Lessons from Leaders

Leadership in today’s development sector requires both agility and a deeply human touch. In this episode of Lessons From Leaders, Traci Baird, CEO of EngenderHealth, shares practical wisdom for those navigating the complexities of leading teams and organizations during times of rapid change. Her insights are especially valuable for decision makers and emerging leaders who are shaping the future of our sector.Traci’s journey into leadership is a testament to the power of trusting others and building teams where everyone’s strengths are valued. She discusses how she “emerged” as a leader almost by accident, and why surrounding yourself with people who excel in their roles and empowering them to lead is essential for organizational success.A central theme in our conversation is Traci’s belief that “leadership is my team sport.” For her, leadership isn’t about being a solo hero; it’s about practicing leadership in community, relying on the expertise of others, and recognizing that true impact happens when everyone leads their part of the work.We also dive into where leaders can find energy and hope right now, from moments of connection and optimism to the conviction that collective action, grounded in principle, can overcome even the toughest challenges. Traci calls on leaders to be “excessively generous” with knowledge and tools, fostering cultures where everyone, regardless of title, is empowered to lead.If you’re making decisions, guiding teams, or stepping into new leadership roles in the development sector, this episode offers strategies and inspiration for leading with purpose and resilience. Let this conversation support you as you navigate your own leadership journey.

 We’re diving into a topic that’s hitting close to home across the global development sector: mergers, consolidations, and what happens when organizations decide they’re stronger together.I sat down with my colleagues, Tom Dente and John Glover, to talk about what we’re hearing from leaders right now, and what it really takes to make these big organizational shifts work. For so many NGOs, the choice to merge isn’t just about strategy anymore; it’s about survival.Tom, John, and I have spent months talking with CEOs and leadership teams who are navigating this very thing. What’s clear is that the success of any merger isn’t just in the spreadsheets or the legal agreements, it’s in the culture. It’s in how leaders bring people along, how they hold space for uncertainty, and how they stay anchored to the mission while everything familiar is being redefined.Tom said it so well: “Boards need to be braver, faster. It’s easy to protect the logo; it’s harder to protect the purpose.” And John reminded us, “Organizations are adaptive systems. The culture that served you in the past may not serve you in the future.” The merger and consolidation efforts need to focus less on combining structures and more on merging people and the identities they carry with them. Our conversation centered on the fact that mergers are opportunities to reimagine organizational culture and to “re-recruit” staff, boards, and partners into a renewed shared purpose. Adapting and co-creating new cultural norms are essential for resilience in a fast-changing world.As we talked, something bigger came through. Yes, mergers are about sustainability, but they’re also about courage. The courage to end one chapter so a new one can begin.This conversation will resonate with those in the global development sector who are contemplating mergers, consolidation, and joint ventures. Join us for an honest look at what it means to merge not just organizations, but missions, people, and purpose. 

Say “yes” to the tough stuff!  That was the big lesson I learned as I sat down with Aleksander Dardeli, COO of Save the Children, in this edition of Lessons From Leaders.  Aleks’ story is proof that the most meaningful impact comes from leaning into challenges with optimism, curiosity, and a belief in what’s possible. From his early days in Albania, where he helped spark change as a student leader, to guiding Save the Children’s global mission, Aleks shows us that growth and transformation come to life from doing hard things.     “Leadership styles are not born. They grow. They are our evolutionary response to circumstances, who we are, and our passion to drive change.”Uplifting Lessons for the NGO WorldAleks’ childhood under communism helped him learn through adversity, and his role in Albania’s student movement taught him the value of human freedoms and personal initiative. He credits his family for nurturing his imagination and resilience, and he’s always on the lookout for new ideas.     “I find reading to be key to building a strong imagination. And I find a strong imagination to be one of the key ingredients of resilience.”As he leads a team across 54 countries, Aleks shares with us how he has learned to absorb complexity and turn it into progress.     “Reducing complexity too much leads to simplicity that sometimes is foolish. Leaders  must absorb complexity and make action possible.”And is it possible to lead a mission with meaning?  Absolutely!  For Aleks, a real partnership starts with a clear, focused mission. And trust is at the heart of everything Aleks does.     “It all starts with that mission. The organizations joining forces must align at the level of the mission. And by mission, I don’t mean a generalized mission… I mean a specific mission. Trust is built by staying true to your mission, being consistent, and demonstrating benevolence.”What’s the secret sauce to a mission with meaning? A team, hungry for change. Aleks looks for organizations with a proven record of adaptability and a spirit of innovation at every level. He is passionate about technology and AI and urges NGOs to “speed up our pace” so the sector can lead.     “If you’re looking at two different teams with a high appetite for change, I think you have a good start.”Why Say Yes to Hard Things?For NGO Leaders: Aleks’ journey is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunities in a changing environment.For Changemakers: His story is a reminder that agency and imagination are the keys to resilience and lasting impact.For the Sector: This episode is a rallying cry: embrace the hard stuff, invest in your people and technology, and never lose sight of your mission.Thank you, Aleks, for this motivating sit-down. Are you ready to be inspired? I invite you to listen to Aleks’ inspiring words and say “yes: to doing hard things, and discover how bold leadership, a clear mission, and a love of learning can shape the future of nonprofit impact!

