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

When the structure, pace, and purpose of humanitarian life suddenly fall away, what fills the space that’s 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 you’ve ever questioned who you are outside of your work, this conversation will help you find language, hope, and solidarity for the road ahead.Today’s guestsJennifer LentferFarm 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 Magazine’s “100 Women to Follow on Twitter,” 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.→ Connect with her on Linkedin. Hasangani (Hasi) Edema-ReynoldsA 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 Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a Master’s in Humanitarian Assistance from Tufts University. Outside work, Hasi finds joy in singing, piano, painting, and travel.→ Connect with her on LinkedIn. You’ll learnWhy 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 meetingsResources recommendedConnexUs 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-GirodPoem: 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 feetlays the changemaker.The creator of grand, heroic strategy and ideasto change everything, at once,to change minds and behaviors and alignment,magically.Oh changemaker, how close you lived toconquer and capture and control and contract,how tightly you gripped, fixed,how you wrestled your longing forcertainty, comfort, convenience,how you constructed causation,how you were only taught/thought one way.How you relied on fanciful linearity,determinate, ambitious, utilitarianforce of will plodding, plotting, spent, alone!How you thought you had to carry it all…Now changemaker, laying there in this plot,unable to influence…anythingamidst the falling shovelfuls of soil.There, there, I lay — the irony of former self-elevationno longer lost on me.The earth will fill in my body,its softness, loaminess reclaimed —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!  

 When the work that once defined you no longer fits, what comes next?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:Living your values through different seasons of life and careerThe difference between having to pivot and wanting toHow to reframe a “career gap” into a story of growthFinding community and accountability when work feels uncertainWhy sustainable leadership matters more than ever in 2025Whether you’re navigating a career transition, feeling unmoored by sector-wide changes, or simply wondering what’s next, this episode reminds you: you’re allowed to change, and you don’t have to do it alone.Today’s GuestKelsi 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. She’s been featured in Forbes, Devex, and The Bloom.You’ll LearnHow to test the question: Do I have to pivot, or do I want to?A values-first way to navigate career seasons (and why “having it all” is a myth of timing).The “panic → pause → plan” sequence for layoffs and funding shocks.How to reframe résumé 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 “give before you get” 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 isn’t).Key Quotes by Kelsi “We’re not one identity. We’re allowed to change, and our careers should change with us.” “Change doesn’t mean starting over; it means realigning.” “Quality over quantity: ten intentional targets beat a hundred blind applications.”Resources & MentionsKelsi’s website: https://www.kriitmaa.com/ Kelsi’s take on LinkedIn: The good, bad and ugly: (coming soon)Kelsi’s 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/   “The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever” by Neha Ruch - link“Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and (Actually) Love What You Have” 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 it’s 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. She’s 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 today’s 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 sector’s biggest crises in decades.What you’ll learn What embodying change looks like in times of personal and political upheavalThe concept of “windows of opportunity” in transitions, and how to widen them for yourselfWhy peer support groups can be an anchor in chaotic timesThe difference between “order Muppets” and “chaos Muppets” Practical steps you can take if you’re feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unsure of what’s nextAbout our guestJeanne 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 mentionedOrganization: Aid Transition Alliance [LINK]Organization: OneAID Community [LINK]Book: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk [LINK]Book: “Widen the Window” 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 University’s Pivot With Purpose Program [LINK]Episode 59: The power of structured peer support with Carrie Santos [LINK]Episode 37: Get in the “growth zone” with Cindy Rocha [LINK]Article: “You are not alone: Preventing Suicide in a Time of Crisis” [LINK]Join the conversationWhat kind of Muppet are you?  Order or Chaos?  Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn. Support the showIf 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. 

It can feel overwhelming navigating a career pivot, especially in times of uncertainty. But it doesn’t have to be. In today’s episode of Embodying Change, we’re 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.Today’s 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.You’ll 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 Wayan’s 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 today’s episode:Wayan’s personal blog and resources: mypivot.substack.comThe book Never Search Alone“Welcome to USAID Hunger Games! Worst Game No One Wanted, by Friends of USAID” https://mypivot.substack.com/p/welcome-to-whose-career-is-it-anyway Subscribe and connect:Check out Wayan’s Career Pivot platform for job seekers at mypivot.substack.comConnect with Wayan on LinkedIn: Wayan Vota’s LinkedIn

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 LearnHow 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 reformResourcesThe 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 stuck–if 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 GuestCarrie SantosWith 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 LearnWhat 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 onLinkedIn: 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.ResourcesFor Melissa Pitotti’s 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 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."

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

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

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 LeadershipOther episodes of the Embodying Change podcastEpisode 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/