Metaverse for Good: A Catalyst for Positive Change?

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On the latest episode of the Business Elevation Show, we dived deep into the transformative potential of the Metaverse with the incredible Noleen Mariappen, an impact entrepreneur and pioneer in merging technology, inclusion, and sustainability.

Noleen reflected on her journey from overcoming her initial fear of technology to becoming a pioneer in leveraging digital innovations for global impact. Her story is not just about personal growth but about making a difference in underserved communities worldwide.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE

Ready to be inspired by Noleen’s journey and insights? Here are some insights from the interview you don’t want to miss:

1. Technology as Equalizer:
   • Noleen’s experiences in Zanzibar highlight the stark inequities in educational resources and opportunities. She underscores the potential of the Metaverse and other technologies to bridge these gaps and create equal opportunities globally.
2. Personal Accountability & Gradual Impact:
   • Noleen emphasised personal accountability in one’s online actions and decision-making. Noleen promoted the idea that small, gradual actions can cumulatively lead to significant positive impact, urging listeners to be conscious of their digital behaviours.
3. Accessible Technology:
   • Noleen discussed her aim to make technology accessible without expensive equipment like VR headsets. She advocates for a more inclusive approach with WebGL technology, allowing experiences via web browsers. Her membership model enables organisations affordable access to virtual spaces.
4. Sustainability Efforts:
   • There is awareness and energy management in the Metaverse. Noleen mentioned ongoing efforts to mitigate environmental impacts, such as adopting renewable energy sources and sophisticated cooling systems, to manage energy demands responsibly.
5. Transformative Educational Experiences:
   • The episode delved into the educational possibilities within the Metaverse. Projects like turtle conservation games and ecosystem health studies are prime examples of using interactive technology for impactful, engaging learning experiences.
6. Impact-Focused Ventures:
   • Noleen illustrated how she balances her multiple ventures and consulting engagements by prioritising impactful projects. Her approach enables scaling solutions that align with sustainability and social good.
7. Legacy of Innovation & Inclusion:
   • Reflecting on her journey from South Africa and the challenges of apartheid, Noleen’s inspirational story demonstrates how adversity can propel innovation. Her commitment to bridging the digital divide is evident in her impactful contributions across technology, sustainability, and education.
8. Pragmatic Use of the Metaverse:
   • Noleen clarified the metaverse as a user-friendly, accessible online world rather than an intimidating, fully immersive domain. This practical understanding makes the benefits of the metaverse more approachable and scalable for different audiences.
9. Commercial Versus Ethical Development:
   • Noleen suggested that there’s a significant opportunity to use the Metaverse for ethical business practices and sustainable development goals, balancing commercial interests with positive social impact.
10. Global Projects & Collaboration:
    • Noleen’s extensive work across different geographies, such as her projects in France, the UK, Ireland, and Africa, showcases the power of global collaboration in tackling common challenges through technology and innovation. These projects illustrate how technology can transcend local barriers and foster international cooperation.

Impactovers is not about creating a highly immersive experience but an accessible online world where technology serves as a tool for education, inclusion, and sustainability
– Noleen Mariappen

Listen to the full interview now and unlock the potential to make a positive impact through technology!

You can listen to the Business Elevation interview with Noleen Mariappen and Chris Cooper here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).

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More about Noleen Mariappen:

Noleen Mariappen is an Impact Entrepreneur as well as an ESG & SDG Advisor & Consultant. Her focus is on enabling purpose-centric growth, and bridging the digital divide for inclusion, access, empowerment and positive impact. She’s an advocate of conscious capitalism, enabling education, tech for good, and purpose-driven partnerships, and a speaker on inclusion, tech, sustainability and impact. 

Her roles include:

– Founder of Impactoverse & Saffa Global

– Co-Founder of Think Ocean CIC

– Fractional Director of Strategy & Operations at Aunua Global

– Fractional Director of Strategy & Partnerships of Digital Mind State & Tech with Soul

– Expert Advisor at UNIPLAT

– Expert Advisor at The Green Pillar Climate Change Education 

– Director of Projects & Partnerships at African Leadership Organisation 

– Hult $1million Prize Judge & Expert Pool Mentor

– Government Blockchain Association Sustainability Stewardship Expert

– President of EST FAB (Fintech and Blockchain Association) UK Chapter 

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