I am thrilled to share my latest conversation.Why? Because Venus Devnani, Executive Vice President of American Jewish World Service, is not just fabulous; she brings an interesting perspective to the NGO table. This conversation is not just worth listening to; her thoughts on honoring different perspectives and making room for multiple truths directly apply to our work in the development sector. One of the highlights of our conversation is Venus’ viewpoint on how understanding different experiences can develop stronger, more compassionate leaders in building space for true empathy. Adding to her insights, Venus states it perfectly,"Slowing down and learning vulnerably are key to understanding others' experiences."A key question I ask guests is, "What key events have shaped your leadership style?" Two of her prime examples fall into buckets relevant to the development sector: identity and belonging.Venus is a first-generation American. Her parents immigrated from India and Indonesia to the US, leaving behind a life, a country, and a family. Her experiences as a first-generation high school graduate and first-generation college graduate reflect her feeling out of place. Yet these experiences are noted as stepping stones in her identity awareness and leadership style."There’s a lot of pressure to be an ambassador for your race or identity. I had to unlearn the expectations imposed on me and relearn who I really was."  Venus’ reflection on the weight of identity inspires her to create spaces of belonging in leading others."I find it so gratifying now to work with others who also experienced a lack of belonging. As leaders in mission-driven spaces, it's our responsibility to create cultures where every individual feels seen, valued, and included. True belonging isn’t just about fitting in; it’s about embracing the richness of our diverse experiences and using that to build stronger, more inclusive communities."Thank you, Venus, for sharing your thought-provoking journey of navigating identity, belonging, and justice. Your inspiring words on embracing cultural roots and fostering inclusivity will help NGO leaders deepen their leadership understanding in our diverse world.Tune in now to hear Venus’ invaluable perspectives.

In this episode of Lessons from Leaders, Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), shared his unique and game-changing insights on leadership in our conversation. This journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring, showcasing remarkable resilience, vision, and innovation. From navigating the challenges of being the eldest son of immigrant parents to shaping his career in the wake of 9/11, Sharif’s story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication. In our conversation, he shared his masterclass in crisis management. His tenure at Islamic Relief USA saw him confront disinformation head-on and lead through some of the most intense crises. His experiences highlight the importance of staying true to the mission while adapting to rapidly changing circumstances and with conviction. Sharif stated:"True leadership is about staying committed to your mission, even as you adapt to the landscapes around you."Throughout the podcast, I was inspired as I listened to Sharif's insights on making tough decisions and prioritizing the greater good. He offered invaluable advice for any leader aiming to make a meaningful impact. His practical guidance on balancing organizational needs with team motivation is essential for future-ready leaders and one you will want to take advantage of.Sharif emphasized creating high-performing cultures through psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and clear communication, fostering support and innovation. He described a particularly fun metaphor we can all relate to, likening the CEO to a bus driver, as he stated: "A CEO is like a bus driver, ensuring everyone is on board and moving in the right direction with strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail.” One of the most profound takeaways from our conversation was Sharif's perspective on embracing failure. He passionately encouraged leaders to take risks, learn from mistakes, and continuously strive for improvement, highlighting the transformative power of resilience and innovation.Thank you, Sharif, for our conversation packed with actionable insights and heartwarming stories. Tune in now and let Sharif’s incredible journey and wisdom ignite your passion for leadership and change.

Have you redefined your view of leadership recently?I share this inspiring conversation with Judith Le Blanc, the trailblazing Executive Director of the Native Organizers Alliance. Deeply rooted in her Indigenous culture and heritage, Judith introduced me to a fresh perspective on leadership, as her bold journey is a powerful testament to the impact of collective action and cultural continuity. Her insights left a lasting impression on me, and I know they'll resonate with you, too.Beginning in the 1970s, Judith’s leadership journey took a bold turn when she quit college to support the Wounded Knee Occupation in South Dakota. This pivotal experience underscored the importance of sovereignty and self-determination, shaping her understanding of leadership as a collective effort. Her path has since become a testament to the transformative power of united action and cultural perseverance, inspiring those around her with her unwavering commitment.She recalls, “Going to Wounded Knee was a transformative experience. It awakened my sense of being part of something much greater than myself.”Judith’s insights are a treasure trove of wisdom. She emphasizes the need to address past issues to improve current community lives, stresses how our actions now impact future generations and notes sovereignty is a top concern across all demographics, reflecting shared values. Lastly, she introduced relational leadership, which respects past, present, and future interconnectedness.“Understanding the time continuum from the beginning of time until the end of time is crucial. We have ancestral responsibilities, and what we do in the present carries a lot of weight for our descendants and ancestors.”Thank you, Judith, for sharing your profound leadership insights for future-ready leaders. Deeply rooted in Indigenous values, you emphasize relationality, sovereignty, and reflection, offering a warm and holistic way to drive transformative change in the NGO sector.A must-listen episode!

