Inside the UN: A Practical Look at Transformative Change — with Laurel Patterson

How can the UN move from talking about transformation to living it? In this powerful episode, Silke von Brockhausen sits down with Laurel Patterson, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Communications at UNDP’s Crisis Bureau, to explore what regeneration really means inside one of the world’s most complex systems.

Together, they unpack why the UN often produces outcomes nobody truly wants—and how shifting our inner and relational lenses can change that. Laurel shares a refreshingly practical roadmap drawn from years of work with Theory U, Transformative Spaces, and SDG Leadership Labs—showing that change starts with how we show up together.

You’ll learn:

• How to design meetings that build trust and human connection.
• Why naming power dynamics unlocks new possibilities.
• How “action-confidence” beats waiting for perfect plans.
• Why unlearning—together—is the real key to innovation.
• How scaling transformation means deepening ownership, not rolling out toolkits.

Big takeaway: Regeneration in the UN isn’t a project—it’s a daily practice of seeing clearly, acting with courage, and nurturing relationships as the core infrastructure of change.

Listen now to rediscover the art of deep listening, relational leadership, and small steps that can move big systems.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Regenerative Leadership

02:20Understanding Regeneration in the UN Context

05:17Awareness-Based Collective Action in the UN

11:49Scaling Initiatives for Regenerative Leadership

18:43Advice for Future UN Leadership

29:45Empowering Young Leaders in the UN

34:33Daily Practices for Grounding and Connection