Inspira podcast: Episode 16 - David Given-Sjölander (Ireland & Sweden)

Erika Mueller Chen speaks to David Given-Sjölander about his experiences at the grassroots level in Africa and as a funder in Sweden, as well as what he views as the branding dilemma in the sector.

About Inspira

Launched in January 2023, the Inspira Podcast with Erika Mueller Chen is an interview-based podcast that provides career advice and stories from global change-makers in Sport for Development, Social Impact, and the Diplomatic Service. In 2023, 50 interviews with inspirational leaders working in Sport for Development and Peace from over 35 different countries will be published.

About the Episode Guest

David Given-Sjölander is a freelance consultant and strategic advisor specializing in social impact and in particular the intersection between sport and social change. Originally from Ireland, David has collected over 15 years’ experience working with organizations ranging from grassroots organizations to international NGOs, from social enterprises to the United Nations, and has supported or directly worked with over 150 social impact projects around the world.

During a seven-year tenure at the Swedish Postcode Foundation he led the Foundation’s work within the sport for social change sector in both Sweden and globally, managing a funding portfolio totaling over €15 million. During that time, he led the creation of the Swedish Sport for Social Change Coalition and managed partnerships with global leaders in the sport for social change movement.

As a consultant, David has worked with clients such as the UN, the Swedish Postcode Foundation, Oaks Consultancy and the International Sport and Culture Association, and is a member of the UNICEF led International Safeguarding of Children in Sport Initiative. David has a Masters degree from Liverpool John Moores University in Sport Development Management with a focus on International Development.

Listen to Episode 16: David Given-Sjölander (Ireland & Sweden) - Why is there a branding dilemma in Sport for Development?

Learn More

To learn more about the Inspira Podcast, read episode transcripts, and access “Erika’s Global Resource Hub” - a robust written resource created to support folks interested in Sport for Development and Peace, please visit Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen.

Erika Mueller Chen is an international development specialist with over a decade of experience leveraging the amazing power of sport to promote peace and positive social impact. She currently works in Sports Diplomacy and resides in Mexico.