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

What do you do when your professional world turns upside down?   Maybe it’s burnout, harassment, a role abolished, or something else.    An identity shaken.   Humanitarian workers are trained to carry other people’s 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 w...

What if AI adoption isn’t a tech problem, but a trust-and-teams problem? In this conversation, Maude Pittet Nazareno shares what she’s learned from training frontline negotiators on pressure management and supporting organizations with AI-enabled workflow transformation. We explore why “prompt hygiene” matters, how AI can amplify (worsen) existing team tensions, and what it looks like to adopt AI...

AI is already reshaping humanitarian work, evaluation, and decision-making, whether we’re ready or not. The real question isn’t 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 what’s at stake as AI accelerates across the humanitarian sector. Silva ch...

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, boundar...

 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 career The difference between having t...

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 sup...

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 be...

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 whi...

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 d...

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 c...

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 im...

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...

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 humanita...

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 “service before self” to a more sustainable, human-centered approach. This episode dives int...

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 effect...

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. Debra’s work...

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. Sarah’s journey from working at The New Hu...

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 humanitarian staff not only survive but feel confident and equipped to do their work safely — 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, R...

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 th...

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 today’s 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 de...

How can we create a thriving workplace culture in the humanitarian sector?  In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Leanne Marega, a pioneer in humanitarian workforce well-being and a founder of Thrive Worldwide. Leanne shares her journey from Interhealth Worldwide to founding Thrive Worldwide, emphasizing the critical role of culture in fostering thriving workplaces....

How can we create sustainable change within humanitarian and development organizations?  In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Mary Ann Clements, a pivotal figure in the history of this podcast and Co-CEO at an organisation working on  disability justice, ADD International. Mary Ann shares her journey from initiating Healing Solidarity to re-imagining an INGO t...

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, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Rusty Stahl, founder of Fund the People. Rusty shares his journey into philanthropy, the systemic issues leading to chronic underinvestment in nonprofit staff, and the innovative solutions Fund the People advocates for. Yo...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities and challenges of humanitarian work? Are you looking for signs of hope that, together, we can transform the sector? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Pauline Chetcuti, the newly elected president of VOICE. Pauline shares her journey from international law to humanitarian advocacy, discussing the importance of sayi...

Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can better support well-being? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Gemma Houldey, author of The Vulnerable Humanitarian . Gemma shares her journey from human rights advocacy to becoming a thought leader regarding huma...