Christa Stelzmuller - Charity Water

Shape the System

About the Guest(s):

Christa Stelzmuller: Christa Stelzmuller is a prominent technologist and leader currently serving at charity: water, an organization dedicated to bringing clean and safe water to people in developing countries. With a rich background in consulting and startups, particularly in mission-driven enterprises, Christa combines her technical expertise and passion for social impact to drive charity: water's technology and data initiatives. She has been instrumental in integrating innovative technological solutions to enhance both operational efficiency and donor engagement within the organization.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner engages with Christa Stelzmuller from charity: water to delve into the critical issues surrounding global water infrastructure and how technology plays a pivotal role in transforming lives. Christa shares her journey from consulting and startups to spearheading technological advancements at charity: water, driven by a mission to bring clean, safe water to communities in need. The episode highlights the organization’s innovative efforts in using sensors and data to ensure water sustainability and impact.

As they explore the state of water infrastructure, Christa outlines the challenges faced by millions who lack basic access to clean water, spanning across Africa and Southeast Asia. She discusses how charity: water utilizes technology, such as IoT sensors, to monitor water projects and ensure their long-term sustainability. The discussion also touches on the broader impact of clean water on health, education, and economic opportunities within communities. Christa reveals how charity: water's data-driven approach not only enhances their operations but also builds transparency and trust with donors.

Key Takeaways:

• The Technology Behind Clean Water: Charity: water leverages innovative technological solutions, including IoT sensors, to monitor and ensure the long-term sustainability of water projects in remote areas.
• Impact on Communities: Access to clean water directly influences education, health, and economic opportunities, particularly empowering women and girls.
• Dual Funding Model: Charity: water's unique approach separates donor funds into operational expenses and direct project funding, ensuring 100% of certain donations go straight to water projects.
• Brand and Partnerships: Strategic storytelling and brand partnerships play a critical role in building trust and expanding charity: water’s impact globally.
• Data and Growth Strategies: The organization employs data-driven tactics common in e-commerce to attract and retain donors, maximizing their mission's reach and effectiveness.

Notable Quotes:

1. "703 million people lack basic access to clean water in the world today." – Christa Stelzmuller
2. "Water has a follow-on impact to many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals." – Christa Stelzmuller
3. "Charity: water was looking for technologists and really thinking about technologists and engineers as revenue drivers." – Christa Stelzmuller
4. "The 100% model was established to reinforce the idea of being able to trust where your dollar is going to go." – Christa Stelzmuller
5. "Our mission is our product." – Christa Stelzmuller

Resources:

• Charity: water website
• Vincent Turner's LinkedIn
• UN Sustainable Development Goals

For more captivating insights and to experience how charity: water is revolutionizing access to clean water through technology and data, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more episodes of Shape the System.

Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

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