Hear from the visionaries laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.
About the Defiant Optimist Series
Bringing you the stories of some of the world’s boldest thinkers making finance work for all.
Join IIX founder and CEO, Professor Durreen Shahnaz for The Defiant Optimist™, a webinar series that features individuals making great strides in inclusive finance and business. Through personal stories, anecdotes, and words of wisdom, these sessions inspire bold action in the key development and private sector actors; including policymakers, development specialists, investors, corporate, financial professionals, and the wider impact investing community.
What’s in it for you?
Discover what it really means to follow your own path and remain steadfast in your pursuit. Become driven to work with a purpose and leverage key insights to further your personal and professional goals. Find strength in your own capabilities and feel emboldened to question the conventional.
World-class special guests:
Hear the inspiring stories of change-makers from around the globe
Get inspired:
Understand how you can make a real impact in the lives of others
Grow your network:
Connect with other professionals and stay up-to-date on industry trends
Get recognized:
Attend all sessions and earn a digital credential as a Defiant Optimist
Past Speakers
Chief Executive Officer of ANZ
Executive Secretary for the UNCDF
Dr. Hongjoo Hahm
Deputy Executive Secretary,
UNESCAP
Anita Bhatia
Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director,
UN Women
Mauricio Claver-Carone
President,
Inter-American Development Bank
Stephen Liberatore
Head of ESG / Impact – Global Fixed Income,
Nuveen
Annual Memberships Available
Hear the advice, stories, and words of wisdom and take the first step in becoming a leader for change. Learn from industry experts and chart your path to becoming a Defiant Optimist today!
Curious About A Session?
A message from our Founder & CEO
Check out snippets from our latest session!
Pricing
Contact iixinstitute@iixglobal.com for your student or alumni discount
About the Host
Durreen Shahnaz, a global leader of social impact and impact investing, is the founder of Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) and IIX Foundation. Over the past three decades, her mission has been to build a more inclusive, sustainable world by transforming financial markets and bringing underserved women to the forefront of capital markets. Drawing on a rich career as an investment banker, development worker, researcher, educator, and serial social entrepreneur, Shahnaz’s work has helped thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, governments and impact stakeholders around the world to play a role in sustainable development and women’s empowerment.