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

What if AI adoption isn’t a tech problem, but a trust-and-teams problem? In this conversation, Maude Pittet Nazareno shares what she’s learned from training frontline negotiators on pressure management and supporting organizations with AI-enabled workflow transformation. We explore why “prompt hygiene” matters, how AI can amplify (worsen) existing team tensions, and what it looks like to adopt AI in ways that support (not erode) human connection.In this episode, we cover:What “embodying change” looks like when you’re under pressure (head, heart, and body)Why coping strategies can be “partial,” and how to expand your internal and external resourcesWhat NLP is (in plain language) and why it shows up in pressure management workThe surprising result from a pilot: why self-paced AI training lowered trust and team coaching raised itWhy AI adoption often amplifies existing organizational problems (data mess, team tension, outdated processes)What AI-enabled workflows actually mean (beyond “ChatGPT for emails”)Practical AI literacy: how LLMs work, how to prompt, and how to avoid bias in prompts“Prompt hygiene” for shared team threads (and how to ask AI what assumptions it’s making)How Colaborix’s AI Café creates a space for teams to learn from each otherDetails on the AI Champion Accelerator + how to join with a listener discountResources and linksMaude on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maude-pittet-nazareno/Maude’s website: https://www.maudepnazareno.com/Colaborix Programs (including Coffee & Champion Accelerator): https://www.colaborix.ai/ai-programsColaborix all upcoming dates & enrolment links: https://www.colaborix.ai/upcoming-ai-eventsOpportunity25% off Colaborix cohort programs (including the AI Champion Accelerator)Use coupon code: ACCESSNOWAbout Maude Pittet NazarenoMaude Pittet Nazareno is a coach and facilitator who helps leaders and teams build clarity, presence, and influence in high-pressure environments, from humanitarian negotiation to organizational transformation. Through her work with CCHN, she supports frontline negotiators to access, assist, and protect communities under extreme stress. At Colaborix, she brings a human-centered approach to AI adoption and workflow transformation, focusing on trust, capability-building, and how teams actually change.

When the structure, pace, and purpose of humanitarian life suddenly fall away, what fills the space that’s left?In this Embodying Change special, host Melissa Pitotti brings together Jennifer Lentfer and Hasangani (Hasi) Edema-Reynolds to explore the eight themes that come up again and again in peer support groups for humanitarians navigating change: identity, commitment, rhythm, balance, boundaries, resonance, joy, and connection.Through storytelling and deep reflection, they trace a path from loss to renewal, asking what it means to stay true to your purpose while rebuilding your life beyond your job title. If you’ve ever questioned who you are outside of your work, this conversation will help you find language, hope, and solidarity for the road ahead.Today’s guestsJennifer LentferFarm girl turned aid worker turned writer, coach, and communications strategist. Jennifer runs EE Consulting, curates the blog How Matters, and shares poetry and collage at JenniferLentfer.com. Formerly named one of Foreign Policy Magazine’s “100 Women to Follow on Twitter,” she supports people to usher in political courage, cultural humility, and an ethic of care within social change organizations. She recently became the Director of Communications for The Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Nebraska, USA.→ Connect with her on Linkedin. Hasangani (Hasi) Edema-ReynoldsA humanitarian professional and researcher bridging the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Over nine years, particularly in fragile and post-conflict contexts, Hasi has built expertise in multi-sector response, recovery and resilience programming, humanitarian advocacy, program management/implementation, and fundraising. Currently with CDA Collaborative Learning, she supports action research on accountability, conflict sensitivity, and shifting power, and advises on responsible transitions and organizational change. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a Master’s in Humanitarian Assistance from Tufts University. Outside work, Hasi finds joy in singing, piano, painting, and travel.→ Connect with her on LinkedIn. You’ll learnWhy grieving the loss of a professional identity is a vital first stepHow to honor commitment to communities while pivotingRhythms and boundaries that sustain life after intense rolesWays to translate humanitarian experience so it resonates beyond the sectorWhy joy and connection are essential, not luxuries, for renewalSimple practices to keep peer support alive between meetingsResources recommendedConnexUs Stopping As SuccessCDA Collaborative Learning ProjectsReimagining Research Course offered by Pause and EffectWhy Resisting Urgency is the First Step in Transforming Organizational Cultures, Bridge of Hope Summit (2025)Donor Transformation Challenge, CIVICUS, 2024Visiter Genève, guided tours by Catherine Hubert-GirodPoem: The Death of the Change MakerBy Jennifer Lentfer Shared with permission. Originally published on How Matters: https://www.how-matters.org/2020/05/04/the-death-of-the-changemaker/I gaze deep into the rectangle below.There, at the bottom of the six feetlays the changemaker.The creator of grand, heroic strategy and ideasto change everything, at once,to change minds and behaviors and alignment,magically.Oh changemaker, how close you lived toconquer and capture and control and contract,how tightly you gripped, fixed,how you wrestled your longing forcertainty, comfort, convenience,how you constructed causation,how you were only taught/thought one way.How you relied on fanciful linearity,determinate, ambitious, utilitarianforce of will plodding, plotting, spent, alone!How you thought you had to carry it all…Now changemaker, laying there in this plot,unable to influence…anythingamidst the falling shovelfuls of soil.There, there, I lay — the irony of former self-elevationno longer lost on me.The earth will fill in my body,its softness, loaminess reclaimed —dismantled and expanded without all the effort.Need, renewal, security looms.It is already welded-ly woven.The maker will be rebirthed.We don't know when,but up through the dirt,the small, incremental, devoted changer may arrive.-----------------------Join the conversationIf this episode sparked something in you, share your reflections on LinkedIn and tag us!

