Rizwan Tayabali : Profile

Interaction with Social Projects Around the World

2009-11-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

Note: The nature of my involvement is in brackets

UK

Mexico

Brazil

Argentina

Chile

Peru

India

United States

Philippines

Singapore

Chatters - Empowering The Older Generation (Scaling, Branding)

Malaysia

Nur Salam - Child Trafficking (Model Systematisation, Programme Design, Organisational Structure, Scaling)
Change Malaysia - Political Change and Social Inclusion (Movement Design and Planning)
EPIC - Voter Registration (Strategic Planning)
Huairou Commission - Women's Inolvement in Human Settlements (Portal Design)
Loyar Burok - Voter Education (Programme Design)
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia - Political Change (Programme Design, Strategic Planning, Change)
Centre for Human Rights Studies (Strategy, Set-Up Planning)

Thailand

Joko - Economic Development for Farmers (Programme Evolution, Long-Term Planning, Branding, Business Modeling)
Rural Capital Partners - Organic Production and Debt Reduction for Rice Farmers (Future Planning, Impact, Presentation)
TMEN - Addressing Medical Negligence (Mission and Strategy, Organisational Structure and Design)
Elehelp - Protecting and Rehabilitating Street Elephants in Thailand (Programme Design)

Laos

Village Science - Life Oriented Science Education (Start-up Planning, Curriculum Design)

Cambodia

Indonesia

Nigeria

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria - Digital Inclusion (Strategy)

Mali

How To Draw Camels - Showcasing and Supporting Social Enterprises in Mali

South Africa

Botswana

Zambia

Tanzania

Kenya

Ashoka East Africa - Social Entrepreneurship, Farming
ALIN - Poverty in ARID lands
Akili - Social Business, Economic Development
CCR - Community and Commercial Reforestation

Egypt

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Current Project - Globosocial Adventures. 2009 - 2011

2009-11-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

My Globosocial Adventures started after 12 years of being involved with social projects both full time and voluntarily. I started volunteering and working in the social sector when I was 20. Along the way I've worked on grassroots projects, started and run initiatives, joined and chaired charity boards and provided pro-bono advisory help and input to nonprofits and social enterprises around the world while also working as a commercial consultant; all with the end goal of learning enough to be able to effectively support people that help others.

More than 70% of the organisations directly working with people are small and massively underfunded. However we cannot solve large scale problems through big entities alone. Neither governmental nor transgovernmental entities have been able to eradicate human challenges, so it's clear that the answer lies in networks of small able organisations. My long term goal is therefore to understand how to design better global support systems for small social organisations, and to improve the connectivity between people working to address similar social issues.

However, as I began to work with organisations based in regions outside the UK, I began to find that I was making assumption errors because my norms are in a western space. I was also starting to realise that contrary to what most people believe, human challenges are similar around the world, even when the cultures and economies are different. Finally I wanted to interact at roots level with social projects, innovations and approaches on the ground in countries outside the western sphere, so that I wouldn't have to rely on second and third hand information like interviews and write-ups to understand how problems really do or don't get solved.

Since there's only so much you can grasp from books and blogs, I figured the fastest and most effective way to build a deep global understanding of social endeavour would be to travel through different regions I wasn't familiar with; working behind the scenes with social and charitable enterprises, helping address the challenges these teams and organisations face for free in return for insider access to behind the scenes realities.

So in 2009 I quit my job, and set-off with a backpack to travel and work through all the regions I didn't know enough about. The whole journey has since been based on word of mouth and recommendation based connections, and I used only my own finances to stay independent and free. I figured I'd keep going until I ran out of money or something else stopped me.

I am now in Africa, on the 4th and final leg of my journey, after traveling and working through countries in South America, the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. Over the past 2 years I have directly interacted and worked with about 100 different organisations across 20 countries, from startups to transgovernmental entities, helping address a wide range of challenges while learning a lot about social problems, design and implementation around the world.

I've mostly worked behind the scenes designing and implementing programmes to address poverty, local economic development, reforestation, climate change, violence, identity, HIV, drugs, producer marginalisation, human rights, financial and environmental sustainability, water, permaculture, education, exclusion, conflict mediation, disaster recovery, trauma, trafficking, disabilities, social inclusion, political change, civil action, mental health, women's empowerment, youth at risk, microfinance, farming and agriculture, digital inclusion, gender issues and healthcare amongst others. The full list is @http://www.rizwantayabali.info

Designing mass culture change with the Common Room Network team in Bandung, Indonesia

I've been blogging about the journey @http://www.globosocial.org. However, since I spend most of time offline working with projects, I really struggle to keep up with blogging, which is why this blog is so many countries behind! I'm hoping to catch up with the backlog when I next take a break in September 2011, but in the meantime I hope you enjoy whatever I have been able to post. Any suggestions, comments or connections are always welcome.

If you want to follow my journey, visit the blog at http://www.globosocial.org or get email updates here.

