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

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 guest
Pauline 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, LinkedIn
You’ll learn
What 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 mentioned
VOICE 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 Chetcuti
Call to Action
Subscribe 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.

Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can better support well-being?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Gemma Houldey, author of The Vulnerable Humanitarian. Gemma shares her journey from human rights advocacy to becoming a thought leader regarding humanitarian well-being. You’ll hear about the importance of showing up with vulnerability, understanding power dynamics, and how feminist funders are pioneering new approaches to support long-term organizational well-being.
If you're passionate about creating a more supportive and sustainable humanitarian sector, this episode is a must-listen.
Today’s Guest
Gemma Houldey is a researcher, facilitator and space-holder for more caring and inclusive working cultures in the aid sector. Her book “The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector,” draws on her own story and the accounts of over a hundred national and international aid workers she interviewed. The book explores the systemic causes of burnout in aid work, and provides guideposts for managers and staff to cultivate and embody collective resilience and care in the workplace. Her most recent research investigates the role of grantmakers in funding more sustainable, resilient human rights movements. Gemma works with individuals and organisations to support them to ‘walk the talk’ on principles of anti-oppression, by integrating decolonial approaches to wellbeing into everyday work routines and practices that deepen a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 
Website: gemmahouldey.comSocial Media: LinkedIn, Instagram
You’ll Learn
What embodying change means in the context of vulnerability and power dynamicsHow personal and organizational well-being are interconnectedThe impact of funding practices on the well-being of humanitarian workersThe role of feminist funders in promoting sustainable well-being initiativesPractical steps for creating supportive work environmentsResources Mentioned
Gemma Houldey’s Website: gemmahouldey.comThe Vulnerable Humanitarian: Available on Routledge and other bookselling websitesNewsletter Sign-Up: Available on Gemma’s website for updates and resources, including a free chapter of her book and 25% discount code to buy it.
Quotes
“Embodying change means showing up with vulnerability and leaning into difficult conversations.” – Gemma Houldey“We need to decolonize well-being and allow partners to define what it means for them.” – Gemma Houldey
Call to Action
Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.Visit gemmahouldey.com to learn more about Gemma’s work and sign up for her newsletter.Join Gemma’s upcoming book circle to embody change through shared learning and practice on wellbeing and resilience in a supportive community.

Episode 42: We Are Feminist Leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook
Do you ever feel conflicted by traditional leadership models that don’t align with your values? Are you curious about how feminist principles can transform the way we approach leadership, especially in the humanitarian sector?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti sits down with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook, founders of We Are Feminist Leaders. Leila and Natalie share their journey from feeling disillusioned by patriarchal and colonial leadership structures to creating a transformative program that empowers leaders to bring about genuine change. You’ll hear about the practical applications of feminist leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of community and continuous learning.
If you're passionate about making a difference and leading with your values, this episode will inspire you and provide actionable insights into embodying change in your own life and work.
Today’s Guests
Leila Billing and Natalie Brook
Leila Billing and Natalie Brook are the visionary founders of We Are Feminist Leaders, an organization dedicated to fostering feminist leadership in humanitarian and development sectors. Through their 12-week online program and new membership learning network, they empower leaders to challenge traditional power structures, embrace intersectionality, and cultivate caring, inclusive work environments. Leila and Natalie draw inspiration from feminist movements around the world, particularly from the Global Majority, and aim to decentralize Western-centric leadership models. You can check out their bios here.
Website: wearefeministleaders.comSocial Media: Instagram and LinkedIn
You’ll learn:
What it means to embody change in the humanitarian sectorThe importance of self-awareness and transformation in feminist leadershipHow patriarchal and colonial dynamics affect traditional leadership modelsPractical applications of feminist leadership in various contextsThe power of community and continuous learning in driving changeReal-life examples of participants applying feminist leadership principles
Resources Mentioned
We Are Feminist Leaders Website: wearefeministleaders.comCourse information and registration: HERE Newsletter Sign-Up: Available on their website for regular updates and resources HERE Social Media: Follow We Are Feminist Leaders on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Quotes
“For me, embodying change means thinking through how we want to show up in this moment, whether we’re humanitarians or not.” – Leila Billing“Feminist leadership starts with the self and requires a long-term commitment to developing self-awareness and the willingness to learn and unlearn.” – Natalie Brook
Call to Action
Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.Visit wearefeministleaders.com to learn more about Leila and Natalie’s work and to sign up for their upcoming 12-week course starting in September and newsletter.