What does it take to stay calm when everything is falling apart? In this episode, Jeanne Briggs, an international development professional who thrives on bringing order to chaos, shares lessons from 24 years with USAID that are relevant to our situation today. We explore how to widen your window of opportunity, take a trauma-informed approach to crisis, find clarity in transition, and use peer support as an anchor in turbulent times.IntroductionWhen everything feels like it’s falling apart, who do you want by your side?For many humanitarians and development professionals navigating sudden layoffs, political upheaval, and uncertainty, that person has been Jeanne Briggs. She’s a steady hand in the storm: the one who sees the bigger picture, brings calm to the chaos, and helps people make sense of their options without telling them what to choose.In today’s episode, Jeanne shares her most recent journey from directing a $94M USAID portfolio in the Democratic Republic of Congo to co-founding with other women leaders the Aid Transition Alliance, supporting people in aid through one of the sector’s biggest crises in decades.What you’ll learn What embodying change looks like in times of personal and political upheavalThe concept of “windows of opportunity” in transitions, and how to widen them for yourselfWhy peer support groups can be an anchor in chaotic timesThe difference between “order Muppets” and “chaos Muppets” Practical steps you can take if you’re feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unsure of what’s nextAbout our guestJeanne Briggs describes herself as an international development professional who thrives on bringing order to chaos. For 24 years, she served with USAID, most recently as Director of Democracy, Rights & Governance in the DRC, where she oversaw a $94M portfolio. Her career spans crisis responses from Ebola containment to Afghan evacuations.Jeanne is known as a thoughtful listener who gives honest, gentle feedback, a catalyst for change who specializes in helping people understand their options without dictating their choices. Her superpower? Staying up all night to create frameworks that help others find the clarity they need to make well-informed decisions for themselves.Today, she co-leads the Aid Transition Alliance, providing support, career guidance, and knowledge preservation for a humanitarian and development workforce in flux.Resources and links mentionedOrganization: Aid Transition Alliance [LINK]Organization: OneAID Community [LINK]Book: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk [LINK]Book: “Widen the Window” by Elizabeth Stanley [LINK]Organization: Green String Network (trauma-informed peacebuilding) [LINK]Resource: EMU/STAR Model for Breaking the Cycles of Violence [LINK]Organization: KonTerra Group [LINK]Article: Chaos Theory: A Unified Theory of Muppet Types [LINK] Resource: Georgetown University’s Pivot With Purpose Program [LINK]Episode 59: The power of structured peer support with Carrie Santos [LINK]Episode 37: Get in the “growth zone” with Cindy Rocha [LINK]Article: “You are not alone: Preventing Suicide in a Time of Crisis” [LINK]Join the conversationWhat kind of Muppet are you? Order or Chaos? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn. Support the showIf you found this conversation helpful, please follow the podcast and leave a quick rating or review. It helps more people like you to consider Embodying Change.

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.

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."

