Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being for people in aid
Episodes
64. From loss to renewal with Jennifer Lentfer and Hasangani (Hasi) Edema-Reynolds
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When the structure, pace, and purpose of humanitarian life suddenly fall away, what fills the space that’s left?In this Embodying Change special, ho...
63. Seasons of change with Kelsi Kriitmaa, PhD
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When the work that once defined you no longer fits, what comes next?In this heartfelt conversation, strategist and executive coach Kelsi Kriitmaa, P...
62. When chaos meets order with Jeanne Briggs
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to stay calm when everything is falling apart? In this episode, Jeanne Briggs, an international development professional who thrives...
61. “Career Pivot” with Wayan Vota
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Embodyin...
60. "The Big Humanitarian Rethink" with Lydia Poole
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lydia Poole discusses "The Big Humanitarian Rethink," a digital consultation she launched with Ben Parker to capture diverse perspectives on reforming...
59. Humanitarians' anchor in the storm: The power of structured peer support with Carrie Santos
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a sector increasingly battered by funding cuts, program disruptions, and global uncertainty, where can humanitarian professionals find stability? A...
58. “Navigating the storm” with Dr. Lucia Berdondini
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we hear from Dr. Lucia Berdondini, a Gestalt therapist and humanitarian, who shares her journey and the importance of embodying ...
57. "Find your people" with Farah Mahesri
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Farah Mahesri shares insights about systems-level change, the importance of building trust, and finding your community during times of transition. Dra...
56. "Everyone can contribute to positive culture" with Anna Young
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti talks with Anna Young, an organizational culture specialist, to explore how humanitarian teams ca...
55. The NGO Staff Wellbeing Network
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti is joined by Jody Gunn-Russell and Camille Lemouchoux, two trailblazers in humanitarian staf...
54. “Moral injury” with Dimple Dhabalia
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt conversation, Dimple Dhabalia shares her journey from working in the government and humanitarian sectors to advocating for trauma-in...
53. Overcoming imposter syndrome with Torrey Peace
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Torrey Peace, leadership coach and expert in the humanitarian and development secto...
52. The System Changer Sleepover with Debra Peltz
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Debra Peltz, founder of CollabWork and a well-being champion with a 25-year career in senior administratio...
51. Leading from the heart with Sarah Noble
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa Pitotti is joined by Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. Sarah shares her un...
50. Duty of Care with Rebecca Maudling
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how aid workers can stay safe in some of the world’s most dangerous environments? Rebecca Maudling, is on a mission to make sure humani...
49. The INGO Problem with Deborah Doane
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa Pitotti speaks with Deborah Doane, author of The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal. Deborah brings decades of expe...
48. Sitting in the gray with Elisha Smith Arrillaga
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
47. Cultivating thriving workplaces with Leanne Marega
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can we create a thriving workplace culture in the humanitarian sector? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Le...
46. Reimagining institutions with Mary Ann Clements
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can we create sustainable change within humanitarian and development organizations? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitott...
45. Investing in the nonprofit workforce with Rusty Stahl
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why is burnout so prevalent in the nonprofit sector? How can funders better support the people who deliver?In today’s episode of Embodying Change, h...
44. Rolling up our sleeves with Pauline Chetcuti
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities and challenges of humanitarian work? Are you looking for signs of hope that, together, we can transfo...
43. Redefining “resilience” with Gemma Houldey
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can be...
42. We are feminist leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 42: We Are Feminist Leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie BrookDo you ever feel conflicted by traditional leadership models that don’t alig...
41. "If it's itchy, uncomfortable, messy, and hurts..." with Sarah Diedro Jordão
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation with Sarah Diedro Jordão provides a deep and heartfelt exploration of what it means to embody change and foster love in the quest f...
40. Menopause with Scotti McClaren
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Humanitarian women are exposed to chronic stress, which can impact their experience of peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.In this episode of...
39. The power of self-leadership with Lucette Quarteron
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this light-hearted episode of "Embodying Change," we sit down with Lucette Quarteron, a dynamic global citizen and visionary leader. Lucette shares...
38. How to get and keep an accountability buddy with Helen Dunnett
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this conversation with Helen Dunnett, Melissa’s accountability buddy. In today's episode, Helen shares her personal journey of transforma...
37. Get in the "growth zone" with Cindy Rocha
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Melissa Pitotti as she welcomes change advocate Cindy Rocha for a morning conversation filled with insights on embracing vulnerability and s...
36. Identity and belonging with Annemarie Shrouder
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Annemarie Shrouder shares her personal journey with identity and discusses her work building inclusive cultures and communities. She and Melissa explo...
35. The #1 thing you need to transition with Nasra Ismail
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa Pitotti and Nasra Ismail have a candid conversation about navigating transitions, power dynamics, and the principles of local...
34. Giving Joy with Joy Kolin
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Melissa speaks with Joy Kolin, Executive Director and Board President of Giving Joy. Joy has 20-years of experience in the field of i...
33. Life-centric work with Wouter Smeets
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can we better manage our workload, as per Commitment 8 of the Core Humanitarian Standard?* In this episode Melissa speaks with Wouter Smeets, a d...
32. A victim/ survivor perspective with Sabrina Prioli
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Melissa speaks with Sabrina Prioli, the author of a memoir called “Rise up, phoenix” and one of the victim/survivors of the ...
31. Mental health at work with Dr. Aiysha Malik
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Melissa speaks with Dr. Aiysha Malik, a mental health specialist at the World Health Organization working for a world that supports, i...
30. When you picture Doctors without Borders what do you see?
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa speaks with: Dr. Chinonso Emmanuel Okorie, an MSF doctor living in Rwanda who recently completed a mission in Yemen; Lindis Hurun, the General...
