Afleveringen
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What do you do when your professional world turns upside down?
Maybe itâs burnout, harassment, a role abolished, or something else.
An identity shaken.
Humanitarian workers are trained to carry other peopleâs suffering.
But what happens when we are the ones carrying something heavy?
In Episode 67 of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti sits down with Silvia Risi, former humanitarian aid worker turned mental health peer supporter, to explore one powerful idea: recovery is learning how to carry what happened without letting it define or disable your life.
After more than 16 years working in conflict and post-conflict contexts, Silvia reached a breaking point that led her to step away from the field. What followed was not an immediate reinvention. It was grief. Identity loss. Slowness. Reconstruction.
This conversation explores what it means to pivot, not by erasing what happened, but by integrating it.
In this episode, we explore:⢠Why losing a job can feel like losing yourself
⢠The difference between therapy, coaching, and mental health peer support
⢠What âNothing about us without usâ means in recovery work
⢠Why peer support is horizontal and rooted in lived experience
⢠How hope can be practiced, not just promised
⢠Why "Pivoting Well" starts with grieving well
⢠How humanitarian skills translate into unexpected new chaptersSilvia shares how reconnecting with her values, practicing daily self-kindness, and finding peers who understood the humanitarian context became central to her healing.
Because sometimes the goal is not to "move on."
Sometimes the goal is to learn how to carry what happened with strength, dignity, and support.
About Silvia Risi
Silvia Risi worked for over 16 years in humanitarian operations, primarily in conflict and post-conflict settings. Following burnout and workplace psychological harassment, she began a recovery journey that led her toward coaching, professional training in mental health peer support, and a new way of serving the humanitarian workforce.
She is currently completing a university diploma in mental health peer support, and neurodiversity at Lyon University.
Silvia now serves as a humanitarian mental health peer supporter with CoCreate Humanity, a Swiss association founded in 2019 to strengthen the psychosocial wellbeing of humanitarian workers and their families.
About CoCreate Humanity
CoCreate Humanity provides:
⢠Multilingual, confidential humanitarian peer support (primarily online)
⢠Advocacy and awareness through art and community events
⢠Working toward professionalization and training in humanitarian peer supportPeer support at CoCreate Humanity is grounded in lived experience, structured training, and ongoing supervision from mental health professionals. It complements, but does not replace, professional mental health care.
Learn more about their work or request support: www.cocreatehumanity.org
Additional resources mentioned:
â WHO Europe Roadmap (2025): Transforming Mental Health Through Lived Experiencehttps://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2025-12307-52079-79927
â Sarah Verrierâs dissertation: Humanitarian Peer Support in Mental Health - A Link in the Chain of Psychosocial Support for Humanitarian Workers (available via CoCreate Humanity website)https://www.cocreatehumanity.org/memoires-final-dissertations
If this episode resonatesâŚ
If you are navigating mental health challenges, burnout, restructuring, identity shifts, or a career pivot you do not have to carry it alone.
Find a peer.
Start a conversation.
Give yourself permission to grieve what changed.
And if this episode felt meaningful, consider sharing it with a colleague who might need to hear it.
Because embodying change isnât about pretending nothing happened.
Itâs about learning how to carry what happened together.
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What if AI adoption isnât a tech problem, but a trust-and-teams problem? In this conversation, Maude Pittet Nazareno shares what sheâs learned from training frontline negotiators on pressure management and supporting organizations with AI-enabled workflow transformation. We explore why âprompt hygieneâ 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.
What âembodying changeâ looks like when youâre under pressure (head, heart, and body)Why coping strategies can be âpartial,â 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 âChatGPT for emailsâ)Practical AI literacy: how LLMs work, how to prompt, and how to avoid bias in promptsâPrompt hygieneâ for shared team threads (and how to ask AI what assumptions itâs making)How Colaborixâs AI CafĂŠ creates a space for teams to learn from each otherDetails on the AI Champion Accelerator + how to join with a listener discount
In this episode, we cover:Resources and links
Maude on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maude-pittet-nazareno/Maudeâs website: https://www.maudepnazareno.com/Colaborix Programs (including Coffee & Champion Accelerator): https://www.colaborix.ai/ai-programs
Colaborix all upcoming dates & enrolment links: https://www.colaborix.ai/upcoming-ai-eventsOpportunity
25% off Colaborix cohort programs (including the AI Champion Accelerator)
Use coupon code: ACCESSNOWAbout Maude Pittet Nazareno
Maude 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.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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AI is already reshaping humanitarian work, evaluation, and decision-making, whether weâre ready or not.
