Voices: Behind the scenes

In this Voices piece, the CLUED-iN team takes you behind the scenes to share what inspired us and what we will take away from the experience of working on the online magazine.

Alexandra Harris, Editor-in-Chief

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What did you find inspiring while working on CLUED-iN?

I’m inspired by the entrepreneurs addressing big problems through local solutions, which have wide-ranging effects. One example that comes to mind is supply chains, which came under great pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many entrepreneurs are creating products that demonstrate traceability, while larger organizations focus on banding together to create more regulatory pressure on companies. Interviews with Katherine Milling, the founder of Nature’s Nectar, a honey company in Zambia, and Charlene Collison, Associate Director, Sustainable Value Chains and Livelihoods from Forum for the Future, made me think deeply about supply chains, product traceability, and where my products come from. For example, although my daughter wanted to buy cheap and trendy clothes, I urged her to do more research on fast fashion, and I am trying to make sustainable decisions in my daily life. 

I am also inspired by those who are making a difference by implementing sustainable practices in their communities. Many organizations and politicians talk about sustainability, but IB entrepreneurs are living it – repurposing waste as fertilizer and feed (Bioloop), introducing sustainable agricultural practices (Amru Rice, Golden Sunland) and focusing on the circular economy. Of course, these entrepreneurs do not work alone, and they depend on an ecosystem of support and collaboration, including investors and clients, to help them grow and scale and innovate further. 

What will you take away from working on CLUED-iN?

The process of writing the feature story began with writing down quotes, keywords and stories that stood out and lodged in my mind. Putting these down on paper allowed me to pick up threads that ran through a range of voices, and this brought together the key messages to take away from each theme. I will also take away a sense that feeling comfortable throwing out ideas with a small team enabled me to brainstorm freely with my colleagues, and I am grateful for this kind of work culture. For example, I often found myself stuck on titles and benefitted from hashing these out with the team. We also talked through the themes together to decide on the angle that worked best. 

I will also take away a certainty that Inclusive Business is connected to so many important topics, from food security to climate change, and we should look to those making a difference locally to find solutions that can make an impact on a global level.

I’m inspired by the entrepreneurs addressing big problems through local solutions, which have wide-ranging effects.

Susann Tischendorf, Director at iBAN

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What did you find inspiring while working on CLUED-iN?

The constant enthusiasm one could feel. I was amazed by the passion the entrepreneurs we featured showed, not only for their businesses but for truly making a difference. Similarly, policymakers and academics were equally keen on creating positive change by fostering Inclusive Business globally. This feeling also impacted the team and hence, while it was lots of work to create and implement the online magazine on such a regular basis over the years, it was an exciting journey.

What will you take away from working on CLUED-iN?

I am filled with huge gratitude when thinking of the past years working on CLUED-iN. Developing and setting up the magazine with an amazing group of thought leaders from different sectors, implementing it with a thoughtful, very dedicated, and creative team, and disseminating it globally within our partner network has been a unique experience. There are so many moments of joy I felt after conducting an inspiring interview, finalizing an in-depth article or when we were sending out a finalized edition of the magazine. It has been wonderful to be able to work at the pulse of time and contribute to positive change by giving visibility to those who are working hard to making a difference to their local communities. Hence, what already was and remained closest to my heart was the importance of good storytelling, to not only connect others, but also to motivate them to move their ideas forward. This journey has been a pleasure that I am hugely thankful for. 

 It has been wonderful to be able to work at the pulse of time and contribute to positive change by giving visibility to those who are working hard to making a difference to their local communities.

Katharina Münster, Junior Specialist at iBAN

Read Katharina's insights

What did you find inspiring while working on CLUED-iN?

Working on CLUED-iN was like looking into a kaleidoscope of stories, together forming a positive, optimistic picture of the world. It has been immensely enriching to learn about so many people using all their brains and energy to change the world for the better. Talking to them and learning about their experiences was a rewarding experience. 

I particularly liked the diversity of topics we were covering and the complexity of voices we could gather on them. Having experts tackle the topics from different angles and from their own perspectives made every issue rich and insightful.

My favourite issue was the one on women in business. It is full of amazing people overcoming all sorts of hurdles to fulfil their aspirations for themselves and their communities. Reading their stories is inspiring for men and women all over the world.

What will you take away from the experience of working on CLUED-iN?

Optimism. More than once, it did not look like the edition would fall into place on time. Too many contributions were still missing, and too many internal deadlines had passed. In the end, it almost always did come together – thanks to a few polite reminders and the commitment of our contributors to eventually make it on time. It has been amazing to work with so many dedicated people finding time in their schedules to share their insights and experiences. 

It has been amazing to work with so many dedicated people finding time in their schedules to share their insights and experiences.