Re-orient: New view, New Direction, New Blog
You’ll remember (or are now learning!) that I started this blog to capture my views as a Global Fellow at Acumen. Specifically, I wanted to discuss market-oriented ways to deliver … Continue reading
Apparently, What’s App can help to sell soap in Indonesia…
While technology can help firms engage and employ people from low-income households in the developing world – of course, there are watch-outs. Around summer of 2015 in an African country, … Continue reading
The “1099” / “Sharing” economy and Social Impact: When ‘good’ jobs go ‘bad’?
“For many people in emerging markets, a reliable job is the most effective means of escaping poverty. Steady jobs change lives” [EY Growth Services] Sharing is not always caring Deliveroo, … Continue reading
Dollar Shaving Club and Social Enterprises: Can one learn from the other?
A changing dynamic in Consumer-facing businesses has meaningful implications for Social Enterprises Changing times My earliest shaving experience was around the age of 13. After 10 minutes, reeling from … Continue reading
What Mr. Trump has right about (formal) remittances
Recently, Donald Trump explained that in order to help pay for a wall that would separate the United States from Mexico, he would threaten to take all remittances sent to … Continue reading
Risky business: the dangerous myth of the ‘risk-averse’ small –holder farmer
Betting the farm. Literally. At least a few men and women have made a bet which in one stroke changed their fortune. George Soros is one example whose bet against … Continue reading
Is preschool a waste of time for children in the developing world?
Tears and excitement often make an appearance on a child’s first day in school. Adults are also sharing excitement – and maybe tears – about preschool, although in a different … Continue reading
Yes, but can you do it again? Repeatability and social impact
Successful shots from the middle of the basketball court. Businesses that release the right product at the right time at the right price, with ensuing profits. Books that strike a … Continue reading
Unsustainable and Un-scalable: Why Some Social Enterprises are Unlikely to Meaningfully Change Lives
In 2006, I worked with a Malawaian microfinance institution (MFI). The MFI had trouble encouraging employee attendance and performance. “Armed” with 8-months in business school (!), I provided what I … Continue reading
Story-Telling and Reality: When Gaps Shouldn’t Exist
In many professional circles, story-telling is a potent tool with immeasurable value. In this sense, story-telling is using anecdotes as a foundation for influencing individuals, organizations, conveying ideas and broadly … Continue reading
Shane Heywood 