The real question isnât whether to use AI, but how.
In this episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti is joined by evaluator and systems thinker Silva Ferretti for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about whatâs at stake as AI accelerates across the humanitarian sector.
Silva challenges the idea that evaluation is about compliance and box-ticking, and reframes it as a space for learning, truth-telling, and transformation. She explains why âbest practicesâ often fail in complex contexts, how power quietly shapes what gets summarized and what gets ignored, and why AI is not neutral (especially when used uncritically).
Youâll also hear how Silva uses AI in participatory ways: to conduct interviews, surface patterns, validate findings with communities, and even co-create a song that captures her thinking about AI ethics and fluency.This is not a tools episode. Itâs a conversation about principles, power, trust, and reclaiming humanity with AI as both the risk and the opportunity.
And if you stay until the very end, youâll hear the full song Silva co-created with AI, bringing the conversation into a different register entirely.Todayâs guest: Silva Ferretti
Silva Ferretti is a humanitarian evaluator with a background in architecture and planning, known for her work on learning-oriented, complexity-aware evaluation.Rather than treating evaluation as a compliance exercise, Silva focuses on sensemaking, power, relationships, and context, and on creating space for people to talk honestly about what isnât working, not just what looks good on paper.
She is also an early and thoughtful adopter of AI in evaluation, experimenting with its use for pattern recognition, rapid synthesis, participatory validation, and creative communication, while remaining deeply attentive to ethics, bias and human agency.
Silva regularly shares reflections and provocations on LinkedIn and collaborates with peers through initiatives such as the International Evaluation Academy.
Youâll learn
The 5 Levels of AI Fluency for Values-Led Professionals, from âjust try itâ to collective ethical useWhat Silva means when she says sheâs ânot a rebel,â just aligned with humanitarian principlesWhy âbest practicesâ often fail in complex systems (and what works better)A simple, memorable distinction between complicated systems (like rockets) and complex systems (like human relationships)Why AI is not neutral, and how it can quietly amplify power and biasA practical method you can borrow immediately: record â transcribe â summarize â validate togetherThe uncomfortable question facing the sector: are we becoming a logistics and reporting machine, or a principled humanitarian practice?Bonus: Youâll hear how Silva used AI to run 60+ interviews in just days, why the first analysis echoed the managerâs worldview, and how re-running the analysis helped surface the voices (and tensions) that were missing.
Resources & links
Connect with Silva Ferretti on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sferretti/ Silvaâs article: AI in Evaluation (International Evaluation Academy Week) https://aea365.org/blog/ai-in-evaluation-by-silva-ferretti/Silvaâs song: It starts with trying (Silvaâs lyrics, AI-made music) https://peertube.uno/w/6QopXJaTkgGZERs4DTmzJUConcepts referenced: Appreciative Inquiry, complexity vs. complication, humanitarian principles, participatory evaluation -
When the structure, pace, and purpose of humanitarian life suddenly fall away, what fills the space thatâs 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 youâve ever questioned who you are outside of your work, this conversation will help you find language, hope, and solidarity for the road ahead.Todayâs guests
Jennifer Lentfer
Farm 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 Magazineâs â100 Women to Follow on Twitter,â 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.â Connect with her on Linkedin.
Hasangani (Hasi) Edema-Reynolds
A 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 Bachelorâs degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a Masterâs in Humanitarian Assistance from Tufts University. Outside work, Hasi finds joy in singing, piano, painting, and travel.â Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Why 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 meetings
Youâll learnResources recommended
ConnexUs 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-Girod
Poem: 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 feet
lays the changemaker.
The creator of grand, heroic strategy and ideas
to change everything, at once,
to change minds and behaviors and alignment,
magically.Oh changemaker, how close you lived to
conquer and capture and control and contract,
how tightly you gripped, fixed,
how you wrestled your longing for
certainty, comfort, convenience,
how you constructed causation,
how you were only taught/thought one way.How you relied on fanciful linearity,
determinate, ambitious, utilitarian
force of will plodding, plotting, spent, alone!
How you thought you had to carry it allâŚNow changemaker, laying there in this plot,
unable to influenceâŚanything
amidst the falling shovelfuls of soil.
There, there, I lay â the irony of former self-elevation
no longer lost on me.The earth will fill in my body,
its softness, loaminess reclaimed â
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!
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When the work that once defined you no longer fits, what comes next?