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

In this heartfelt conversation, Dimple Dhabalia shares her journey from working in the government and humanitarian sectors to advocating for trauma-informed leadership and workforce well-being. Through the lens of her personal experiences and her book Tell Me My Story, Dimple explores the vital shift from “service before self” to a more sustainable, human-centered approach. This episode dives into the complexity of moral injury, the ripple effect of self-care in leadership, and how we can reframe our approach to service to prioritize both humanity and well-being.Guest Background:Dimple Dhabalia is a seasoned humanitarian professional and author of Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self. With nearly two decades of experience in asylum and refugee policy and operations for the U.S. government, Dimple transitioned to focus on workforce mental health and well-being, organizational trauma, and moral injury. Her work and insights are dedicated to reshaping the way we approach service, leadership, and self-care in high-stress, misson-driven environments.Top Learning Points:Moral Injury in Humanitarian Work: Dimple explains how moral injury—feeling a deep conflict between personal beliefs and professional duties—affects humanitarian workers and government employees, especially when policies conflict with their values.The Power of Self-Care and Boundaries: From the trauma of burnout to the importance of disconnecting, Dimple highlights how taking time for self-care is vital for both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.Human-Centered Leadership: Shifting from metrics-focused to human-centered leadership can create environments of trust, creativity, and collaboration that improve team dynamics and reduce burnout.Creating Space for Healing: Dimple emphasizes the importance of modeling empathy and compassion, and how small shifts in leadership style—such as fostering psychological safety and encouraging boundaries—can have a profound impact on team health.Resources mentioned:Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self by Dimple DhabaliaPodcast: Service Without Sacrifice–conversations on hope + healingPodcast: What Would Ted Lasso DoProject: /rōot/ by dimple dhabalia on SubstackBook Mention: Pause–Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break by Rachael O’Meara Quotes:"Service doesn’t require sacrifice—well-being should be a normal part of our everyday work and life." – Dimple Dhabalia"Moral injury is a natural response when your professional role and personal beliefs don’t align." – Dimple Dhabalia"True leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about how we show up in the world." – Dimple Dhabalia"Creating space for healing starts with being authentic and modeling the change we want to see." – Dimple Dhabalia"Even in systems that feel out of alignment, small acts of compassion can create ripple effects that lead to change." – Dimple Dhabalia

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Debra Peltz, founder of CollabWork and a well-being champion with a 25-year career in senior administration roles. Debra shares her journey from volunteering in Sri Lanka to working at Save the Children UK and eventually launching her own business. They explore:What it means to truly "embody change" in your personal and professional life.Debra’s work at Save the Children UK, first supporting the Exec Director for HR before moving into a Wellbeing Lead role, where she developed and implemented strategies to promote psychological safety, enhance mental health, and build resilience across the organization.The creation of her Wellbeing Forum, a community space for sharing ideas, supporting each other, and promoting employee well-being.Insights into the System Changer Sleepover retreat, designed to foster collaboration and support among women in the humanitarian space.Practical tips for maintaining well-being and balance in demanding roles.Key Quotes:"It’s not just about talking or planning change, but showing it through everyday choices.""Well-being leaders give so much to others, but they often forget about themselves until it's too late."Connect with Debra:Website: collabwork.co.ukLinkedIn: Debra PeltzMentioned in this Episode:Wellbeing Forum - This is a collaborative working group of wellbeing professionals from over 60 diverse organizations, dedicated to employee health and well-being. It’s a space where ideas flow freely, challenges are met head-on, and meaningful connections are formed. If you hold the role of Wellbeing Lead, Advisor, or HR Manager or have dual responsibility and would like to join, email wellbeingforum@outlook.com. Debra’s new venture, CollabWork Virtual Business Support, helps entrepreneurs and small business owners take their workload from overwhelming to manageable. With over 25 years of experience as an award-winning Executive Assistant, Debra’s approach is personal and tailored, focusing on understanding your unique needs to simplify your daily operations. Whether it’s managing schedules, organizing projects, or handling research, CollabWork is about making your life easier so you can focus on what truly matters. It’s virtual support, but with a human touch. If you or someone you know could use a bit of extra support, feel free to reach out and see how you could collaborate. www.collabwork.co.uk or email her at debra@collabwork.co.uk.