29. The Pledge for Change with Degan Ali
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Melissa Pitotti speaks with Degan Ali, the Executive Director of Adeso, about the story behind the Pledge for Change 2030. They explor...
28. Mental models with Faye Ekong of RavelWorks Africa
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Melissa speaks with Faye Ekong of RavelWorks Africa about common challenges in aid organisations, particularly as they relate to decol...
27. Everyone needs a safe space to flourish with Oge Chukwudozie of RSH Nigeria
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa speaks with Oge Chukwudozie about the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub’s exciting pilot project accompanying 10 local Nigerian organisa...
26. Culture is the key with Dr. Gaya Gamhewage
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa speaks with Dr. Gaya Gamhewage about her work in the world’s premier health organisation, the World Health Organisation (WHO), to prevent an...
25. Governing Well with Aseem Prakash and Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa speaks with Aseem Prakash and Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken about how governing boards of aid organisations can “govern well.” They discuss t...
24. Making power visible with Dr. Emilia Roig
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Melissa asks Dr. Emilia Roig, the author of the book "Why We Matter," about how power shows up in our work, her concept of “...
23. Evolution or revolution with Umut Dilara Baycili
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa talks about organisational culture with Umut Dilara Baycili, a child psychologist working for Mavi Kalem. This humanitarian NGO and CHS Allian...
22. The data tells a story with Dr. Liza Jachens
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa speaks with Dr. Liza Jachens, an occupational health psychologist, lecturer and research associate who has partnered with six major humanitari...
21. Root. Rise. Pollinate!
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawna, Kristen and Rufaro tell the story of Root. Rise. Pollinate! and share learning from their experiment to shift culture through connecting inner...
20. Building Belonging with Brian Stout
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa and Brian Stout of Building Belonging discuss how transformation happens – for individuals, groups, societies and the planet. This includes ...
19. Torrey Peace of Aid for Aid Workers
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is dedicated to humanitarians around the world on World Humanitarian Day.Melissa and Torrey Peace of Aid for Aid Workers Leadership Podca...
18. Paula Ramírez of Breathe International
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa talks with Paula Ramírez of Breathe International.In their conversation they cover:Her journey from focusing on peacebuilding for nations to ...
17. Hope Chigudu reflects back on the Global Gathering
27 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa talks with Hope Chigudu, reflecting back on the 20-21 May Global Gathering entitled “Living our values: Care, culture and power in aid organ...
16. Mary Ann Clements previews the Global Gathering
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation Mary Ann Clements explains the background and the hopes for the 20-21 May 2021 CHS Alliance virtual Global Gathering on Living ou...
15. Leading Well Part 2 with Naser Haghamed
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At the end of January 2021 Naser Haghamed completed his 5-year stint as the CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide. Melissa reflects back with him about lead...
14. Leading Well Part I with Julia Sánchez
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa talks with Julia Sánchez, the former Secretary General of ActionAid International. The conversation was part of an ICVA-CHS Alliance joint pr...
13. Commitment Eight with Gozel Baltaeva and Adrien Muratet
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa talks with Gozel Baltaeva and Adrien Muratet about Commitment Eight of the Core Humanitarian Standard. What are the data and the practitioners...
12. Listening to your people with Roger Parry
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How can we know how staff are doing during these crazy times? Ask them. Melissa talks with Roger Parry, Director of Agenda Consulting. His organisati...
11. Small but potent acts of compassion with Rachel Coghlan and Jules Frost
20 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa and Jules Frost talk with Rachel Coghlan about what humanitarians can learn from palliative care.Palliative care improves the quality of life ...
10. Brendan McDonald from Uncomfortable Revolution
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa talks with Brendan McDonald, co-founder and COO of Uncomfortable Revolution. They explore lessons learned from a big push to ...
9. People at the Centre with JRS' Melly Preira
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa talks with Melly Preira, the Human Resources Director at the Jesuit Refugee Service, about how she introduced major changes to her humanitaria...
8. The Vulnerable Humanitarian with Gemma Houldey
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Ann catches up with Gemma Houldey. We hear Gemma's nuanced perspective on the idea of the "perfect humanitarian," the need for new ways of workin...
7. Duty of Care at IRC with Lana Baqaeen
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lana Baqaeen a Regional Staff Care Specialist for MENA Region with International Rescue Committee talks with Mary Ann about the work t...
6. Mental Health in Aid with Imogen Wall
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this show, you'll hear Mary Ann interview Imogen Wall, an independent consultant working in the humanitarian aid sector, mental health advocate and...
5. COVID, Organisations & Mental Health with Dr. Peter Mills
28 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this show, you'll hear Mary Ann interview Dr. Peter Mills, Medical Director of Cigna. They talk about the mental health impacts of Covid-19 and the...
4. Coping with Covid Mindfully with Hitendra Solanki
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hitendra Solanki is a senior lecturer in development studies at London South Bank University. He’s been active in the development and humanitarian s...
3. Coping with COVID & its impact on our lives Part Two with Don Bosch
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this show, you'll hear Melissa interview Don Bosch, Director of Risk Psychology and HEAT Training at the Headington Institute. Don is a licensed cl...
2. Coping with COVID & its impact on our lives Part One with Kristin Duncombe
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this show, you'll hear Melissa interview Kristin Duncombe a therapist and couples counsellor, life coach, and author. She’s based her career on w...
1. Care & Compassion in a time of Covid-19 with Tanya Wood
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Embodying Change.In this introductory episode, you'll hear Melissa Pitotti talking with Tanya Wood, Executive Director of CHS Alliance. The...