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

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

A podcast for humanitarians who want to work in closer alignment to core values like compassion, accountability, solidarity and equity. Born in 2020 in collaboration with CHS Alliance and Mary Ann Clements, the podcast is now entering its next evolution and is hosted by Melissa Pitotti.

  1. 58. “Navigating the storm” with Dr. Lucia Berdondini

    1 DAY AGO

    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 min
  2. 57. "Find your people" with Farah Mahesri

    FEB 3

    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 min
  3. 56. "Everyone can contribute to positive culture" with Anna Young

    JAN 4

    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

    37 min
  4. 55. The NGO Staff Wellbeing Network

    12/19/2024

    55. The NGO Staff Wellbeing Network

    In this episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti is joined by Jody Gunn-Russell and Camille Lemouchoux, two trailblazers in humanitarian staff well-being. Together, they recount the inspiring story of the NGO Staff Wellbeing Network, from its inception to its evolution into a vibrant community of practice. The conversation dives into the challenges of fostering well-being in the humanitarian sector, the systemic changes needed, and the collective efforts required to support staff across diverse cultural and organizational contexts. Guest bios: Jody Gunn-Russell: Founder of the NGO Staff Wellbeing Network, Jody has over a decade of experience in humanitarian HR. She now works in the care sector, exploring innovative approaches to staff well-being while raising her young family.Camille Lemouchoux: A professional coach and trainer with over 25 years in the humanitarian sector, Camille specializes in leadership development and well-being. She is spearheading efforts to create a Francophone version of the NGO Staff Wellbeing Network.Key takeaways: 1. The importance of peer support: Sharing practices and resources helps alleviate the loneliness felt by many in the humanitarian field.2. System change is necessary: Organizational cultures need to prioritize staff well-being as a core value, not an afterthought.3. Inclusion and diversity: Future efforts should focus on engaging local NGOs and creating multilingual, culturally sensitive spaces4. Wellbeing as a leadership responsibility: Leaders can adopt a coaching mindset, focusing on asking the right questions rather than having all the answers.5. Advocacy with donors: Advocating for donor funding to include well-being costs can make well-being initiatives more sustainable. Resources to explore: The NGO Staff Well-being Network for professionals who care to share resources, ideas and strategies to improve NGO staff wellbeing meets quarterly online. Fill out this form to express interest in joining.  The Graduate Course in Humanitarian Leadership and Crisis Leadership Program by the Center for Humanitarian Leadership Other episodes of the Embodying Change podcast Episode 53. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with with Torrey Peace on SpotifyEpisode 27. Everyone needs a safe space to flourish with Oge Chukwudozie on SpotifyEpisode 22. The data tells a story with Dr. Liza Jachens on SpotifyThe Perspective Coaching Collective - tailored leadership and well-being training and coaching solutions for humanitarian organizations: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectif-perspectives-coaching/

    47 min
  5. 54. “Moral injury” with Dimple Dhabalia

    11/22/2024

    54. “Moral injury” with Dimple Dhabalia

    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

    45 min
  6. 53. Overcoming imposter syndrome with Torrey Peace

    10/25/2024

    53. Overcoming imposter syndrome with Torrey Peace

    In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Torrey Peace, leadership coach and expert in the humanitarian and development sectors. Together, they explore the challenge of balancing high performance with self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries and empowering your team to thrive. Torrey shares insightful strategies on overcoming imposter syndrome, delegating effectively, and why investing in your team creates a ripple effect of positive impact. Tune in to hear practical advice you can start applying today, whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization. About TorreyAs a certified coach with twelve years’ experience in international development Torrey Peace facilitates rising and established leaders in the humanitarian and development world to become the leaders they admire, or “people centered leaders.” She has taught and coached over 400 supervisors globally from the UN, INGO and civil society to become more inclusive and caring leaders that make a greater impact while also stepping out of overwork and overwhelm. Her mission is to provide leaders the skills they need to be part of the change we want to see in the humanitarian and development world while also maintaining their wellbeing. For more information about Torrey’s work and podcast, please visit www.aidforaidworkers.com. Key Topics:● What it means to embody change as a leader● Overcoming imposter syndrome and shifting mindset● Delegating effectively to create more time and space● Practical tips for managing and empowering your team● The importance of peer support and collaboration in leadership Links and Resources:● Torrey’s Leadership Style Quiz● Learn more about Torrey Peace’s Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader course● Follow Torrey Peace on LinkedIn ● Listen to the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader Podcast

    44 min
  7. 52. The System Changer Sleepover with Debra Peltz

    10/11/2024

    52. The System Changer Sleepover with Debra Peltz

    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 Peltz Mentioned 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.

    35 min
  8. 51. Leading from the heart with Sarah Noble

    10/04/2024

    51. Leading from the heart with Sarah Noble

    In this episode, Melissa Pitotti is joined by Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. Sarah shares her unique perspective on peace-building, storytelling, and how inner development can create outer change. Together, they discuss: The history and mission of the Caux Palace as a gathering place for change-makers.Sarah’s journey from working at The New Humanitarian to her current role at the Caux Foundation.The importance of storytelling in peace and conflict resolution.Practical ways to incorporate quiet time and self-reflection into your life.How the Inner Development Goals framework helps accelerate progress to tackle global challenges.A preview of the System Changer Sleepover retreat, a space for women in the humanitarian sector to connect and collaborate on systems change and workforce well-being.About Sarah Noble Sarah is originally from Canada and has lived in Switzerland for more than half her life. She has dedicated her career to building a better world through storytelling and peacebuilding. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she highlights the power of stories to address the existential challenges of our time. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and partnerships, Sarah co-founded and curates the Peace Talks at Interpeace. She has overseen more than 20 editions across eight countries and worked with over 200 speakers. Previously, she served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, leading its rebranding and expanding its funding base. Sarah holds an MA in International Affairs and volunteers as the Country Chair of Global Dignity for Switzerland. Key Quotes: "Embodying change is about being the change you want to see, and leading from the heart, not just the mind.""Quiet time is not a luxury—it's an essential practice for inner and outer peace.""We all need to be like the hummingbird, doing the best that we can, even when the world seems overwhelming." Connect with Sarah and the Caux Foundation: Website: caux.chLearn more about their summer forums, events, and how to host your own gathering at the Caux Palace. Mentioned in this Episode: Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts in sustainable development, democracy, and peace. The hummingbird story is a beautiful story she often shared to illustrate the importance of individual action in the face of seemingly overwhelming challenges.Here is a recording of her telling of it.PeaceTalks - website The New Humanitarian - websiteInner Development Goals (IDG) - websiteSystem Changer Sleepover – contact Melissa Pitotti on LinkedIn for more details

    37 min
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About

A podcast for humanitarians who want to work in closer alignment to core values like compassion, accountability, solidarity and equity. Born in 2020 in collaboration with CHS Alliance and Mary Ann Clements, the podcast is now entering its next evolution and is hosted by Melissa Pitotti.

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