My esteemed guest is Robert Bank, CEO of American Jewish World Service. Robert's remarkable journey, from his formative years in apartheid-era South Africa to his current role as a fervent advocate for vulnerable communities, offers profound insights into the transformative power of diverse experiences in shaping effective leadership. Robert introduces a practical framework for effective leadership: the three L's: Listen, Learn, and Land. This approach underscores the value of embracing diverse perspectives and making decisive choices, designating it a valuable tool for future-ready leaders. Robert elaborates:“I strive to do three things: listen, learn, and land. These steps are challenging but crucial, especially in leadership roles where biases and preconceived ideas can cloud judgment. It's important to stay humble, recognize the projections of others, and remain patient, particularly in the face of the complex and diverse challenges we encounter."All leaders face the challenge of maintaining clarity and direction while adapting to new insights and external changes, and Robert shares examples and insights from his work in international development and global human rights to meet the challenges upfront.Robert underscores the pivotal role of strategic planning in achieving organizational alignment and clarity in mission and goals. He emphasizes the need to engage diverse stakeholders and integrate their perspectives into a cohesive strategy. Additionally, he highlights the significance of understanding and adapting to generational differences within the workforce."Strategic planning ensures organizational alignment and clarity. Involving diverse stakeholders and converging perspectives into a unified strategy is key. Adapting to generational differences within the workforce is essential for effective leadership."Robert, thank you for your deep-dive conversation into leadership in the NGO sector to discover how fostering trust, clarity, and inclusiveness can lead to impactful change.

Have you fallen head over heels with your mission statement? Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of inspiration from my guest, Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, when he shares that, for him, falling in love with the mission and setting audacious goals are the turbo boosters of motivation and success that foster innovation to drive impactful change within NGOs.🔸"Falling in love with the mission fuels our passion while setting impossible goals ignites our imagination and determination - both are the driving forces behind unstoppable motivation."Michael's career is a treasure trove of unique insights, drawing from his experiences at Microsoft and Charity Navigator. His journey underscores the importance of accountability, resilience, and people-centric leadership, making his perspective a valuable asset for any NGO leader. 🔸"At Microsoft, I learned that people are not just a bullet point on a slide - they're our first priority. Supporting our teams through challenges, building psychological safety, and fostering a mission-driven culture are pivotal moments that drive success."Are you seeking practical strategies for successful change management? Look no further. Michael's insights, grounded in real-world experiences at Microsoft and Charity Navigator, offer a roadmap you can immediately apply to your current strategic plan. These strategies emphasize collaboration, experimentation, and strategic vision to address complex challenges.Michael and I also explore the dynamic relationship for CEO-board engagement, trust-building, and effectively leveraging board support. Michael's personal growth and leadership evolution perspective offer a compelling roadmap for  NGO leaders driving lasting impact.🔸"Board engagement is about finding the balance between adding value without overstepping boundaries, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring mutual enjoyment and contribution."Take advantage of this timely episode, which is brimming with inspiration and actionable strategies crucial in today's challenging NGO landscape.Thank you, Michael, for equipping us with the tools to catalyze positive change within the NGO community!

This podcast is a game-changer. Celebrating CREED's 2nd anniversary, I'm joined by Paul Weisenfeld, Executive Vice President at RTI and a key figure in the Coalition for Racial and Ethnic Equity in Development’s (CREED) Board Executive Committee.Get ready for some real talk!Paul shares CREED's remarkable journey, from its infancy to shaking up the development sector. Senior leaders like Paul are spearheading change, advocating for racial equity in their organizations. His insights into CREED's triumphs and trials paint a vivid picture of transformation in the development sector. From his own journey since the '80s to championing authentic leadership and tackling biases head-on, Paul's words hit home when he shared a vivid example of when he became possibly the first black mission director for an agency in a predominantly white environment and realized he was “code-switching” his behavior to fit in. He realized the weight of representation and the importance of authenticity."In 2006, I became a Mission Director in Peru for USAID, possibly the first black Mission Director in South America. I navigated the dual worlds of predominantly white professional settings and my predominantly black upbringing. This led to a style of code-switching until recent years when I embraced authentic leadership."Paul's reflections shed light on CREED's evolution and the collaborative efforts of senior leaders in reshaping racial equity in development."In the development sector, authentic leadership means confronting biases head-on and collaborating to drive racial equity."Fearlessly navigating uncomfortable conversations, Paul urges us to confront systemic issues with courage. His passion for inclusivity is infectious, inspiring us to drive change authentically. By recognizing our role in addressing these issues, he empowers leaders to take action.As we wrapped up, Paul's stories left me not just informed but energized. Thank you, Paul, for sharing your journey.Join me in exploring CREED's initiatives and embarking on our journey toward a more equitable future. 

