employees do not have to choose between being parents and professionals. They reflect on how such a nurturing environment can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, ultimately benefiting the organization's goals.

This episode is a call to action for all organizations to consider how family-oriented policies can be integrated into their operations to support and empower employees, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Join Warren Farrer and special guest Tshepo Mantje from Real Reform for ECD as they explore the vital role of men in early childhood development (ECD) on this episode of the "Do More Podcast." Tshepo shares his personal journey into ECD, reflecting on his early years and the profound impact of his grandmother's influence.

The conversation begins with a playful anecdote from Warren, setting a light-hearted tone before delving into the more serious topic of male leadership in the non-profit sector. Tshepo recounts his experiences and challenges as a man in ECD, highlighting the cultural misconceptions about masculinity and nurturing roles.

Listeners will gain insights into how men can break stereotypes and barriers in nurturing roles, with Tshepo emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and nurturing oneself as a pathway to nurturing others. He shares stories of his role models and the influence of peers and mentors who demonstrated softer, nurturing qualities.

The episode also covers the unique challenges and opportunities men face in ECD leadership roles, with Tshepo discussing how societal expectations can be shifted through understanding and practice. He provides practical advice for women to support men in nurturing roles, encouraging them to create environments that foster play and connection.

Warren and Tshepo discuss the power of play as an access point for men to engage with children, using examples from community projects like the Bubbonisa Show Them campaign. The conversation underscores the transformative impact of play in early childhood development and how men can leverage their natural inclinations towards play to support ECD initiatives.

Tshepo's closing remarks offer encouragement to men considering entering the ECD sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the holistic nature of early childhood development and respecting the foundational work of those who have come before. His personal anecdotes and reflections provide a compelling narrative that inspires listeners to engage in ECD advocacy and support.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the critical role of men in early childhood development and how their involvement can drive meaningful change in communities. Join us for the next enlightening episode as we continue to explore avenues for doing more in our communities.