33:54 minutes
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November 24, 2025
#32 Corporate Philanthropy
Trends, Challenges, and Emerging Priorities with Dario Soto Abril
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About The Speaker
Dario leads the Trafigura Foundation’s Management Team and is responsible for the implementation of its global strategy and relations with key partners.
Dario has more than 25 years of experience leading international organisations focused on social and economic inclusion, climate action and public-private partnerships, including Fairtrade International, the Global Water Partnership and the Trust for the Americas. He serves as Board member for WRAP UK and was the Chair of the Global Commons Alliance. Dario has also worked as a corporate lawyer for PwC earlier in his career.
Dario has a law degree from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), a Master of Laws from Tulane University, New Orleans, and a Master in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
In his free time Dario practices Bikram Yoga, CrossFit, sailing, and enjoying long walks with his wife and two dogs.
Episode Description
In this episode, Senthil speaks with Dario Soto-Abril, Executive Director of the Trafigura Foundation, about how corporate philanthropy is shifting toward catalytic, risk-tolerant funding that supports climate adaptation and community resilience. Drawing on his global career, Dario explains what sets corporate philanthropy apart—its ability to leverage business resources for public good while prioritizing innovation, additionality, and strong community partnerships. He also highlights why adaptation remains severely underfunded and shares examples of how technology, including predictive tools and AI, is helping organizations act earlier and more effectively in vulnerable regions.
Dario addresses critiques surrounding the tension between a company’s carbon-intensive legacy and its philanthropic commitments, noting that companies can be both part of today’s energy system and significant investors in the technologies of tomorrow. He closes by reflecting on leadership—approaching disagreements with curiosity, asking better questions, making clear decisions, and valuing soft skills such as listening, humility, and learning from mistakes.