Tune in now and revitalize your approach to social impact!From the very start, my conversation with Julia Roig, Founder and Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project, is a thought-provoking dialogue that promises to captivate your interest. Julia’s resilient journey in the nonprofit sector contains invaluable insights that ignite passion and action. I couldn't help but jot down Julia's insightful words at the core of our conversation.“Don’t just face risks but embrace them. Risks often unfold into transformative successes.”On the art of networking, collaboration, and relationship building, Julia champions the power of deliberate relationship-building, urging leaders to embrace slow networking, fostering genuine connections, and recognizing the true magic in the spaciousness of profound collaborations. Her words echo as a call to collective empowerment and shared responsibility.She contributes, "Collaboration isn't easy. We've taken for granted that putting people together will make it happen. The reality is, it's hard work, a long-term commitment, and we must slow down in building relationships and understanding."As we dive into the vibrant board engagement and culture world, Julia paints a picture of intentional excitement. She champions the creation of lively, substantive board meetings that blend camaraderie with impactful discussions. It's not just about work; it's about building a thriving, energized community.In a sector where challenges are met with resilience, thank you, Julia, for your guidance, sparking a renewed sense of purpose. I can’t wait to continue following Julia. Her words reverberate as a call to action, inspiring professionals to lead with courage, collaborate with zeal, and infuse joy into their nonprofit journey.Listen today!

In this captivating episode, we explore the compelling dynamics of leadership and the empowering concept of active resistance. My distinguished guest, Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, the President and CEO of the Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA), draws from her rich background as a medical doctor and her inspirational leadership journey.Dr. Nyambi’s take on authentic leadership is a beacon of wisdom, emphasizing the significance of staying true to oneself, aligning actions with beliefs, and eschewing conformity to external expectations. Trust and active listening emerge as pivotal elements in her philosophy, bridging the worlds of community and organizational leadership. Her great words of wisdom:“When you listen, do you hear, and does that translate? Do you go out and do something different? When you go into a meeting, you have an idea of how things should go, and you talk about your idea.  Your focus is only to convince the other of your idea. That is not listening respectfully.  Instead, listening respectfully is taking half your idea and half my idea and shifting issues together.”Dr. Nyambi challenges conventional international development paradigms through a striking metaphor that distinguishes between organizations, likening them to "Toyotas" or "Teslas." This metaphor symbolizes the transformation needed within international NGOs, transitioning from the traditional North American-centric "Toyota" model to the innovative "Tesla" approach. This evolution encompasses profound changes in financial structures, power dynamics, and knowledge-sharing, embodying a sincere commitment to genuine localization. Throughout this episode, I had the opportunity to hear her insights into the paramount importance of honoring local perspectives, standards, and agency in the realm of development work. Dr. Nyambi champions active resistance as a powerful force for catalyzing positive change, urging us all to challenge the prevailing status quo."Resistance," she contends, "is not merely a negative term; it represents an active engagement with issues. Demonstrated resilience is, for instance, a form of resistance and, importantly, a force for good."Thank you, Dr. Nyambi, for this enlightening conversation.I invite you to join us as we navigate the intricate facets of leadership, authenticity, and the promising trajectory of non-profit, locally-led development endeavors.

Meet Art delaCruz, a CEO who's not just about numbers and metrics but believes in connecting with people, fostering trust, and making failure more terrifying than missing a goal. My chat with the Team Rubicon leader was a revelation. His disruptive leadership style? He modestly acknowledged, ”'I'm flattered you've noticed.”If you love a good tale, this episode is for you. Imagine a journey to leadership woven with stories of family values, a 22-year career as a Naval officer, and a profound commitment to developing individuals, not just managing roles. Art revealed how he discovered in the military the craft of leading young men and women, understanding they are not just cogs in the system but individuals whose growth and development matter. Art’s leadership core focuses on connecting with people, developing them, retaining them, and fostering trust.Team Rubicon's mission is about tangible, impactful assistance to those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. Art envisions Team Rubicon as more than a workplace; it's where you grow and make a positive impact.What is Art’s leadership philosophy? He explained, “Practice what you preach.”"Each year, I tell my teams: cut 25% of meetings, trim 25% of attendees, shorten meetings to 45 minutes. This seemingly small change compounds into a 25% reduction in wasted time, a valuable asset you can't purchase, even with unlimited funds. We create space for our people to excel while instilling the power of saying 'no' to wasted time throughout the organization."As a fighter pilot turned CEO, Art values control where it matters most. His story isn't just about leadership; it's about culture and connection.His advice to his younger self? “Savor the journey and ponder those unanswered questions for 30 minutes a day.”Thank you, Art, for this captivating chat. You’re not just a CEO but a disruptor who's redefining the nonprofit CEO game with heart and a mission.Don't miss this insightful episode!

