In this episode of the Social Impact Pioneers podcast from Business Fights Poverty, host Katie Hyson sits down with Banalata, who is working at the intersection of corporate strategy, talent development and social impact, as she leads GoTeach, DHL’s flagship corporate citizenship programme on youth employability.
Drawing on over two decades in human resources and learning and development, Banalata explains how DHL Group has woven youth employability into its core purpose of “Connecting People, Improving Lives” and is now working in more than 70 countries. Banalata shares how GoTeach supports young people from vulnerable backgrounds with mentoring, skills-building workshops and exposure to the world of work – while also helping DHL employees develop the leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed for the future of work.
Katie and Banalata explore why youth unemployment remains a structural challenge, even as businesses invest heavily in skills and training. They discuss the impact of AI, including generative AI and the decline of entry-level jobs, and why resilience, agency, adaptability and critical thinking are now as important as technical skills. Banalata explains why she sees technology not as a threat, but as a catalyst – provided young people are equipped to navigate uncertainty.
The conversation also looks at what it takes to build effective multi-stakeholder partnerships on youth employability. From long-term collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages and the Teach For All network to grassroots work through Loksakha Welfare Society, Banalata sets out how NGOs, companies, governments and educators can work together at eye level to scale what works, rather than reinventing the wheel in isolation. She also discusses GoTeach’s Vision 2030: empowering every young person reached by its strategic partners with the employability skills they need to thrive.
Finally, Banalata reflects on her personal journey – from her father being the first in his family to go to school, to her own role leading a global programme and a community-based organisation. She shares practical advice for companies wanting to embed social impact into business strategy, and for practitioners striving to stay motivated in the face of complex, long-term challenges.
If you are interested in youth employment, responsible business, or how global companies can help shape a more inclusive future of work, this episode of Social Impact Pioneers offers thoughtful, grounded insight – and a hopeful vision for what is possible when collaboration and corporate citizenship come first.
Links:
DHL GoTeach
Banalata Sen on LinkedIn
And if you liked this episode, you may like: Workforce Development & Economic Empowerment, with Megan & Scott or The Future of Climate Action: Youth Leadership and Systems Change with Penelope and Hassan