This conversation with Sarah Diedro Jordão provides a deep and heartfelt exploration of what it means to embody change and foster love in the quest for a more equitable society.
 
“Going through a painful process can very much be part of embodying change. If it's itchy, uncomfortable, messy, and hurts, change is probably on the other side of that. So there’s hope."
 -Sarah Diedro Jordão
 
Sarah Diedro Jordão is a multi-passionate & versatile consultant. She works as a communications strategist, DEIB consultant, facilitator and podcast host. The driving interests foundational to her work are intersectional social justice, Black feminism, as well as collective dreaming. Among other things she served as an Intersectionality expert for the North-South Center of the Council of Europe, a moderator for the World Forum for Democracy and a podcast host for the European Greens. 
 
Sarah has also been facilitating a drop-in space for BIPOC professionals in the international NGO and aid sector for the last 2 years through Healing Solidarity.  Anyone interested in joining can email her at sdiedro@gmail.com.
Learn more about Sarah Diedro Jordão on 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahdiedro andHer website: https://sarahdiedrojordao.com/  Check out bell hooks’ book, "all about love: new visions," for further reading on the role of love in social justice.
Thank you to Ziada Abeid for editing the show! 
If you’re a humanitarian woman working internationally and you’d like to meet other women like you, request to join the free Humanitarian Women’s Collaborative on Mighty Networks here: https://the-humanitarian-women-s-collaborative.mn.co/admin/landing-page. 

Humanitarian women are exposed to chronic stress, which can impact their experience of peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.

In this episode of Embodying Change Scotti McLaren shares her experience and insight as it relates to this under-explored and yet powerful time of a woman’s life – before, during and after actual “M day.”

What are the symptoms and what can we do about them?
Scotti practices functional medicine and personalized nutrition, specializing in menopause and mental health. Following a career in audit and humanitarian aid (MSF), and eventual burnout, her process of recovery led to a profound shift towards the healing power of nutrition. Now, Scotti champions a gentle revolution in resilience and vitality, for herself and others. Her clinical practice is dedicated to investigating, identifying and addressing the root drivers of health – both illness and wellness - to help women reach their best health in midlife and beyond.
Check out Scotti’s website here: https://www.investigative-health.ch/
Thank you to Ziada Abeid for editing the show! 
If you’re a humanitarian woman working internationally and you’d like to meet other women like you, request to join the free Humanitarian Women’s Collaborative on Mighty Networks here: https://the-humanitarian-women-s-collaborative.mn.co/admin/landing-page. 

In this light-hearted episode of "Embodying Change," we sit down with Lucette Quarteron, a dynamic global citizen and visionary leader. Lucette shares her unique insights on self-leadership, the proper use of power, and conflict management, drawing from her rich personal and professional journey. Discover how Lucette transforms organizational cultures, fosters workplace trust, and empowers others to embrace change.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of self-leadership and healing personal wounds to lead others effectively.Strategies for managing emotions in conflict situations.The significance of standing up for your values and setting boundaries.How to build trust and acknowledge the contributions of others in a professional setting.Compelling Quotes:
"You need to heal your wounds. If you don't heal your personal wounds, you're going to create wounds in others. Self-leadership is being aware of yourself so that it impacts others positively.""When the emotion is overwhelming, the brain cannot function. You can just acknowledge that the person is furious and suggest discussing it later. It’s about managing emotions first so that you can think clearly.""Stand up for your beliefs and values, whatever the consequences. If you don't respect yourself, nobody will. It’s like not respecting yourself if you don’t put boundaries."Resources Mentioned:
Conflict Management Workshop - Join Lucette on June 25th at the beautiful Chateau D'Ouchy in Lausanne.Gary Chapman and Paul White's Book on Workplace Appreciation - Learn about the five languages of appreciation in the workplace.The Leading Well report - Learn about the 10 practices sited by aid leaders to Lead WellConnect with Lucette Quartiron:
Lucette Quarteron's website: Explore Lucette’s work and contact her for coaching sessions or workshopsLinkedIn: Lucette Quarteron's profileYouTube: Lucette Quartiron on Conflict Management (in French)Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "Embodying Change" on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you inspiring content.
Join Us Next Time: Stay tuned for more insightful conversations that help you embody change in your own life and work. Thank you for listening!