Join me for a captivating interview with Will Warshauer, President & CEO of TechnoServe. Will’s leadership journey began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone.  A chance encounter with a young boy named Bolo highlighted the impact of unequal opportunities, inspiring him to dedicate his career to international development and unlocking potential for people.Will reflected on another pivotal career moment while leading a team in Pakistan. They faced delays and productivity issues. Frustration built as he pushed the team to work harder. Then, a complex issue arose, one the group was attached to, and Will experienced a lightbulb moment.“The very same team, once resistant to change, transformed into dedicated problem solvers after being attached to a new complicated issue and taking ownership. It ignited my journey into adaptive management, understanding diverse needs, and unlocking untapped potential."Tailoring his leadership to the unique needs and dynamics of different individuals and situations allowed Will to unlock their potential. He has used that lesson ever since. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Will learned to lead from behind. With 90% of TechnoServe’s global staff from the country where they work, Will realized that many were already accustomed to handling crises, from coup d’etats to natural disasters. Will leaned into empowering his team, granting them the autonomy to tackle challenges. The results were remarkable. “A lot of my leadership during COVID was…really admiring and supporting our leaders around the world, who were less angst-filled and more action-oriented, and did a great job figuring out how we continue to deliver.”During this time, Will also received feedback that his team sought inspiration from him as the CEO. In response, he initiated a weekly call where anyone could ask him about anything. “People were incredibly frank and open with me, which helped me be the same with them. It was a real gift they all gave me and something I won't forget. It brought me a lot closer to people. There were a lot of hidden gifts in all the sadness and struggle during COVID for me.”Lastly, Will explains why he wants “the need for [TechnoServe] to go away” through market-based approaches to fighting poverty. He issues a powerful call to action for more long-term measurement of development impact to determine what actually works and what doesn’t.I hope you enjoy listening to this fantastic, insightful, and downright fun conversation with TechnoServe CEO Will Warshauer. 

I'm really excited to share some actionable advice from my recent podcast chat with Sara Nathan, the President & CEO of Amigos de las Américas. We go into the incredible transformation Amigos went through – shifting from being all about US-centric to becoming a locally-led global powerhouse driven by local vibes.  Sara's story kicks off with her days as an Amigos volunteer as a teenager in Latin America, which ignited her passion for community development and leadership. This set the stage for her current global volunteer program leadership role at Amigos.We had a real heart-to-heart about how Amigos realized they needed to shake things up in a changing world. This lightbulb moment led to Amigos moving from just sending US volunteers to nurturing local leaders, building stronger relationships with local partners, and expanding its reach through local resources and teams. Sara shared that If Amigos had not changed to localization, they would not be relevant today and empowering young people worldwide.“Right now, 70 young people run programming. Half are from all across Latin America, which is kind of amazing. It's an evolution.” And as Sara explained, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Embracing change had its own set of challenges. Dealing with remote teams, reimagining programs during the pandemic, and rethinking strategies – it was all part of the wild ride. Sara made it clear that the transformation to being ready to adapt and open to constant evaluation in locally-led development was key. She credits her teams for the success.“I give credit to our board and the teams that had the courage to envision different ways of doing programming and different ways of reimagining how we could reach our mission and purpose.”My talk with Sara was like a crash course in continual adaptation, an ongoing need for reassessment and communication within the organization and with external partners in leadership where local partnerships lead to powerful localization. Thank you, Sara, for sharing your transition to leadership roles and the key events that shaped your passionate leadership perspective. 

Are you curious about the transformative power of leadership development? Join me in this latest episode, where we dive deep into the incredible journey of Marjorie Newman-Williams, President of Search for Common Ground. Early in her career, she encountered an ineffective boss, which sparked her interest in good leadership and its impact. Marjorie found herself asking, “Can you learn good leadership, and what are the basic things you need to know?” Marjorie shares how, in the middle of her career, she wasn't particularly focused on leadership and had the opportunity to be working at UNICEF.  UNICEF was growing women’s leadership at the time and Marjorie became part of a leadership development program that aimed at fostering leadership potential and increasing women's presence in leadership roles. The program centered on self-awareness, recognizing self-sabotage behaviors, making clear and open decisions, and emphasized networking and support among women.“The leadership program validated my instincts to trust myself and taught me it was okay to ask for help. You don’t have to change your identity or your natural instincts. You just have to use them in ways that are intentional.”Marjorie underscores some wonderful advice regarding leading through transitions and that leaders need to have these vital skills during times of change: the need for courage to step outside one's comfort zone, consistency, fairness, transparency, and self-care outside of work.Remember the question she had…”Can you learn good leadership, and what are the basic things you need to know?”  She answers, “Leadership is no longer climbing a ladder, your focus needs to shift to being the person who enables others to be their best selves. Leadership can be taught, and you have to have the desire to lead and then figure out how to lead well.”Big thanks for hanging out with us today, and a big thank you to Marjorie for this enlightening conversation and your openness in sharing your journey.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Gary White, an inspiring problem-solver and innovator. With three degrees in civil and environmental engineering, Gary tells of his passion for social justice began in his 20s when he became aware of the alarming statistic that 1.5 billion people worldwide lacked access to water and even more lacked access to sanitation. As an engineer with a solution-seeking mindset, he was determined to find answers.In our conversation about his unique start, Gary shares how his seed of information was found during his early exposure to TED, a key source of inspiration. He felt like a "kid in a candy store," exposed to so many diverse ideas and perspectives that were outside the engineering domain. He continues, "To be able to sit for a few days and hear ideas and concepts from people who are doing nothing like you were doing, and yet all of those ideas could kind of be borrowed or kind of bent in your direction. I think that's where the concept of bending microfinance towards water and sanitation was. Here was this thing that was happening around the world with others, and it was completely divorced from what we were doing with water. Why does that have to be? Let's bring those things together." Gary shares his experiences and insights on how he drew on this wealth of outside-the-box knowledge, bent it to become relevant to his work, and co-founded Water.org, a groundbreaking organization that helps finance water and sanitation solutions for individuals living in poverty. Gary's work is a testament to the power of creativity and passion in solving complex social challenges. Quoting Thomas Edison, Gary shares, 'I feel like I've never done a day's work in my life because it's all been fun.'I am grateful to Gary for sharing his insights and inspiring us to think outside the box when faced with challenges. I invite leaders to listen to this episode and emerge with new determination and fresh ideas.To connect with: Water.org - https://water.org/To connect with Gary White on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/waterpartners