Thanks!

Rizwan

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http://www.globosocial.org
http://www.socialeffect.org

Testimonials from LinkedIn

2009-08-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

“I met Rizwan in November 2009 when he traveled to Brazil as part of his global social enterprise consulting trip. Since then I've spoken with him on a continual basis, and he has joined the Advisory Board of Ayllu. I rely on Rizwan for all kinds of advice related to Ayllu's strategic direction and his input is among the most valuable and critical to our development. Rizwan's eclectic professional experiences allow him to excel in recognizing big-picture trends. At the same time he has an uncanny ability to comprehend a new business model, analyze it, and deliver unexpected advice that is incisive and true. Rizwan is a disruptive innovator - his input requires us to reorder our thinking and, sometimes, change direction - and afterwards I always ask myself 'what would I do without him!?' Rizwan's uncanny, utterly unique opinions and ideas make him indispensable. I'm impatient for him to start his own consulting firm, as there is such a need to challenge industry norms and guide social enterprise in such a way that this field can mature.” March 15, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative

Melissa Richer
hired Rizwan as a Business Consultant in 2009

“Rizwan was brilliant with us. He was clear and cut straight to what we needed. He explains things simply and yet produces great results. He did much more than we asked of him and was really thorough. We would happily work with him again.” December 15, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Amy Barbor

hired Rizwan as a Business Consultant in 2009

“Rizwan has been mentoring several of UnLtd’s social entrepreneurs on a pro bono basis, including Amy and Rose from Living Lens and Ian Ratray of Digi Talk. His interest and passion in the social enterprise sector is clearly evident and the feedback on the quality of his support has been overwhelmingly positive. Just to give you an example :

‘’ ......Rizwan is so brilliant on everything not just social media and is really keen to help us consolidate all our learning on the marketing and branding work we've been doing in order to develop our use of web 2.0 and social media. We learnt so much and came away feeling really motivated and inspired – and I reckon he’s saved us hours of time, energy and money. The advice he gave was so clear and practical, and he really listened to our questions and guided us through the whole process.......’’

Rizwan has delivered one to one mentoring support as well as workshops to groups of social entrepreneurs. Rizwan’s expertise in on line marketing and overall business strategy makes him a highly valuable asset to a social entrepreneur in need of support during the crucial first few years of starting up.” November 8, 2009

Top qualities: Personable, High Integrity, Creative

Nynke Brett

hired Rizwan as a Mentor in 2009, and hired Rizwan more than once

“Rizwan was a scrum master (i.e. project manager) in a multinational software develpement team: Romanians and English. I was impressed by Rizwan's skills to communicate with each team member and bridge between us (technical) and client (non technical). He has a natural ability of building long lasting relationships, by being sincere and always willing to help and improve, far beyond his role. He's excellent at delivering information to the client: from slide's content to organizing the whole environment, keeping audience focused and involved.” October 23, 2009

Mircea Markus, Senior Software Enineer/Team Leader, iQuest Technologies
reported to Rizwan at Social Effect

“Rizwan is a bright, motivated, focused individual. We worked together briefly on a project, but the funding ran out so the project came to an end. Rizwan and I kept in touch and I've been impressed as he's embarked in his adventures in social enterprise and have been inspired by his drive, commitment and desire to make a real difference. I can happily recommend Rizwan as a great addition to any team, a leader and inspiration to those around him.” October 19, 2009

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

Diane Perlman
hired Rizwan as a digital strategy consulting in 2006

“Rizwan and I met at the i-Genius World Social Entrepreneurship Summit, where his presentations were thought provoking and of a very high standard. His genuine warmth and generosity & openness in sharing information/ knowledge in the field are impressive and sensitive. He has an ability to get to the heart of a project or challenge with focus, clarity and valuable foresight: he has been an excellent source of knowledge, applied with wisdom and support for me setting up MonkeyTreeProjects, and I have no hesitation recommending him to anyone working in the field and beyond.” October 19, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Sara Haq
hired Rizwan as a Business Consultant in 2008, and hired Rizwan more than once

“I have had the pleasure of working with Rizwan on a number of projects in the commercial and the social sector. Whilst at Charteris, we worked together on a number of projects, centred on Digital Strategy and Cross Channel Retailing. Rizwan has the ability to analyse, develop, and implement effective business strategy in all environments. Rizwan’s consultancy experience and knowledge of market conditions enabled him to strategise, innovate and create innovative business solutions. A combination that ensured Rizwan was the first person that consultants turned to for help and advice. However, Rizwan’s true passion lies in his work with Social Enterprises. His commitment, dedication and drive are unparalleled. Rizwan creates tremendous energy with everyone he works with. His ability to think strategically, create vision through business model innovation and drive through change ensures Rizwan always delivers on his promises, and always delivers the benefits promised. I hope to work with Rizwan for many years to come and would definitely recommend him”October 12, 2009

