Rachel Kolisi on Falling Forward, Philanthropy, and the Power of the One
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Rachel Kolisi returns to the Do One Better Podcast for a candid and deeply reflective conversation with host Alberto Lidji about philanthropy, resilience, and the launch of the Falling Forward Foundation in South Africa.
Since her previous appearance on the podcast, Rachel’s life and work have changed significantly. Having co-founded the Kolisi Foundation and led major impact work, she now enters a new chapter focused on strengthening the broader nonprofit ecosystem, particularly grassroots organisations that are doing vital work but lack visibility, resources, and access to support.
Through the Falling Forward Foundation, Rachel is not looking to reinvent the wheel. Instead, she wants to walk alongside existing organisations, amplify their work, and help solve practical barriers that can prevent life-changing services from reaching communities. She shares the example of a community kitchen in the Eastern Cape that was feeding thousands of people but could not operate properly during the rainy season because of a leaking roof. For Rachel, this kind of issue matters deeply. It may not always fit neatly into a systemic change framework, but for the people affected, it is transformational.
This episode explores the emotional demands of philanthropic leadership and how, in difficult seasons, Rachel returns to the deeper purpose behind her work: serving people and creating meaningful change.
Rachel speaks openly about rebuilding after personal and professional upheaval, the discipline of staying true to one’s mission, and the beauty of small acts of generosity. She highlights the potential of crowdfunding and collective giving, making the case that many small contributions can create meaningful and tangible change.
The conversation also touches on South Africa’s nonprofit landscape, the need for stronger collaboration, the role of trust and transparency, and Rachel’s admiration for Melinda French Gates as a philanthropic leader who continues to resource areas that have often been overlooked.
At the heart of the episode is Rachel’s reminder that impact does not always need to be measured only at systemic scale. Sometimes the most meaningful change begins with one person, one act, one relationship, and one moment of care.
About Rachel Kolisi
Rachel Kolisi is a South African leader, philanthropist, bestselling author, and
entrepreneur known for her grounded authenticity and disciplined execution. Born in
Makhanda, she grew up in a complex environment that shaped her deep awareness
of inequality and her lifelong commitment to advocacy and social impact.
With extensive experience across both nonprofit and business sectors, Rachel has
founded and directed multiple organisations focused on restoring dignity, expanding
access, and creating opportunity. Her leadership is hands-on and intentional, defined
by her ability to translate vision into clear, actionable strategy.
She is the founder of the Falling Forward Foundation and leads Falling Forward (Pty)
Ltd, a purpose-driven platform built on storytelling, community, and shared
experience. Through events, partnerships, and her bestselling book Falling Forward,
she has created a growing movement that centres resilience, identity, and growth.
Rachel is a strong advocate for women’s rights, equality, and social justice. She uses
her voice to raise awareness around gender-based violence and systemic inequality,
while working to build more inclusive, holistic support systems.
Alongside her impact work, Rachel has developed meaningful brand partnerships
rooted in authenticity and shared purpose. She brings a unique blend of clarity,
warmth, and integrity to every collaboration.
At her core, she is a mother, a learner, and a leader committed to building work that
lasts and creating impact that is both practical and deeply human.