Founder Voices (Episode 12): Poverty, Theodicy, and Social Injustice in Bashy’s Being Poor Is Expensive
In this thought-provoking episode of Founder Voices, we explore the themes of poverty, theodicy, and social injustice through the lens of Being Poor Is Expensive—a powerful creative work by Ashley “Bashy” Thomas, hosted by Sacred Cyphers and sponsored by Christian Aid and the Centre for Black Theology at the Queen’s Foundation.
This live conversation brings together artists, theologians, and community voices to unpack how faith, creativity, and lived experience intersect in the struggle against inequality. From the theology of suffering to the economics of marginalisation, this dialogue challenges conventional narratives about poverty and power—while spotlighting art as a force for social change.
Recorded during the Being Poor Is Expensive event, Episode 12 captures the energy and honesty of a movement reclaiming stories too often silenced.
Founder Voices (Episode 11): Entrepreneurship, Interoperability, and Impact with Daniel Harris
In this insightful episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Daniel Harris—founder of Kendraio, an open-source, no-code platform empowering creators to connect, control, and share data seamlessly across the web. Daniel is a visionary technologist and community builder whose work bridges technology, creativity, and social good.
With a background spanning digital media innovation and software development, Daniel founded Kendraio to challenge the status quo of data ownership—putting people, not platforms, at the centre of the digital economy. Through initiatives like the Kendraio App and the Kendraio Imagine Challenge, he champions open technology, interoperability, and user empowerment as vital ingredients for a fairer digital future.
This conversation, recorded on 16 September 2025, explores Daniel’s journey from idea to impact, the philosophy behind open data, and the role of community in shaping the next era of creative innovation. Together, we unpack how Kendraio is helping individuals and organisations imagine a world where data flows freely, ethically, and for the benefit of all
Founder Voices (Episode 10): Dr Sanchia Alasia – Empowering Organisations Through EDI
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Dr. Sanchia Alasia—multi-award-winning global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practitioner, public speaker, and community change-maker. Over the past 20 years, Sanchia has worked across the public sector, helping organisations create cultures where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
She currently serves as Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Transport for London and Managing Director of Sanchia Consulting Ltd, where she advises organisations on embedding equitable and inclusive practices. Her influence extends beyond her professional roles—she has been a councillor in Barking and Dagenham, the borough’s first Caribbean female civic mayor, and twice stood for the European Parliament elections.
Sanchia’s remarkable contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including being named one of the UK’s fifty most inspirational Black women, winning Outstanding Public Sector Figure at the Precious Awards, and receiving an honorary doctorate in Christian Business and Leadership. She is also a trustee of Endometriosis UK, where she advocates passionately for better resources and research into women’s health.
This conversation, recorded on Saturday, 23 August 2025, explores Sanchia’s journey of leadership,
Founder Voices (Episode 9): Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi – Building Equity Through Social Impact
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Jasmine Connon-Ikurusi—a dynamic leader, strategist, and advocate for equity and social impact. As the Founder & CEO of The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy, Jasmine has spearheaded initiatives across the UK, Africa, and beyond, empowering over 12,000 people through employability training, mental health support, and community development.
Her work spans policy leadership, diversity and inclusion, youth and women’s empowerment, and international advocacy. From advising charities such as the Stephen Lawrence Trust and the Mayor of London Fund to speaking at UN conferences and global summits, Jasmine demonstrates how vision and action can create systemic change for marginalized communities.
This conversation was recorded on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 8): Cristina Cruz – Pioneering Sustainable Tourism for People and Planet
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Cristina Cruz—sustainable tourism pioneer and founder of Off U Go!. Cristina has led groundbreaking hospitality projects, from Portugal’s first sustainable hotel, Inspira Liberdade (2010), to the award-winning Belo Monte eco-lodge in São Tomé e Príncipe. Her work blends environmental stewardship with community empowerment, proving that tourism can be both profitable and purposeful.
Now based in London, Cristina advises hospitality businesses on embedding sustainability into their strategy while connecting travellers to experiences that positively impact local communities and protect cultural heritage.
This conversation was recorded on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Selected as a Sundance Collab Community Leader for the UK: August 2025 to August 2026
Excited to serve as a Sundance Collab Community Leader, supporting global storytellers in 2025–26.