This week’s Lessons From Leaders guest is Morgan Lance, CEO of OneSky. Her story and insights as the first CEO to transition into the position after the founder and leader of 24+ years are noteworthy simple truths.As the new CEO facing difficult decisions, Morgan shared:“When there's tough decisions to be made or moments of leadership that I know are going to be difficult for me, I always go back to that question: What is best for the kids that we serve? What is best for the children? What decision do I need to make now, or what do I need to do or embody in order to move the mission forward? And that's a really clear, really clear decision-maker for me. It makes things a lot easier.”“I learned the speed with which decisions need to be made at the CEO level is far quite different at other leadership levels within an organization….leaders are remembered for the pace at which they make decisions, not necessarily the outcome of those decisions.”Morgan’s message is timely as leaders refocus on the importance of an organization’s values and mission to revitalize in 2023.Thank you, Morgan, for sharing your transition story and the reminder to re-evaluate: what's our purpose?  We hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to hearing your comments.

This week, the Lessons from Leaders guest is Tessie San Martin the CEO of FHI 360. We are honored to have her as our leader in this episode.  While there are many gold nuggets in this episode,  for me there are two that are the most compelling.The first is when Tessie reminds me that "we can do hard things."  Just look at how successfully the INGO sector pivoted in 2020, she points out.The second nugget is when Tessie talks leaning into the new normal and what that means for INGOs. "We have to reimagine. We are creating what's next in our industry. The settings in which our organizations were designed, if very different than how we are forced to operate today. The question for us now becomes: How can we be effective and how can we deliver?"Tessie began her leadership journey with Amigos de las Americas.  This is something that she and I have in common.  In this program youth volunteers went to Latin America for 3 to 5 weeks to participate in vaccination programs.  From that experience, Tessie began to realize what she was capable of doing."At a young age, I came out of this experience [working with Amigos de Las Americas] thinking 'I can do anything.' I earned a sense of self confidence, I learned how to make decisions, communicate with others, and lead."While working in different countries, Tessie shares that what she learned most in addition to outreach, community help, and vaccinations, was about herself.After volunteering internationally with Amigos de Las Americas for her first time as a sophomore in high school, the following 2 years she decided to return to volunteer but this time as a part of the staff in a management role. She was responsible for running a vaccination program which in her words taught her one critical thing:"I have never wanted to do anything else. I was hooked on the idea of making a difference and working with others. The international development bug bit me, and never let go."Our conversation went into leading in today's environment.  Tessie shares her perspective that "INGOS are operating in settings where we are not created to operate.” (At the 10 minute mark if you want to jump right to it.)What she means in this and explains is that INGOS, some of which were created decades ago, were not structurally created to face a global pandemic, hybrid working, racial injustice, the list from the past 2 years goes on and on. Her encouragement to acknowledge the hard things we have all conquered is notable and refreshing. Her observation is that it's time to create, try new things, and not force what once worked to where an organization is now.And then, one of my favorite parts of our conversation: INGOs can do hard things... “Collectively the global development sector has been through a lot. By and large we are on the other side of it but we have adapted and adjusted to rethink how our businesses and organizations needed to run. We can do hard things.”She continues, “We have to continue to reimagine in 2023. We are not ‘back to normal’, we are creating a new normal.”Tessie shares her thoughts and plans on how to take the organization she leads, which has been around for over 50 years, into the future, through the trials of these past 2 years and out the other side. I highly suggest listening to this episode to be inspired and tactically supported.Thank you Tessie for sharing your leadership story, and for the much needed reminder; we can all do hard things.

