Insider strategies from fundraiser and field expert Ni Hsieh In this episode, I speak with Ni Hsieh, a long-time social impact professional and fundraiser based in the UK, whom I met during a volunteer project in Peru. What began as a promising eco-social adventure turned into a shared disillusionment as we uncovered layers of greenwashing and exploitation. This personal experience sets the tone for a raw and insightful conversation about how the nonprofit world often fails to live up to its own ideals. Ni Hsieh reflects on her journey from over a decade in the NGO sector into the wellness world, only to be equally disappointed by opportunism and pseudoscience. Her return to social impact work was sparked by anti-Asian racism during the pandemic and a local organisation’s call for support. We dive deep into what authentic community organising looks like and how organisations can and must start with inner sustainability—caring for their people first. We explore how unchecked assumptions and a lack of due diligence in project design can harm the very communities they're meant to help. Ni gives concrete examples, such as failed eco-lodge projects in the Philippines that became more about optics than true empowerment. The conversation also addresses structural issues: donor dependency, political influences, and the race for short-term survival over long-term change. Together, we challenge common narratives and explore what it would mean to rebuild these systems through trust, collaboration, and mutual care. 💡 HIGHLIGHTS of this Episode ✨ When doing “good” becomes harmful: real stories of misplaced good intentions ✨ Why personal well-being is non-negotiable for authentic changemaking ✨ The hidden cost of crisis mode: how NGOs sabotage long-term impact by chasing funding cycles ✨ Power, politics, and identity: how race, language, and post-colonial dynamics shape community work today ✨ Greenwashing, wellness-washing and the rise of the “ethical” Trojan horse—what's real and what’s performative? 👋 ABOUT Ni Hsieh (she/her) Ni Hsieh is an impact funding facilitator with 15 years of experience in non-profit programme management and resource mobilisation. Currently, she develops multi-channel income strategies to resource pathways into employment for refugee and asylum-seeking women in London. Her journey across sectors—from non-profits to wellness to community organising has deepened her understanding of authentic change work. As a compelling storyteller and clear communicator, she builds trustful relationships within collaborative, values-driven funding ecosystems that redefine how social impact is delivered. 🔗 CONNECT & follow Ni Hsieh's work 👉 LinkedIn **** 💌 CONNECT & engage with Pia - your host Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn to follow and support each other’s work. 🤗 If you consider yourself an #impactjobseeker or aspiring #impactpreneur at the beginning of your journey, jump on my Newsletter “Impact Insights” where I regularly share tools and best practices from my work as a sustainability consultant and system change facilitator. 🤓 For daily insights “behind the scenes” and event updates, join the extended community on the @work.with.impact Instagram account. 🧐💓 Take care of yourself and others! Pia 🤍 P.S. You can also watch this Episode on our YouTube Channel to see our faces 👋 🙂 #socialimpact #nonprofit #fundraising #burnout #greenwashing #identity #yogateacher #community #ecoprojects #wellbeing #ngos #organisationaldevelopment #leadership #funding #frundraising #grantwriting

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