The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader: Make a Greater Impact by Creating a High Performance Team while Avoiding Stre

Aid for Aid Workers
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Are you a humanitarian or international development leader who wants to make a greater impact without the overwhelm and overwork? If you want to create a high performance team that meets the changing demands of the humanitarian and development sector without sacrificing your wellbeing, you're in the right place! In less time than it takes to drink your powdered milk Nescafe you will learn: - How to empower a diverse team to perform their best despite cultural and personality differences - What’s keeping you from greater productivity and how to overcome it - How to meet the leadership needs of the modern humanitarian and development sector while making a greater impact without the stress I’m your host Torrey Peace and after 12 years’ working in humanitarian and development as well as coaching hundreds of leaders across the UN, INGO and civil society globally, I have observed firsthand the overwork and overwhelm that is so common and leads to unnecessary stress. The good news is I have discovered how you can lead differently in order to step out of overwhelm and start making a bigger impact than you thought possible, and I want to share it with you. Join me every Monday to learn practical insights and tips to help you become a modern humanitarian and international development leader. Start by listening to fan favorite - episode 7 - "A Surprising Way to Ensure Team Success So You Can Make a Greater Impact as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader."

  1. Stop Waiting for Permission: Real NGO Leadership

    2D AGO

    Stop Waiting for Permission: Real NGO Leadership

    What if leadership isn’t about solving everyone’s problems—but about creating a vision so clear your team doesn’t need you to? If you’re feeling stuck managing tasks, constantly firefighting, or unsure how to prioritize your time as a leader, this episode speaks directly to that tension. It explores how gaining clarity around your unique leadership vision can help you stop reacting to the status quo and start intentionally shaping the team culture and impact you actually want. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Clarify a leadership vision that excites you and guides how you spend your time and energyShift from being the chief problem-solver to empowering your team through coachingBuild a stronger, more intentional team culture by leading with purpose rather than permission Press play to discover how defining your unique leadership impact can save you time, sharpen your focus, and help you lead with confidence instead of exhaustion. Watch on YouTube Here What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    6 min
  2. Are You Actually Thriving? (Or Just Hiding Burnout?) as a NGO Leader

    JAN 12

    Are You Actually Thriving? (Or Just Hiding Burnout?) as a NGO Leader

    Are your good leadership habits actually driving you closer to burnout? If you’re a humanitarian or development leader who’s constantly saying yes, pushing for perfection, and always trying to be available for your team — you may unknowingly be suffering from High Performance Syndrome. This episode explores the subtle emotional cues that reveal whether you're truly thriving or on the path to exhaustion. In this episode you’ll learn: - How to identify if your motivation is coming from a healthy place or from obligation. - Discover a powerful emotional test to prevent burnout before it starts. - Hear real-life stories of NGO leaders who redefined what being a “team player” truly means — and reclaimed their time and energy. Listen now to uncover the mindset shift that could save your energy and amplify your impact as a modern humanitarian leader. Watch on YouTube Here What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    9 min
  3. Stop Panicking: 3 Ways to Lead Through Uncertainty

    JAN 5

    Stop Panicking: 3 Ways to Lead Through Uncertainty

    This episode is one of the most popular for 2025 for good reason. Uncertainty has become even more of a reality for NGO leaders with all the funding cuts and manmade as well as natural crises. The good news is there are ways to cope and be more resilient for 2026. In this episode we dive into how you can transform uncertainty from a source of stress and anxiety into a catalyst for growth and resilience. More specifically you're going to learn: The surprising link between your perspective on uncertainty and your leadership effectiveness.One simple mindset shift that transforms anxiety into empowerment.How to uncover hidden opportunities in the most unpredictable challenges. Whether you’re facing funding cuts or grappling with global unpredictability, this episode will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and courage. Watch on YouTube Here WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    13 min
  4. NGO Leaders: Find Your Community So You Thrive in 2026 (Beyond Your Org)

    12/29/2025

    NGO Leaders: Find Your Community So You Thrive in 2026 (Beyond Your Org)

    Have you ever set powerful leadership goals—only to fall back into old habits a few months later despite your best intentions? If you’re trying to lead differently in 2026—by empowering your team, setting boundaries, and stepping out of constant firefighting—this episode helps you understand why willpower isn’t the problem and how the right environment and community can make lasting change finally feel possible. In this episode, you’ll gain: A clear understanding of why even committed leaders struggle to sustain change without the right support system.Insight into how an external, values-aligned community can accelerate your growth and confidence as a leader.Practical criteria for identifying (or creating) a community that fuels momentum instead of draining your energy. Listen now to discover how the right community can help you stay aligned, energized, and on track to thrive as a leader throughout 2026. Watch on YouTube Here What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    14 min
  5. Unlock 2026 Success: 3 Reflection Questions for NGO Leaders

