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Given the many challenges we are facing—Covid-19, systemic racism, defending democracy—there is an urgent opportunity to reimagine and reinvest in more equitable systems and systems change work. But who makes change happen? And, what characteristics and skills enable leaders to effectively lead these efforts? Success in solving complex social problems frequently hinges on the work of leaders and organizations that harmonize the action of myriad actors—often referred to as field catalysts, systems orchestrators, or coalitions. We will share findings from recent research on the role field catalysts play, the assets they bring, and opportunities to support them. We will also discuss what it takes to do this work well, and what this year may hold as we embrace the opportunity to “build back betterâ€â€”or more specifically, to build back with equity. Jeroo Billimoria is the founder of several innovative and award-winning NGOs and has over twenty years’ experience running systems change organizations. She is a Skoll awardee, an Ashoka and Schwab Fellow. Among her organizations are Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI) and Aflatoun International. CYFI has created a global network of partners who have collectively created meaningful change in financial inclusion and Economic Citizenship Education for young people in over 160 countries, while Aflatoun International has succeeded in working with global partners to provide social and financial education to over 1 million children in 100 countries. Prior to this, Jeroo founded Childline India and Child Helpline International, which have facilitated a global movement for protection of children and youth and are active in more than 181 countries – having responded to over 160 million calls. Jeroo is now founder of One Family Foundation which incubates social innovations and applies the systems change methodology to help organizations scale.
Author: Jeroo Billimoria
