Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being in aid organisations

• "The Big Humanitarian Rethink" with Lydia Poole

  Lydia Poole discusses "The Big Humanitarian Rethink," a digital consultation she launched with Ben Parker to capture diverse perspectives on reforming the humanitarian system during a period of unprecedented funding cuts. The consultation revealed two distinct camps: "reimaginers" who advocate for radical transformation addressing power imbalances, and "improvers" who prefer incremental change while preserving humanitarian principles. Despite these differences, both groups agree on the need to maintain some international crisis response capabilities. As the humanitarian sector navigates this watershed moment, Lydia emphasizes the urgent need to make difficult choices about what to preserve while avoiding a disorderly collapse of vital services. This conversation offers rare insight into a sector at a crossroads, balancing immediate operational demands with the opportunity for meaningful, long-overdue reform.Today's GuestLydia Poole is a humanitarian financing expert with over 15 years of experience. Along with Ben Parker, Lydia co-created "The Big Humanitarian Rethink" citizen consultation, an initiative to collect diverse perspectives on humanitarian system reform following recent funding cuts. Lydia previously wrote an article published by The New Humanitarian addressing the risks of leaving key decisions about humanitarian system reform to a small group of leaders with vested interests.You'll LearnHow Lydia and Ben launched a digital consultation to give voice to diverse perspectives on humanitarian reformThe major divide between "reimaginers" and "improvers" in approaches to humanitarian reformWhat both camps agree on despite their different visions for the futureHow the humanitarian system is responding to the current funding crisisWhy traditional humanitarian financing models may be at odds with localization effortsThe common ground that could unite different perspectives on reformResourcesThe Big Humanitarian Rethink citizen consultation Find Lydia Poole on LinkedIn"Improving or Reimagining? Mapping key narratives on the Future of Development Cooperation," by Prof. dr. Sara Kinsbergen & Dr. Zunera Rana, Radboud University, April 2025.

  --------  

  36:28
• 59. Humanitarians' anchor in the storm: The power of structured peer support with Carrie Santos

  In a sector increasingly battered by funding cuts, program disruptions, and global uncertainty, where can humanitarian professionals find stability? As the waves of change crash around us, what can serve as our anchor?In this powerful episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Carrie Santos about how structured peer support groups (also called masterminds or forums) can provide that crucial foundation during turbulent times. They explore how these intentional communities help humanitarians weather career transitions, prevent burnout, and find creative solutions to complex problems when traditional support systems falter.Carrie shares her fascinating journey from working in a donor role to leading overseas programs for the American Red Cross, and then unexpectedly pivoting to run a global organization for entrepreneurs. There, she discovered the profound impact of structured peer support: an approach that successful business leaders have invested in for decades as their hidden compass during times of uncertainty.You'll hear how this powerful practice serves as an anchor for people across industries and cultures, transforming not just their careers, but their marriages, parenting, and overall well-being during life's storms. As Carrie notes, "It's been a great source of mental strength for me... If you want to live in a community where people listen to each other, support each other, and help you when you're stuck–if you want to live in that world, you can create it."If you're feeling adrift amid funding cuts, searching for your next opportunity, or simply wanting to connect with people who understand your unique challenges, this episode reveals how the right peer support network could be the anchor you need to remain steady, purposeful, and persevering.Today's GuestCarrie SantosWith 20 years' experience as an international humanitarian, Carrie has led overseas operations for the American Red Cross and served as a U.S. government donor to local and international organizations. As CEO of Entrepreneurs' Organization, with 16,000+ members globally, she led a network of purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to do good while making a profit; including 1,500+ peer support groups. Now she serves as a consultant, helping to build strategic plans for nonprofit and for-profit organizations that are aligned with her purpose of solving the world's problems by ensuring everyone can contribute their talents.You'll LearnWhat makes a high-value mastermind your anchor during professional storms when casual networking falls shortThe intentional structure that makes these groups so effective at providing stability when everything else feels uncertainHow to effectively run a "hot seat" (or "love seat") to get targeted feedback on your challenges when you feel most adriftHow the exchange of real-world experiences in a peer group creates insights that even well-meaning friends can't provideHow to find or create the your own mastermind group to weather today's humanitarian challengesConnect with Carrie onLinkedIn: Carrie Santos Her website: Timko Santos Consulting, LLC: Workshops that WorkAsk her how to join the cohort of DC-based and otherwise located senior female humanitarian and development leaders affected by foreign aid cuts.ResourcesFor Melissa Pitotti’s quick-start guide on how to start your own peer support group email [email protected] Roman Terekhin's research on peer support groups: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/job.2845.Ahad Ghadimi's "Forums at Work" approach for implementing peer support in organizations: https://forumsatwork.com/ and his book, Turnaround ArtistsThe Center for Leadership led by Prof. Cezary Wojcik based in Poland: https://center-for-leadership.org/Key Quote"...It's been a great source of mental strength for me... If you want to live in a community where people listen to each other, people support each other, people cheer you on, and people help you when you're stuck… If you want to live in that world, you can create it." - Carrie Santos