Living your values through different seasons of life and careerThe difference between having to pivot and wanting toHow to reframe a âcareer gapâ into a story of growthFinding community and accountability when work feels uncertainWhy sustainable leadership matters more than ever in 2025
In this heartfelt conversation, strategist and executive coach Kelsi Kriitmaa, PhD joins Melissa to explore what it means to embody change, especially for those in the social-impact and humanitarian worlds. Together, they talk about:Whether youâre navigating a career transition, feeling unmoored by sector-wide changes, or simply wondering whatâs next, this episode reminds you: youâre allowed to change, and you donât have to do it alone.
Todayâs Guest
Kelsi Kriitmaa, PhD is a strategic advisor, executive coach, and former Chief Operating Officer who helps social-impact leaders and organizations work, lead, and grow, sustainably. After more than ten years living and working across humanitarian emergencies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, she moved to Geneva and joined the leadership of a social-impact consulting firm, later serving as COO. With 20+ years spanning multilateral institutions, non-profits, foundations, CSR teams, and mission-driven companies, Kelsi blends sharp strategy with a human-centered lens. She supports leaders and teams on organizational strategy and transitions, and coaches mid- to senior-level professionals and consultants on values-aligned careers and portfolio paths. Kelsi holds a BA in Psychology, an MPH, a PhD in Epidemiology, a CSR certificate, and accredited coaching credentials. Sheâs been featured in Forbes, Devex, and The Bloom.Youâll Learn
How to test the question: Do I have to pivot, or do I want to?A values-first way to navigate career seasons (and why âhaving it allâ is a myth of timing).The âpanic â pause â planâ sequence for layoffs and funding shocks.How to reframe rĂŠsumĂŠ gaps with honesty, clarity, and credibility.Why portfolio careers (multiple revenue streams, multiple identities) are rising in social impact.A simple Top-10 targeting method for focused job search.How to network without feeling salesy, and why âgive before you getâ works.Accountability pods and co-working rhythms that create momentum.Sustainable leadership trends: psychological safety, realistic workloads, and localized decision-making.First steps if consulting might be for you (and signs it isnât).Key Quotes by Kelsi
âWeâre not one identity. Weâre allowed to change, and our careers should change with us.â âChange doesnât mean starting over; it means realigning.â âQuality over quantity: ten intentional targets beat a hundred blind applications.âResources & Mentions
Kelsiâs website: https://www.kriitmaa.com/ Kelsiâs take on LinkedIn: The good, bad and ugly: (coming soon)Kelsiâs Group Coaching Programs (including wait list for January 2026 programs): https://www.kriitmaa.com/group-coaching Devex: https://www.devex.com/ The Bloom: https://readtobloom.com/ Dr. Rebecca Dempster, trained on Internal Family Systems (IFS) - https://resileo.net/ âThe Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kidsâand Come Back Stronger Than Everâ by Neha Ruch - linkâToxic Grit: How to Have It All and (Actually) Love What You Haveâ by Amanda Goetz - linkShow Editor
Ziada Abeid is a communications consultant with over a decade of experience spanning media relations, PR, marketing, fundraising, and digital media strategy. She specializes in crafting compelling narratives and data-driven campaigns that amplify brand visibility and engagement. To learn more, visit: linkedin.com/in/ziadaabeid -
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 itâs 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. Sheâs 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 todayâs 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 sectorâs biggest crises in decades.What youâll learn
What embodying change looks like in times of personal and political upheavalThe concept of âwindows of opportunityâ in transitions, and how to widen them for yourselfWhy peer support groups can be an anchor in chaotic timesThe difference between âorder Muppetsâ and âchaos Muppetsâ Practical steps you can take if youâre feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unsure of whatâs nextAbout our guest
Jeanne 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 mentioned
Organization: Aid Transition Alliance [LINK]Organization: OneAID Community [LINK]Book: âThe Body Keeps the Scoreâ by Bessel van der Kolk [LINK]Book: âWiden the Windowâ 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 Universityâs Pivot With Purpose Program [LINK]Episode 59: The power of structured peer support with Carrie Santos [LINK]Episode 37: Get in the âgrowth zoneâ with Cindy Rocha [LINK]Article: âYou are not alone: Preventing Suicide in a Time of Crisisâ [LINK]Join the conversation
What kind of Muppet are you? Order or Chaos? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.
Support the show
If 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.
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It can feel overwhelming navigating a career pivot, especially in times of uncertainty. But it doesnât have to be.
