Episode 37 - Empowering Students to Break the Poverty Cycle in Cambodia with Aviv Palti

Have you ever followed a nudge that completely changed the course of your life?

In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m sharing the inspiring story of Aviv Palti, the CEO of Lifestyle Brands, co-founder of the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST), and author of Empowered. Aviv and his family have had a profound impact on countless lives in Cambodia, empowering students and families to break the cycle of poverty through education.

Back in 2009, Aviv’s daughter was denied a life-changing school trip to Cambodia to volunteer with disadvantaged rural families. Instead of letting that opportunity slip away, Aviv and his family embraced the chance to travel to Cambodia together, volunteering to teach English at a rural school in Siem Reap province.

Those two weeks would change not only their lives but the lives of thousands of rural Cambodian students and their families. Many of their students were the children of survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime and the subsequent civil war. While their parents were illiterate, they understood the incredible value of education.

This experience inspired Aviv and his family to return to Cambodia several more times, eventually founding the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST) in 2011. The trust was built on three pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Inspiration, with the goal of sustainably breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a ripple effect that continues to impact thousands of lives in Cambodia.

Aviv is also the author of Empowered: A New Generation of Leaders, which tells the inspirational story of rural youth in Cambodia who empowered themselves and their families to rise from poverty to the middle class in just eight years.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• The power of embracing unexpected opportunities when Aviv and his family decided to volunteer in Cambodia ultimately leading to the founding of CRST.
• The history and resilience of Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge regime and the civil war, and how education has become a vital tool for healing and empowerment.
• The CRST three pillars of Education, Empowerment, and Inspiration are helping break the cycle of poverty and creating a lasting ripple effect.
• The 5 steps to creating lasting impact - dream big, plan, act, correct, and continue—key steps for anyone starting an impactful project.

As someone who has also experienced Cambodia’s incredible beauty and humbling culture, I relate deeply to Aviv’s mission. His family’s commitment to making a difference is awe-inspiring, and I encourage you to listen and discover how we can all contribute to this transformative work. Just $25 can make a difference, and I’ve personally donated to this incredible initiative.

About the Guest:

Aviv Palti is the CEO of Lifestyle Brands, a homewares company he co-founded 40 years ago. In 2011, along with his family, Aviv founded the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST), a non-government organisation based in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built on the three pillars of Education, Empowerment and Inspiration, CRST has sustainably broken countless cycles of poverty, and continues to create a far-reaching ripple effect impacting thousands of lives.

Show Resources:

Check Out the CRST Website - HERE

Connect with Aviv on LinkedIn - HERE 

Follow the CRST on Instagram - HERE  

Follow CRST on Facebook - HERE

Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE

Learn More about Emma's New Book, Worthy and Wealthy - HERE

If you LOVED the episode, make sure you share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @crst_ngo.

 Don’t forget to grab Aviv’s book or donate to this worthy cause if you have the opportunity! Listen to Episode 37 now and be inspired by the incredible work Aviv and his family are doing to empower students in Cambodia and break the poverty cycle through education.

Yours in Empowerment, Emma. X.