Imtiaz Kaderbhoy, Senior Business Consultant, Charteris plc
worked with Rizwan at Social Effect

“Rizwan advised us about our branding and strategy at http://shareable.net. I highly recommend Rizwan. His advice cut through the fog. It's of the highest quality and delivered in a highly effective way. It's truly laser like! It's exact, concise, and perfectly clear. In addition, he is not afraid to say what might be hard for the client hear, though he matches his directness with an assuring diplomacy. I also appreciate that he values good dialog and authentic connection. We had a long conversation before we got to work. This fosters good ideas and a good working relationship. You can see how this all works together. If you get a chance to work with Rizwan, then take it. You'll be very glad you did!” October 9, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Neal Gorenflo
hired Rizwan as a Consulting in 2009

“Rizwan is well versed in best management practices and in strategic thinking. He has exceptionally high ethical integrity and is one of the world's true givers. I'm sure he will be a great asset to organisations that enlist his support.” October 9, 2009

Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative

Tommy Hutchinson
hired Rizwan as a Business Consultant in 2008

“Rizwan stepped in as trustee for a London social enterprise focused on media education and radio broadcasting I was also supporting at the time as a business coach. I found a like-minded social enterprise supporter in him, someone with a fresh outlook and able to shake up a sleeping board of trustees, with a tangible and realistic proposition, and the action plan that goes with it... He's swift and forward thinking and not afraid to sit at the same table wih Public, Private and Third sectors professionals, and bringing everybody together. An asset!”October 9, 2009

Servane Mouazan, Social Innovation Coach, Ogunte Ltd
worked directly with Rizwan at Social Effect

“Rizwan is a remarkable person, highly dynamic and focused but with an unusually well developed sense of social responsibility. When I was running Cam Sight he was a phenomenal asset in developing a website for blind and visually impaired users. Since then we have remained in touch and I have always found him to be a valuable and unstoppable source of new ideas and boundless energy. I highly recommend him without hesitation.”October 9, 2009

Shelley Gregory-Jones, Chief Executive, Cam Sight
worked with Rizwan at Social Effect

“Riz is an outstanding exponent of social thinking and has a deep understanding of how the internet can empower that discipline. This combines with solid business change experience and more than a working knowledge of different project management techniques. He is an asset to any team or project.” October 9, 2009

Stephen Hewett, Head of Customer Centric Business Change, Charteris plc
managed Rizwan indirectly at Social Effect

“Rizwan was incredibly useful in consulting the development of Carbon Outreach as a social enterprise. His patience and extensive knowledge of the social enterprise and web 2.0 space makes him ideal for collaboration. I thoroughly recommend social enterprises and consultancies utilize Rizwans advisory services for moving forward and creating a deep impact in your industry.” May 6, 2009

Erica Grigg, Principal Digital Consultant, Carbon Outreach
was with another company when working with Rizwan at Charteris Plc

“Rizwan is one the most inspiring analyst I have worked with. His thorough approach produces insights and strategies that are both successful and original. He is always organised and extremely resourceful. Rizwan is also a pioneering Social Entrepreneur who is able to use his skill and knowledge to benefit others. I am pleased to recommend Rizwan and would certainly work with him again.” June 8, 2009

Alex Osman, Creative lead, Conchango
worked directly with Rizwan at Conchango

“Three words jump to mind when I think of Rizwan: exceptionally bright, helpful and energetic. Rizwan is highly analytical and logical. He has a great ability to challenge ideas, develop alternatives, structure information, plan to an exceptional level of detail, and execute to v. high standards. He is an incredibly passionate, dedicated, and focused individual and someone who deals very well with uncertainty and change. He is also a fantastic team player, able to lead and support those around him with natural ease, and always has time to help those around him. He possesses an incredible spirit of abundance that's rare to find. I wholeheartedly recommend him.” January 21, 2008

Meriem Aissaoui, Marketing Manager, Smarta.com / Vodafone
was with another company when working with Rizwan at Urban Survival Project

“Rizwan is a highly motivated team player who consistently sees the big picture and works to ensure that the team delivered meeting and often exceeding the client's expectations. Rizwan never once stepped back from giving advice or guidance. I grealty admire his drive and ambition. Sean” November 18, 2009

Sean Hogan, T3 PMO Manager, Logica
worked directly with Rizwan at Logica

Commercial CV...

2009-05-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rizwan Tayabali CV 2009

Social and Commercial Blogs

2009-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Globosocial Adventures
Following my journey around the world, working with social enterprises.

Social Effect
Help and advice on managing and developing Social Enterprise.

Multichannel Thinking
Thoughts on Retail Innovation and Customer-Centricity.

Twitter
Microblogging on Social Enterprise

Global Retail Management Magazine
High Street 2.0

Charteris Business Blog
Cross Channel Innovation in Retail

Conchango / EMC
Multi-channel, Branding and Agile