In todayâs episode of Embodying Change, weâre joined by Wayan Vota, founder of Career Pivot, to explore how humanitarian and development professionals can use these very principles to make meaningful career transitions.
Wayan shares his personal journey of shifting careers after being laid off and discusses how his platform, Career Pivot, helps people embrace change, find new opportunities, and use their skills in new places, all while staying true to their core values.
He walks through his seven-step methodology for job searching and pivoting careers, showing how you can align your professional path with your commitment to improving lives globally.
Wayan also highlights how technology, networking, and peer support systems can powerfully support job seekers in their transitions, helping them find new roles that uphold their values and continue their impact.
If you're a humanitarian looking to pivot or even redefine your professional journey, this episode will give you tools, inspiration, and insights to take the next step, without compromising on your values.
Todayâs guest:
Wayan Vota is the founder of Career Pivot, a 12,000-member community dedicated to helping professionals find a new job. With over 25 years of experience using technology to improve lives around the world, Wayan has seen firsthand how difficult it can be to pivot, especially when you're deeply committed to humanitarian values. After being laid off in January, Wayan channeled his own experience into creating Career Pivot, a platform designed to help people align their values with their career transitions. Through Career Pivot, Wayan supports job seekers with a 7-step methodology and guides to use Generative AI to accelerate the job search process.Youâll learn:
How we can use our core values to guide a successful career pivotThe seven-step process for transitioning careers with clarity and confidenceWhy networking and informational interviews are essential for seeking new rolesHow to leverage LinkedIn and AI tools to streamline your job searchThe power of peer support systems during career transitionsHow Wayanâs personal journey led him to create Career Pivot to help others navigate career changesHow to maintain a commitment to solidarity while transitioning out of international development or the humanitarian sectorResources:
Learn more about Career Pivot and get involved at mypivot.substack.com.
Career Pivot offers webinars, peer support groups, and guides to help you through every step of your career transitionMentioned in todayâs episode:
Wayanâs personal blog and resources: mypivot.substack.comThe book Never Search AloneâWelcome to USAID Hunger Games! Worst Game No One Wanted, by Friends of USAIDâ https://mypivot.substack.com/p/welcome-to-whose-career-is-it-anywaySubscribe and connect:
Check out Wayanâs Career Pivot platform for job seekers at mypivot.substack.comConnect with Wayan on LinkedIn: Wayan Votaâs LinkedIn
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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 Learn
How 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 reformResources
The 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 a sector increasingly battered by funding cuts, program disruptions, and global uncertainty, where can humanitarian professionals find stability? As the waves of change crash around us, what can serve as our anchor?
In this powerful episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Carrie Santos about how structured peer support groups (also called masterminds or forums) can provide that crucial foundation during turbulent times. They explore how these intentional communities help humanitarians weather career transitions, prevent burnout, and find creative solutions to complex problems when traditional support systems falter.
Carrie shares her fascinating journey from working in a donor role to leading overseas programs for the American Red Cross, and then unexpectedly pivoting to run a global organization for entrepreneurs. There, she discovered the profound impact of structured peer support: an approach that successful business leaders have invested in for decades as their hidden compass during times of uncertainty.
You'll hear how this powerful practice serves as an anchor for people across industries and cultures, transforming not just their careers, but their marriages, parenting, and overall well-being during life's storms. As Carrie notes, "It's been a great source of mental strength for me... If you want to live in a community where people listen to each other, support each other, and help you when you're stuckâif you want to live in that world, you can create it."
If you're feeling adrift amid funding cuts, searching for your next opportunity, or simply wanting to connect with people who understand your unique challenges, this episode reveals how the right peer support network could be the anchor you need to remain steady, purposeful, and persevering.