This week, we have Uma Viswanathan, the Executive Director at New Pluralists Collaborative as our guest on Lessons from Leaders.What do you know about trauma and leadership? How do you think trauma helps with transformation and leadership? That is one of the many meaty topics Uma and I talk about.This episode kicks off with Uma sharing her experience as a child of an immigrant family and how that organically led her to a deep curiosity of people, their motivations, and perspectives. It was from this place of curiosity that ultimately led Uma to her position in leadership with New Pluralists.It is in our conversation about her unique world views that Uma shares her insights towards personal trauma and its place in a work organization.Uma says: “Some leaders think we need to be completely healed from trauma before we can lead, when actually the process of leading and being challenged allows us to grow in our capacity to digest and learn. Healing then happens while leading.”Uma also mentions that her organization has chosen an emergent strategy over a deliberate strategy which leans into unplanned actions and initiatives, leaping with faith unsure of the outcome.“We have set a goal with an emergent approach that requires collaborative efforts. The truth is, our goal is so big we need help. It is too big for our organization, solely. We made it so big purposefully because it causes us to think differently and transformatively.”As Uma continues she says something I had to write down: “Some people set goals that are too realistic. This way, they do exactly what they've always done. Instead, we took a leap of faith into uncertainty because in history, those are the decisions that have moved us.”The boldness, vulnerability, and nobility of Uma and her leadership shines in this episode. It is one of our most unique conversations to date and I can’t wait to continue following Uma and New Pluralists on what I am sure will be more lessons learned on their pursuit of that big goal. Thank you Uma.

This week, the Lessons from Leaders guest is Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, the President and CEO of Mercy Corps. We are honored to have her as our guest so shortly after her recent trip to Somalia.One of my favorite moments from this episode is the deep conversation with Tjada talking about courage (at 27 minutes if you want to jump right to it.)When I asked her what courage has to do with being a leader, she said: "There is a personal courage all leaders have because they are willing to say 'Hold me accountable' when they take on the role of a leader."She continues, “Courage is taking risks. If no one is upset or ruffled by your decisions, then you might not really be making change. There is courage in moving the status quo. What got you to where you are now is not the thing that will take you to the next level."Tjada shares her personal definition of courage (which I loved so much I jotted it down as she spoke):  "Courage is a willingness to be wrong, a willingness to admit you make mistakes, and a willingness to ask for help."Thank you Tjada for sharing your leadership story, and for your candor on this episode. You are leading Mercy Corp with courage and honesty even in the face of conflict. 

”If people aren’t failing, then I think that possibly they are actually not pushing beyond the envelope. They are not innovating, not pursuing that hard thing, and not stretching. That's why it is important to recognize and celebrate failure.” Michele LairdThis week, I sat down with Michele Laird, the Senior VP for Programs at Pact. I love Michele’s take on failure and the importance of trying and being willing to fail, even sharing that when her family sits down for dinner, she asks, "What did you fail at today?"Michele talks about normalizing failure and encouraging looking at what may not have gone "correctly" and learn from what happened.She also shared a blurb from Janet Finch, the author of White Oleander, who says, “The Phoenix must burn to emerge.” Michele says that a big ‘burning failure' may not be the goal, but that the lessons learned from failure are ones she encourages all entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leaders to use to further their evolution.Evolution, innovation, reflection, and impact are all words Michele used to define values in her organization. Also discussing leading from love, Michele notes that it can be a calming force in the face of mistakes, unexpected turmoil, or failures."Having conversations from your heart is really important, and people will feel that, hear that, and understand they are safe. They will understand they can try new things and if it doesn't go as planned, that's okay.... it helps us to react and lead better."Michele's wisdom on her core values and principles in this episode is palpable. Thank you to Pact for sharing another member of the organization with us this week. We are so grateful!

This week I sat down with Janti Soeripto, the President and CEO of Save The Children US. Janti's story of leadership is diverse and unique in her experience. With 20 years in the consumer sector, selling tissues, diapers, and -- as she mentions -- even frozen peas, she shares the similarities and the differences in her leadership upbringing to where she is now. This episode is not just a must listen because of Janti's story to leadership, but because of our conversation regarding her story of her current leadership. When we started talking about what it is like to lead in this climate of the ever changing workforce, social injustice, a pandemic, and much more, here is what Janti started with: "You have to be constantly adaptive... The process of planning, thinking of the worst thing that could happen, and thinking of the best thing that could happen, while that is valuable, but do not put too much emphasis on what the outcome could be months from now, because who could have predicted what was going to happen [in the last 2 years]. Let it go. Stay curious about what we don't know."Janti is a seeker of knowledge, innovation, and wisdom, it is something I deeply admire and loved to glean from in this episode. I am excited to share this with you and look forward to your takeaways. Thank you Janti for sharing your time, your story, and your insights.

This week I sat down with Mishelle Rudzinski, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of SPOON. Mishelle's story of leadership and co-founding an organization is one like many leaders: She saw a need and decided to fill it. Her leadership story began at a deeply personal level with the adoption of her daughter. A journey which included an incorrect diagnosis, and severe malnourishment. It was her own daughter's experience with malnutrition that led to the research of children everywhere who have been living outside of families in what is termed as residential care."We couldn't find any solid answers, and we couldn't find any organizations that were addressing this. We thought we would go volunteer somewhere but we couldn't find an organization. This led to us reaching out to the right people, networking with them, and saying together: 'Let's solve the problem.' That led to the beginning of SPOON."Mishelle's questioning and her curiosity around finding a need and taking it step by step, without getting stopped by the 'how', is just the beginning of her inspirational journey in leadership. I am excited to share this episode with you and look forward to your takeaways. Thank you Mishelle for sharing your story and your organization not just with us, but with the world. 