Ever wonder how aid workers can stay safe in some of the world’s most dangerous environments? Rebecca Maudling, is on a mission to make sure humanitarian staff not only survive but feel confident and equipped to do their work safely — even in the toughest conditions. From co-founding an organization that helps NGOs work more safely, to reshaping how we think about mental health in crisis zones, Rebecca's insights on duty of care are hard earned. Stay tuned to the end to hear her big news about an exciting event coming up. Today’s GuestRebecca is Co-Founder & Director of International Location Safety (ILS). She co-founded the organization, growing it from a start-up to its current position as a leading provider of security risk management services within the humanitarian aid and development sector. ILS supports organizations globally to meet their Duty of Care obligations and enable their staff to work in challenging situations around the world. As the business has grown, she has built up a fantastic team and so although now less involved in the day-to-day running of the business, she retains strategic oversight and a passion for supporting organizations to protect and care for their staff. Key Topics Discussed:Embodying Change: Courage to challenge the status quo and live in alignment with personal valuesThe ILS Origin Story: How Rebecca and her co-founder started ILS to provide safety and security training for humanitarian organizationsThe Core Services of ILS: Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), which is simulation-based safety, security and first aid training for staff working in complex environments, and Duty of Care Benchmarking, which assesses organizational practices around to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of staff in high-risk environmentsPsychological Well-being: How ILS integrates psychological safety into their training and organizational supportSector Trends: Growing awareness of mental health and well-being in the humanitarian sectorAidEx 2024: Highlights of the upcoming Duty of Care Pavilion, including sessions on safeguarding, AI, crisis management, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in duty of care practicesKey Takeaway:Rebecca emphasizes the importance of connection—both to oneself and to others—in sustaining well-being, especially in high-pressure environments like humanitarian work.Connect with ILS:Website: https://www.locationsafety.com/ILS Duty of Care conference: https://www.locationsafety.com/aidex-2024AidEx website: https://www.aid-expo.com/whats-on/ils-duty-of-care-pavilion-and-conferenceILS LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-location-safety/Rebecca’s personal LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-maudling/Upcoming Events:AidEx 2024 Duty of Care Pavilion: Join Rebecca and her team in Geneva on October 23-24 for key discussions on aid worker safety and well-being. https://www.aid-expo.com/whats-on/ils-duty-of-care-pavilion-and-conference System Changer Sleepover (Oct 25-27): A follow-up event for women in the humanitarian sector to discuss workforce well-being and systemic change. Contact Melissa@FacilitatingTheFuture.net for more details. Quotes"Embodying change requires courage—courage to challenge the status quo and live in alignment with your values, even when it's difficult." – Rebecca Maudling"We put psychological well-being at the heart of what we do. If you're not in a good mental place, you're not going to make good decisions under stress." – Rebecca Maudling"The conversations around well-being in the humanitarian sector are happening more than ever. But there's still a long way to go." – Rebecca Maudling"For us, it’s not just about teaching people how to survive hostile environments—it’s about helping them feel confident and empowered to do their work safely." – Rebecca Maudling"When it comes to duty of care, it's not enough to have policies on paper. It’s about putting them into practice and making sure they actually work on the ground." – Rebecca Maudling"Connection—to yourself and to others—is vital. You need to know what you need to sustain yourself and have a support network in place, especially when times get tough." – Rebecca Maudling"We're seeing more conversations about mental health being just as important as physical health. That’s a positive shift, but there’s still so much more we can do." – Rebecca Maudling"The humanitarian sector is facing unprecedented risks, and it’s never been more important to...

What does it mean to sit in the gray areas of change? How can philanthropy better support nonprofit leaders and staff in these challenging times?In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti speaks with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, a thought leader in philanthropy and the leader of the research team at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Elisha shares her journey from a childhood deeply influenced by civil rights activism to her role in shaping effective philanthropic practices. The conversation covers critical topics, including the findings from the 2024 State of Nonprofits report, which highlights the ongoing burnout crisis among nonprofit leaders, and the transformative impact of large, unrestricted gifts as seen in Mackenzie Scott’s philanthropy.Elisha also provides a sneak peek into their upcoming research, exploring the differences in grantee experiences when receiving funds directly from foundations versus intermediaries. This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about the future of philanthropy and nonprofit well-being.Today’s GuestElisha Smith Arrillaga is the Director of Research at the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). She has dedicated her career to ensuring that philanthropic practices are grounded in research and focused on maximizing their positive impact on nonprofits and the communities they serve.Website: Center for Effective PhilanthropySocial Media: LinkedInYou’ll hear:What embodying change means in the context of philanthropyElisha’s journey from a childhood rooted in social justice to leading research at CEPInsights from the 2024 State of Nonprofits report on burnout and staff well-beingThe impact of Mackenzie Scott’s large, unrestricted gifts on nonprofit organizationsHow funders perceive nonprofits' capacity to manage large gifts and what this says about the systemResources mentionedThe Big Gifts Report: The Impact of Large, Unsrestricted GiftsState of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to KnowTrust-Based Philanthropy: Trust-Based Philanthropy ProjectHaas Fund Case Study: SSIR article on operationalizing trustWellbeing Project: The Wellbeing ProjectQuotes“Embodying change means being able to sit in the gray areas and take the best of all kinds of solutions.” – Elisha Smith Arrillaga“Supporting nonprofit leaders and staff is crucial to achieving their missions—burnout can't be ignored.” – Elisha Smith Arrillaga“Receiving large, unrestricted gifts boosts leadership confidence and allows for greater innovation and impact.” – Elisha Smith Arrillaga“Flexibility in funding allows organizations to plan effectively and respond creatively to challenges.” – Elisha Smith Arrillaga“There are assumptions about nonprofits’ ability to manage large gifts, but our research shows they can, and they do amazing things with those funds.” – Elisha Smith ArrillagaCall to ActionSubscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.Visit cep.org to learn more about the Center for Effective Philanthropy and their research.Join or listen to the replay of the CEP’s webinar on October 15th to dive deeper into their latest report on intermediaries in philanthropy.