Today's Guest
Carrie Santos
With 20 years' experience as an international humanitarian, Carrie has led overseas operations for the American Red Cross and served as a U.S. government donor to local and international organizations. As CEO of Entrepreneurs' Organization, with 16,000+ members globally, she led a network of purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to do good while making a profit; including 1,500+ peer support groups. Now she serves as a consultant, helping to build strategic plans for nonprofit and for-profit organizations that are aligned with her purpose of solving the world's problems by ensuring everyone can contribute their talents.You'll Learn
What makes a high-value mastermind your anchor during professional storms when casual networking falls shortThe intentional structure that makes these groups so effective at providing stability when everything else feels uncertainHow to effectively run a "hot seat" (or "love seat") to get targeted feedback on your challenges when you feel most adriftHow the exchange of real-world experiences in a peer group creates insights that even well-meaning friends can't provideHow to find or create the your own mastermind group to weather today's humanitarian challengesConnect with Carrie on
LinkedIn: Carrie Santos Her website: Timko Santos Consulting, LLC: Workshops that WorkAsk her how to join the cohort of DC-based and otherwise located senior female humanitarian and development leaders affected by foreign aid cuts.Resources
For Melissa Pitottiâs quick-start guide on how to start your own peer support group email [email protected] Roman Terekhin's research on peer support groups: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/job.2845.Ahad Ghadimi's "Forums at Work" approach for implementing peer support in organizations: https://forumsatwork.com/ and his book, Turnaround ArtistsThe Center for Leadership led by Prof. Cezary Wojcik based in Poland: https://center-for-leadership.org/Key Quote
"...It's been a great source of mental strength for me... If you want to live in a community where people listen to each other, people support each other, people cheer you on, and people help you when you're stuck⌠If you want to live in that world, you can create it." - Carrie Santos -
In todayâs 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.
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 donât 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 workersâ well-being.
Key points: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.
Dr. Lucia Berdondiniâs 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.
Resources mentioned: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 doesnât follow a linear path. It can surprise you with waves of emotion, and thatâs okay. Be patient with yourself." "Humanitarians are not indestructible. They need support just like anyone else." "Letâs look at this challenging time as an opportunity to create new, more decentralized, and more resilient systems of support." -
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.
Youâll 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:
Farahâs 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 Synderâs work on âOn TyrannyâExamples of community: GlobalDev4Palestine and Aid Workers Memorial -
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 appreciationâwhile 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:
LinkedIn: Anna YoungWebsite: AK Young ConsultingCollaborative Project: Culture Matters
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 âhowâ of culture creation so that everyone can be a part of the change.Key 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 actionsâappreciation rounds, thoughtful check-ins, or celebrating milestones.Shared Responsibility: Team culture isnât just the managerâs 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 âBig Threeâ for Thriving Teams: Connection, celebration, and appreciation are foundational for positive and productive team dynamics.Resources to Explore:
Anna Youngâs 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 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.
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.
Guest bios: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 spaces
4. 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/
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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 âservice before selfâ 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 injuryâfeeling a deep conflict between personal beliefs and professional dutiesâaffects 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 styleâsuch as fostering psychological safety and encouraging boundariesâcan 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 Sacrificeâconversations on hope + healingPodcast: What Would Ted Lasso DoProject: /rĹot/ by dimple dhabalia on SubstackBook Mention: PauseâHarnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break by Rachael OâMearaQuotes:
"Service doesnât require sacrificeâwell-being should be a normal part of our everyday work and life." â Dimple Dhabalia"Moral injury is a natural response when your professional role and personal beliefs donât align." â Dimple Dhabalia"True leadership isnât about titles; itâs about how we show up in the world." â Dimple Dhabalia"Creating space for healing starts with being authentic and modeling the change we want to see." â Dimple Dhabalia"Even in systems that feel out of alignment, small acts of compassion can create ripple effects that lead to change." â Dimple Dhabalia -
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 youâre leading a small team or an entire organization.
About Torrey
As a certified coach with twelve yearsâ experience in international development Torrey Peace facilitates rising and established leaders in the humanitarian and development world to become the leaders they admire, or âpeople centered leaders.â 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 Torreyâs work and podcast, please visit www.aidforaidworkers.com.Key Topics:
â What it means to embody change as a leader
â Overcoming imposter syndrome and shifting mindset
â Delegating effectively to create more time and space
â Practical tips for managing and empowering your team
â The importance of peer support and collaboration in leadershipLinks and Resources:
â Torreyâs Leadership Style Quiz
â Learn more about Torrey Peaceâs Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader course
â Follow Torrey Peace on LinkedInâ Listen to the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader Podcast
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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.Debraâs 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:
"Itâs 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. Itâs 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 [email protected]. Debraâs 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, Debraâs approach is personal and tailored, focusing on understanding your unique needs to simplify your daily operations. Whether itâs managing schedules, organizing projects, or handling research, CollabWork is about making your life easier so you can focus on what truly matters. Itâs 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 [email protected].uk. -
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.Sarahâs 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 luxuryâit'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 â contact Melissa Pitotti on LinkedIn for more details -
Ever wonder how aid workers can stay safe in some of the worldâs 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 â 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.
