Professor Jack Shonkoff, Founding Director of Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child and Director of Connecting Science + Community, joins for a powerful conversation about the future of early childhood development (ECD).

He reflects on decades of progress in making science actionable for policymakers, service providers and advocates; and shares why the next frontier must focus on the environments where families live.

From poverty and housing to access to nutritious food, clean water and social capital, Shonkoff explains why community context is the missing piece in ensuring children everywhere can thrive.

Key topics explored in this episode:

• Why ECD is a moral imperative and a foundation for a healthy, sustainable society

• How science — from neuroscience to immunology — is reshaping our understanding of child development

• Why one-size-fits-all programs fail, and how solutions must adapt to local contexts

• The misaligned incentives in philanthropy, evaluation and policymaking that slow progress

• How Connecting Science + Community is bridging research and grassroots action, with early examples of U.S. cities tackling housing, jobs and equity for children

• Why being “constructively dissatisfied” is essential for the field to keep advancing

Professor Shonkoff emphasizes that while the early childhood field has already transformed millions of lives worldwide, the work is far from finished. Real impact will come from smarter strategies, stronger communities and a commitment to caring not only for our children but for all children.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

David Reiling, CEO of Sunrise Banks, shares his entrepreneurial journey of building a mission-driven financial institution where doing good and doing well go hand in hand.

From serving immigrant communities in Minnesota to shaping global conversations on financial inclusion and financial literacy, David explains how values-based banking empowers individuals, supports local economies and drives innovation.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Jonathan Simmons, CEO of New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), joins to share a refreshing perspective on philanthropy—why it should be fun, how to grow the giving market, and what it takes to make charitable impact both strategic and joyful.

We explore:

• The origins of NPC and how it helps philanthropists make smarter decisions

• Why giving should be viewed not only as serious and rigorous but also enjoyable

• How to encourage individuals and organizations—whether wealthy or everyday donors—to engage in philanthropy

• The role of giving circles and pooled funds in driving collective impact

• Cultural and psychological barriers that hold people back from giving, and how to overcome them

• The need for stronger collaboration between charities, social enterprises and impact investors

• What government and policy can do to make philanthropy easier and more effective

From misconceptions around “bad charities” to the addictive joy of seeing your money do good, this episode is packed with insights, practical ideas and optimism. Whether you’re a seasoned philanthropist, someone just starting to give or simply curious about how generosity shapes society, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.