How can we create sustainable change within humanitarian and development organizations? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Mary Ann Clements, a pivotal figure in the history of this podcast and Co-CEO at an organisation working on disability justice, ADD International. Mary Ann shares her journey from initiating Healing Solidarity to re-imagining an INGO to become a participatory grant maker. You’ll hear about the importance of embodying change, the challenges of reimagining institutions, and the role of power dynamics in achieving sustainable transformation. Stay tuned until the end for Mary Ann’s insights on creating environments that support well-being and resilience.Today’s GuestMary Ann Clements is co-CEO at ADD International and the initiator of Healing Solidarity. With extensive experience in social justice and humanitarian work, Mary Ann is committed to fostering well-being and systemic change in the sector.Website: maryannclements.comSocial Media: LinkedIn You’ll LearnWhat embodying change means and how it influences organizational cultureThe importance of well-being and resilience in creating sustainable changeHow Healing Solidarity started and evolved over timeThe challenges and benefits of collaborative leadershipInsights into the participatory grant-making process at ADD InternationalResources MentionedMary Ann Clements’ website: maryannclements.comADD International: add.org.ukHealing Solidarity YouTube Channel"We can’t hashtag our way to change" by Mary Ann Clements in Alliance Magazine"Power does not shift easily" by Fredrick Ouko and Mary Ann Clements in Alliance MagazineThe Working Well report on the CHS Alliance websiteEmbodying Change podcasts featuring Mary Ann Clements as host:Episode 5 with Dr. Peter Mills Episode 6 with Imogen Wall Episode 7 with Lana Baqaeen Episode 8 with Gemma HouldeyThe CHS Alliance Global Gathering 2021 - Living our values: Care, culture and power in aid - on YouTube Quotes“Embodying change means showing up with vulnerability and leaning into difficult conversations.” – Mary Ann Clements“Creating a supportive work environment requires us to recognize our power dynamics and work towards more inclusive and caring practices.” – Mary Ann ClementsCall to ActionSubscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.Visit maryannclements.com to learn more about Mary Ann’s work and sign up for her newsletter.Engage with Healing Solidarity’s archived content on YouTube for more insights into creating systemic change.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities and challenges of humanitarian work? Are you looking for signs of hope that, together, we can transform the sector?In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Pauline Chetcuti, the newly elected president of VOICE. Pauline shares her journey from international law to humanitarian advocacy, discussing the importance of saying no, the power of collective action, and the challenges of decolonizing and transforming humanitarian work.Today’s guestPauline Chetcuti is the newly elected president of VOICE, the largest European humanitarian NGO network. With a background in international law and extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, Pauline is committed to advocating for effective, principled humanitarian aid and elevating local voices in global conversations.Website: voiceeu.orgSocial Media: Twitter, LinkedInYou’ll learnWhat embodying change means in the context of humanitarian workThe importance of setting boundaries and saying noHow local voices can drive systemic change in the humanitarian sectorThe challenges of decolonizing and transforming humanitarian practicesThe role of VOICE in advocating for effective humanitarian aidResources mentionedVOICE Website: voiceeu.orgPledge for Change: pledgeforchange.orgCharter for Change: charter4change.orgHumanitarian and Climate Charter: ifrc.org/climate-charterQuotes“Embodying change is positively, proactively embracing change with openness and a willingness to be challenged and to learn every day.” – Pauline Chetcuti“Our local colleagues are the biggest motivation for change because, for them, it's their communities that transform.” – Pauline ChetcutiCall to ActionSubscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.Visit voiceeu.org to learn more about the VOICE network and how you can get involved.Connect with Pauline on Twitter and LinkedIn for more insights and updates.