Founder Voices (Episode 5): Cristina Ruiz, sustainability strategist and humanitarian consultant
At Cottage Factory, Founder Voices is where stories of ambition, impact, and resilience come to life.
In Episode 5, Clement Akran sits down with Cristina Ruiz—an impact strategist, social innovator, and global development expert. With years of experience shaping inclusive value chains across continents, Cristina brings a powerful perspective on transforming systems from within. In this insightful conversation, she shares stories from the field, explores the intersection of equity and enterprise, and reflects on how we can build a more just and connected world.
In this thought-provoking and globally focused conversation, Cristina Ruiz shares her journey across the worlds of international development, social innovation, and systems change. Drawing on her deep experience in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Cristina unpacks the realities of driving impact across borders—and why centring equity, collaboration, and local voice is essential.
We explore what it means to challenge traditional power structures, design for inclusion, and reimagine global value chains through a feminist and decolonial lens. Cristina reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her work, the lessons she's still learning, and the role of connection in creating lasting change.
This episode was recorded on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear about:
Why she believes transforming global systems starts with inclusion and shared power
How working across continents has shaped her approach to equity, innovation, and leadership
The challenges of shifting entrenched structures while staying connected to community
The role of collaboration, care, and feminist values in designing for long-term change
Practical insights for changemakers navigating complexity with purpose and creativity
🌍 Whether you’re a systems thinker, social entrepreneur, or passionate about building a fairer world, Cristina’s journey will inspire you to rethink how impact happens — and who it’s truly for.
A video version of the podcast:
Founder Voices: A Platform Amplifying Underserved Entrepreneurs
Sponsorship Opportunity | 2025–2026
About Founder Voices
Founder Voices is a podcast and storytelling platform powered by Cottage Factory, spotlighting grassroots founders, builders, and changemakers often overlooked by mainstream media.
Through honest, reflective conversations, we explore their journeys, challenges, and bold visions — helping early-stage ventures feel seen, supported, and inspired.
💬 “Real, relatable and necessary. This is the kind of content our ecosystem needs more of.” – Listener feedback
Our Audience
Early-stage founders, social entrepreneurs, and creatives
Ecosystem enablers – accelerators, funders, community builders
Values-driven professionals – purpose-led innovators, mentors, and investors
Listeners across the UK, West Africa, and the diaspora
📈 Audience growing steadily through word of mouth, events, and targeted campaigns
Why Sponsor Founder Voices?
Align your brand with a values-driven platform that champions inclusion, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Sponsorship Benefits:
🎧 In-Episode Mentions – “This episode is brought to you by…”
📰 Logo placement on visuals, episode graphics, and Cottage Factory newsletter
📲 Social media tags on multi-channel promotion (LinkedIn, IG, Twitter)
👥 Invites to Founder Voices Live – upcoming event series with panel discussions, networking, and local founder showcases
🗣️ Featured guest opportunity (select partners)
📦 Sponsorship Tiers
Tier Investment Benefits:
Supporter £250/month Mention in 1 episode, logo on 1 graphic, 2 social posts
Partner £750/month 2+ episodes, logo + link, event invite, optional guest spot
Series Sponsor £2,000 Full season branding (6 episodes), co-branded graphics, premium placement across all assets
Custom packages and local authority partnerships available on request
What’s Next?
We’re growing the platform and looking for aligned sponsors to help us scale storytelling that matters.
To partner with us or request further information send an email today to: cakran@cottagefactory.co.uk
