88. Do Less, Create More: Finding Leverage Points for Real Impact + HCN Update
Episode 88 of the Changemaker Q&A podcast, hosted by Humanitarian Changemakers Network, titled "88. Do Less, Create More: Finding Leverage Points for Real Impact + HCN Update" was published on March 17, 2026 and runs 30 minutes.
March 17, 2026 ·30m · Changemaker Q&A
Summary
If you don’t want the HCN update, skip to 12:35!What if doing less was actually the smartest strategy for creating more impact? Inspired by a very real moment of autumn “shedding” (and some painfully slow internet), this episode dives into what leverage really means in the context of social change. Instead of glorifying busyness, we explore productivity as a ratio of inputs to outcomes — and why more activity does not automatically equal more impact. From identifying bottlenecks and hidden friction inside your work, to designing for leverage rather than coverage, to knowing when to stop doing work that no longer aligns with your theory of change, this is a practical, honest conversation about how to focus on what actually moves the system. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels or feeling stretched thin, this episode will help you rethink where your real leverage point might be hiding.Resources mentioned: School of Social Impact’s Theory of Change Challenge and the Ultimate Introduction to Systems Thinking bundle.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Episode Description
If you don’t want the HCN update, skip to 12:35!
What if doing less was actually the smartest strategy for creating more impact? Inspired by a very real moment of autumn “shedding” (and some painfully slow internet), this episode dives into what leverage really means in the context of social change. Instead of glorifying busyness, we explore productivity as a ratio of inputs to outcomes — and why more activity does not automatically equal more impact. From identifying bottlenecks and hidden friction inside your work, to designing for leverage rather than coverage, to knowing when to stop doing work that no longer aligns with your theory of change, this is a practical, honest conversation about how to focus on what actually moves the system. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels or feeling stretched thin, this episode will help you rethink where your real leverage point might be hiding.
Resources mentioned: School of Social Impact’s Theory of Change Challenge and the Ultimate Introduction to Systems Thinking bundle.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.