Todayâs Guest
Rebecca 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 connectionâboth to oneself and to othersâin 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/Rebeccaâs 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 [email protected] for more details.Quotes
"Embodying change requires courageâcourage to challenge the status quo and live in alignment with your values, even when it's difficult." â 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." â 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." â Rebecca Maudling
"For us, itâs not just about teaching people how to survive hostile environmentsâitâs about helping them feel confident and empowered to do their work safely." â Rebecca Maudling
"When it comes to duty of care, it's not enough to have policies on paper. Itâs about putting them into practice and making sure they actually work on the ground." â Rebecca Maudling
"Connectionâto yourself and to othersâis vital. You need to know what you need to sustain yourself and have a support network in place, especially when times get tough." â Rebecca Maudling
"We're seeing more conversations about mental health being just as important as physical health. Thatâs a positive shift, but thereâs still so much more we can do." â Rebecca Maudling
"The humanitarian sector is facing unprecedented risks, and itâs never been more important to...
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In this episode, Melissa Pitotti speaks with Deborah Doane, author of The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal.
Deborah brings decades of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, from leading the Ombudsman Project for humanitarian accountability to co-founding the RINGO Project, which is pushing for systemic change in global civil society.
The conversation explores key themes from Deborahâs book, including the challenges of reforming the INGO sector, shifting power to local actors, and embracing new roles for INGOs in the future.
Key topics covered:
A perspective on "embodying change": Deborahâs reflection on lifelong learning, stepping back, and listening.The INGO Problem: Power dynamics, accountability, and how the current INGO system can sideline rather than support local actors.The RINGO Project: Systems change and prototypes like the Reverse Call for Proposals that aim to shift power and resources to local civil society organizations.The future of INGOs: where INGOs move away from direct service delivery and focus on facilitation, advocacy, and fiscal sponsorship for local actors.The role of donors: How funding mechanisms must evolve to support more equitable, trust-based partnerships.Learning from prototypes: RINGOâs innovation approach, trying out new models for accountability, risk management, and participatory grant-making.Quotes:
âEmbodying change means constantly learning, living my values, and interrogating my own actions.â â Deborah DoaneâIf INGOs truly want to show solidarity, they need to shift their role from service delivery to supporting local actors to lead.â â Deborah DoaneâThe bureaucracy and compliance requirements are protecting no oneâthey need a revolution.â â Deborah DoaneâPrototyping is about trying something out, and if it doesnât work, youâve still learned something.â â Deborah DoaneâWe need to rethink the role of INGOs in the futureâthey must be smaller, more flexible, and in service to local communities.â â Deborah Doane"The need for system-wide change is clear, and everyone has a role to play." â Nana Asantewa AfadzinuDeborah Doane is an independent consultant and author with over two decades of experience in humanitarian and development sectors. She has led key initiatives like the RINGO Project and the Ombudsman Project, which focused on bringing accountability to the humanitarian aid sector. Her latest book, The INGO Problem, explores the power dynamics and privilege embedded in international NGOs and how to move toward a more equitable system.
Connect with Deborah Doane:
LinkedInResources Mentioned:
The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal by Deborah Doane: Purchase hereThe Ringo Project: Learn more hereThe Pledge for Change: WebsiteCHS Alliance: WebsiteCall to Action:
If you want to dive deeper into how INGOs operate and how they can shift power to local communities, pick up Deborahâs book, The INGO Problem.
Letâs continue these important conversations on how we can all contribute to meaningful, system-wide change.
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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 todayâs 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 Scottâs 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.
Todayâs 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 Philanthropy
Social Media: LinkedInYouâll hear:
What embodying change means in the context of philanthropyElishaâs 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 Scottâs large, unrestricted gifts on nonprofit organizationsHow funders perceive nonprofits' capacity to manage large gifts and what this says about the systemResources mentioned
The 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
âEmbodying change means being able to sit in the gray areas and take the best of all kinds of solutions.â â Elisha Smith ArrillagaâSupporting nonprofit leaders and staff is crucial to achieving their missionsâburnout can't be ignored.â â Elisha Smith ArrillagaâReceiving large, unrestricted gifts boosts leadership confidence and allows for greater innovation and impact.â â Elisha Smith ArrillagaâFlexibility in funding allows organizations to plan effectively and respond creatively to challenges.â â Elisha Smith ArrillagaâThere are assumptions about nonprofitsâ ability to manage large gifts, but our research shows they can, and they do amazing things with those funds.â â Elisha Smith ArrillagaCall to Action
Subscribe 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 CEPâs webinar on October 15th to dive deeper into their latest report on intermediaries in philanthropy. - Laat meer zien