  --------  

  48:35
• 58. “Navigating the storm” with Dr. Lucia Berdondini

  In today’s episode, we hear from Dr. Lucia Berdondini, a Gestalt therapist and humanitarian, who shares her journey and the importance of embodying change in times of crisis. She discusses how grief and uncertainty are affecting the humanitarian workforce amidst recent challenges, and how we can support ourselves and others through this transformative period.Key points:The power of "embodying change" and how it applies to both personal and professional crises.Grief and emotional responses in times of uncertainty: why they don’t follow a linear path.The role of community and peer support in navigating crises and finding agency.The importance of creating spaces to reflect and support each other, particularly in the humanitarian sector.Practical strategies from Dr. Berdondini's portal for supporting humanitarian workers’ well-being.About the guest:Dr. Lucia Berdondini is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Course Leader of the Distance Learning MSc Humanitarian Intervention at the University of East London. A BACP Accredited Gestalt Psychotherapist since 2003, she has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and groups. Her research and practice focus on psychosocial interventions in war-affected regions, existential therapies, and intercultural counselling training, with experience in Afghanistan, Angola, India, Syria, and Ukraine. She has authored numerous international academic publications in these fields.Resources mentioned:Dr. Lucia Berdondini’s online portal for well-being and mental health support for humanitarian and healthcare practitioners. [LINK]The session, titled "Singing, Singing, and Counter-Singing", will take place in 26th of February 2025 at 4:00pm (UK time) and will explore the power of voice, music, and rhythm in fostering resilience and well-being in humanitarian and healthcare contexts. The event will be facilitated by Valentina Barlacchi, Gestalt therapist and recently awarded with the MSc Humanitarian Intervention. You can find full details and register HERE.Quotes by Dr. Lucia Berdonini"Embodying change means investing your choices, emotions, and actions into addressing the challenges life throws at you." "In moments of crisis, the first thing we need to do is connect with each other, through listening, sharing, and acknowledging our feelings." "Grief doesn’t follow a linear path. It can surprise you with waves of emotion, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself." "Humanitarians are not indestructible. They need support just like anyone else." "Let’s look at this challenging time as an opportunity to create new, more decentralized, and more resilient systems of support."

  --------  

  42:00
• 57. "Find your people" with Farah Mahesri

  Farah Mahesri shares insights about systems-level change, the importance of building trust, and finding your community during times of transition. Drawing from her experience working with social justice organizations and in global development, Farah discusses how to embody change at multiple levels while staying true to your values.You’ll hear about:The five levels of systems analysis and the importance of working at all the levels, all at the same timeThe importance of finding your community - no one can do hard work by themselvesBuilding trust and taking the first step in trusting othersJust transition frameworks and creating pathways for changeThe power of organizing and collective actionGuest bio: Farah Mahesri is a freelance consultant specializing in organizational development and systems change. With experience in both global development and social justice movements, she helps individuals and organizations navigate transitions while staying aligned with their values.Resources mentioned:Farah’s LinkedIn Post, What should we do in #globaldev?FNM Advising website: https://fnmadvising.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farahmahesri/ Shifting Paradigms podcast [Apple]Tim Synder’s work on ‘On Tyranny’Examples of community: GlobalDev4Palestine and Aid Workers Memorial

  --------  

  35:12
• 56. "Everyone can contribute to positive culture" with Anna Young

  In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti talks with Anna Young, an organizational culture specialist, to explore how humanitarian teams can align their values with their daily work. Drawing from her research and extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, Anna shares actionable strategies for creating cultures rooted in kindness, connection, and appreciation—while addressing the systemic challenges that cause burnout and misalignment. This conversation is packed with practical insights, inspiring reflections, and a clear call to action: Start small, but start today. About Anna Young:Anna Young is an organizational culture expert based in Tasmania and Sweden. With a background in humanitarian response, she specializes in helping teams operationalize their values, foster healthier work cultures, and sustain their impact. Anna works globally with humanitarian organizations to  create great cultures through bringing values into action through team behaviours, norms and rituals.  She specializes in the ‘how’ of culture creation so that everyone can be a part of the change. LinkedIn: Anna YoungWebsite: AK Young ConsultingCollaborative Project: Culture MattersKey Learnings:Values as Guardrails: Teams thrive when their values are lived through behaviors and decisions. Misalignment creates disillusionment and burnout.Small Practices, Big Impact: Start with simple, intentional actions—appreciation rounds, thoughtful check-ins, or celebrating milestones.Shared Responsibility: Team culture isn’t just the manager’s job. Each member contributes based on their unique strengths and values.Addressing Inclusion: Exclusion, favoritism, and cronyism undermine team culture. Building intentional rituals fosters fairness and connection.The “Big Three” for Thriving Teams: Connection, celebration, and appreciation are foundational for positive and productive team dynamics.Resources to Explore:Anna Young’s Culture Matters platform (collaboration with Deb Ingersoll)The Center for Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for tools for identifying and reconciling valuesThe Working Well report featuring research on values and burnout in humanitarian organizations

  --------  

  36:46

Altri podcast di Economia

Podcast di tendenza in Economia

Su Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being in aid organisations