    12/22/2025

    Unlock 2026 Success: 3 Reflection Questions for NGO Leaders

    What if answering just three powerful questions today could completely change how you lead—and how much impact you make—in 2026? If you’re heading into the new year feeling busy, stretched thin, or unsure how to grow your impact without burning out, this episode speaks directly to you—helping you shift from reacting to demands to intentionally designing a leadership year that creates results, clarity, and a stronger team. In this episode, you’ll gain: Clear insight into which tasks are draining your time and how delegating them can unlock growth for both you and your team.A simple way to identify the leadership activities that create the greatest impact—so your time finally aligns with what matters most.A practical framework to turn reflection into action and design a focused, sustainable leadership strategy for 2026. Hit play now to start shaping a calmer, more impactful 2026 by answering the three questions that help great leaders work smarter—not longer. Watch Here on YouTube What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    14 min
  6. The Holiday Leadership Test: 4 Warning Signs Your Team Depends on You as a NGO Leader

    12/15/2025

    The Holiday Leadership Test: 4 Warning Signs Your Team Depends on You as a NGO Leader

    Do you ever feel more stressed before going on leave than during your actual workweek—simply because you’re worried your team won’t function without you? If taking a holiday makes you anxious about messages, decisions, or potential crises your team might face without you, this episode helps you understand why that stress isn’t about the season—it’s a sign that your team may be relying on you more than they should, and what you can shift to reclaim real rest and healthier leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to identify the hidden signs that your team depends on you instead of feeling empowered to lead.Why your availability during leave is linked to your leadership habits, not your team’s capability.Practical shifts you can make now so your team grows stronger—and you can finally disconnect without fear. Press play now to learn how to step away with confidence and create a team that thrives—even when you're on holiday. Watch on YouTube Here What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.   This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    11 min
  7. How to Lead Across Cultures Without Losing Your Impact (2026 Modern NGO Guide)

    12/08/2025

    How to Lead Across Cultures Without Losing Your Impact (2026 Modern NGO Guide)

    Have you ever stayed silent in a meeting—not because you disagreed, but because “that’s just how things are done” in your organization or culture? If you’ve ever struggled between honoring your cultural norms and wanting to lead in a more empowering, modern way, this episode will help you understand why cultural expectations can both support and limit your leadership—and how you can navigate them intentionally to create stronger, more resilient teams. In this episode, you’ll learn: How cultural norms shape your leadership style—and when they might be holding you or your team back.Why balancing hierarchy with empowerment leads to healthier, more effective teams.Practical ways to adapt your leadership to your cultural context without losing your authenticity or impact. Press play now to learn how to lead confidently across cultures and create a team culture where people can thrive. Watch Here on YouTube What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.  To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.   This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    10 min
  8. Why You Need Community Support To Lead Change in Your Nonprofit (2026)

    12/01/2025

    Why You Need Community Support To Lead Change in Your Nonprofit (2026)

    Do you ever feel like you’re trying to lead differently in your NGO, but you’re doing it alone—like no one around you sees the vision you’re working so hard to create? If you’ve been trying to empower your team, set healthier boundaries, or model a new kind of leadership but feel isolated or misunderstood, this episode will help you understand why leading change can feel lonely—and how the right community can completely transform your ability to stay courageous, committed, and consistent as a modern NGO leader. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to find support when the people closest to you don’t yet understand your leadership vision.Why the right community helps you stay motivated, courageous, and aligned when change gets uncomfortable.How to build or join a community that accelerates your growth and amplifies the change you want to create inside your organization. Press play now to learn how surrounding yourself with the right community can be the key to sustaining your vision and creating meaningful change that lasts. What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.  To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.  Watch On YouTube Here This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    10 min
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Are you a humanitarian or international development leader who wants to make a greater impact without the overwhelm and overwork? If you want to create a high performance team that meets the changing demands of the humanitarian and development sector without sacrificing your wellbeing, you're in the right place! In less time than it takes to drink your powdered milk Nescafe you will learn: - How to empower a diverse team to perform their best despite cultural and personality differences - What’s keeping you from greater productivity and how to overcome it - How to meet the leadership needs of the modern humanitarian and development sector while making a greater impact without the stress I’m your host Torrey Peace and after 12 years’ working in humanitarian and development as well as coaching hundreds of leaders across the UN, INGO and civil society globally, I have observed firsthand the overwork and overwhelm that is so common and leads to unnecessary stress. The good news is I have discovered how you can lead differently in order to step out of overwhelm and start making a bigger impact than you thought possible, and I want to share it with you. Join me every Monday to learn practical insights and tips to help you become a modern humanitarian and international development leader. Start by listening to fan favorite - episode 7 - "A Surprising Way to Ensure Team Success So You Can Make a Greater Impact as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader."

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