What if the solution to global poverty wasn’t more aid, but more entrepreneurs?

In this episode, Richard Medcalf speaks with Etienne Salborn, founder of the Social Innovation Academy (SINA), a transformative movement turning refugees, orphans, and disadvantaged youth into social entrepreneurs. From a single project in Uganda to 19 communities across Africa, Etienne’s work is redefining education, leadership, and impact—by creating “change-maker makers.”

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why the traditional aid model often fails—and how SINA’s “free responsibility” philosophy rewrites the rules
• How a traumatised youth can transform into a powerful leader of a thriving enterprise
• The radical initiation that helps people shed limiting beliefs and reclaim their agency
• How to scale leadership without centralised control—so movements grow like forests, not factories
• What most leaders miss about building others who can lead without you

For anyone who wants to multiply leaders and leave a legacy that lasts, this one’s essential listening.

Resources/sources mentioned:

SINA: GoogleHome - SINA (Social Innovation Academy)

Home - SINA (Social Innovation Academy)

The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)

Join the Crucible (https://xquadrant.com/crucible), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.

Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/

For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/etienne-salborn

What if your biggest leadership challenge wasn’t strategy, but self-doubt?

In this episode, Richard Medcalf speaks with Mike Ettling, who recently stepped down as CEO of Unit4 after a transformative six-year tenure. Mike led the company through a complete business model overhaul—from a fragmented, on-premise software provider to a unified, cloud-first organisation. Along the way, he navigated culture shifts, private equity pressures, and the internal doubts that come with playing at the highest level. Now in his new role as a chairman and mentor to CEOs, Mike reflects on what it really takes to lead and multiply impact.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why hiring for hardship and failure stories beats CV credentials
• How to manage self-doubt when you're surrounded by brilliant people
• What really breaks a transformation (hint: it's not your product)
• The overlooked power of cadence, culture, and purpose in a private equity environment
• Why moving from CEO to chairman demands a radical shift in how you add value

A must-listen for any leader navigating complexity—or preparing to let go and lead in a new way.

Resources/sources mentioned:

• Unit 4 (https://www.unit4.com/ )
• Mike Ettling Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeettling/
• Join the Crucible (XquadrantTHE CRUCIBLE (Private Invitation, our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.
• Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here:
• Xquadrant‘Making Time For Strategy’ book, by Richard Medcalf - Xquadrant
• ‘Making Time For Strategy’ book, by Richard Medcalf - Xquadrant
• xquadrant.com/time

For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/mike-ettling

What if your boldest vision is years ahead of its time—so far ahead that the world laughs you out of the room?

In this deeply personal and provocative conversation, Richard Medcalf speaks with Benjamin Rubin, serial entrepreneur and founder of both Sirenum and Insectika. Benjamin has a rare gift: creating businesses that challenge entrenched paradigms—from transforming the invisible workforce to reinventing how we feed the world. His journey is one of relentless vision, deep humanity, and surprising leadership insights.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How to lead when your vision is misunderstood—and still get your team onboard
• Why a deep understanding of the problem beats brilliant solutions
• A simple but radical way to create true belonging and loyalty in your team
• The hidden cost of relying on money to motivate people—and what to do instead
• How Benjamin plans to scale impact without losing himself in the process

This one’s for the visionary leaders who’ve ever felt alone with a world-changing idea.

Resources/sources mentioned:

The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)

Sirenum (

SirenumSirenum Staff Management Software for Agencies and Hourly Workers

Sirenum Staff Management Software for Agencies and Hourly Workers

sirenum.com

 )

Insectika Biotech (

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insectika-biotechnologies-israel/)

Join the Crucible (https://xquadrant.com/crucible), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.

Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/

For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/benjamin-rubin

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:01 Welcome to the Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast

01:44 Benjamin Rubin's Early Ventures and Challenges

02:25 The Mission and Vision of Insecta

03:22 Revolutionizing the Food System with Insect Meal

04:33 Challenges and Innovations in the Insect Meal Industry

05:36 The Importance of Understanding the Problem

06:42 Building and Leading a Visionary Team

15:05 Navigating Rejection and Persevering Through Challenges

21:16 Building High-Performing Teams with Meaning and Belonging

23:51 Questioning the Purpose of Life

24:45 Building a Team with Meaning and Belonging

25:33 Innovative Bonus Schemes and Interdependence

26:44 Finding Deep Meaning in Business

28:28 Understanding Employee Aspirations

38:05 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life

41:47 Final Thoughts and Future Plans