Lucia Nasser, President for Vital Voices in Honduras joins us in the leader’s chair to share about Vital Voices, coming back to in person post pandemic, and a personal story about the deep dive into personal growth and what that has to do with leadership.“When we think of leadership, we usually think of a leader's skills. We focus on the 'what', the 'where', the 'how' and the 'why'. In my personal journey, I have found that the 'who' is very important. Who is that leader? Who is the one coming up with these ideas?” Lucia tells us in this episode. The take away I would encourage all leaders to pull from this episode is practicing a pause in your day, to identify those important questions Lucia describes: What do you want to accomplish? Where will you focus? And who do you want to be?It is easy to get caught up in tasks lists and responsibilities, thinking of what a ‘normal leader’ does or should do, but as Lucia mentions, “This [questioning and thinking] has allowed me to see things differently, to see things with more liberty. Now, my leadership is full of freedom and openness, where before I was more rigid and full of preconceived notions that things had to be a certain way.”This is a great episode for every leader needing a reset on their passion and purpose.Thank you Lucia for being courageous and joining me in this episode.

In this episode, Ashok Regmi, Executive Director of Street Law, Inc. shares his leadership path with us.Originally from Nepal, his leadership trajectory started when he worked to establish the first FM channel to use the power of radio to engage and develop a concept to bring education to his community.He came to the US for schooling, but it was outside of the classroom that he learned real life strategies of leadership sharing. “Development works well when people closest to the problems are put into leadership and they own the solutions. This was the philosophy for how I worked through my career. I would ask, ‘How do we get the people on the local level, and put them in the decision making platforms and spaces?’”Today, Ashok works with Street Law, Inc. to leverage the power of education to empower people for justice.I learned a lot from Ashok in our conversation and took quite a few notes for my own journey. I hope you do the same.Thank you Ashok for sitting down with me and sharing your journey, it was a pleasure!

Kate Moynihan is with us this week. I have known Kate for years and have always admired her leadership savvy.Kate is the Executive Director of Seva Foundation, a foundation working in over 20 countries to increase the capacity of local hospitals, and develop sustainable eye care programs.Kate, like nearly all leaders, has seen a drastic change in leadership over the course of the pandemic. She talks about her role as an executive for a non-profit organization during a time of such discord and how she leaned into purpose first. Prioritizing "the why" in what she was doing allowed her to stick to her instincts to realign and reaffirm within the organization.You will also hear Kate discuss the importance of setting personal boundaries and figuring out how to create a balance between work and personal life. She shares her ideas on how to disconnect from work. We could all use a boost in that.Thank you, Kate!

I am here with Polly Dunford, the President and CEO of IntraHealth International. Polly has been someone we have been trying to get on our podcast for a long time - since she took this role at IntraHealth in March of 2020.“It was a crazy time to take over an organization. I started on March 16th, the exact day that the world went virtual…”In this episode, Polly shares what it felt like to meet staff virtually. She shares about her role, not as the CEO, but as the self identified CPO – Chief People Officer - focusing on supporting her team members during a challenging time period.How does she think about doing everything remotely? “The virtual workspace has been an opportunity to even the playing field…”Listen to hear about what an even playing field looks like in her organization and how the virtual workspace led to unexpected relationship building.What I appreciate so much about Polly and her entry into leadership at IntraHealth it is her flexibility - letting go of her own plan and shifting her focus from big thinking and thought leadership to helping staff find childcare, support for eldercare, and the deeply personal needs outside of the office space.In addition to leading through the beginning of COVID-19 and the pandemic, Polly talks about leading through the tragic murder of George Floyd and how it rocked her organization to focus even more on equity, inclusivity, and actively participating in social justice efforts.I can’t begin to write and acknowledge all of the lessons Polly shares with us in under 20 minutes. There is vital information in this episode for leaders and organizations everywhere. Stories to relate to, lessons to learn from, and struggles that have been very real for so many.Thank you Polly for sitting down with me and for being an admirable leader through and through!

This week is a special episode as we have a Lessons from Leaders Alumni, William (Bill) Abrams, and the successor to his position at Trickle Up, Nathalie Laidler Kylander.  This episode is unique in that we are able to walk through their experience of transitioning from one CEO to another, including what the overlap time looked like, how they walked it with grace and respect for one another, and how their leadership “trickled down” through the entire organization.Both are self-proclaimed non-traditional CEO’s, and have much to share about leading right now. I appreciated hearing from Nathalie about her expectations coming into Trickle Up, her perceptions of Bill’s transition out, and how she prepared to take over this organization.From Bill, we hear a different perspective about what it feels and looks like to transition out of an organization, what he looked for in a successor, and how he prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally.The New York Times suggested 'Transition' as the word of the year in 2021, and there was no shortage of that at Trickle Up and many organizations across the globe. I am honored to sit down with two incredible leaders who can now shine the light on their journey last year, the learnings, the wins, the trials, and also, where the future is headed.Thank you Nathalie and Bill! 

This week, we have Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, as our guest on Lessons from Leaders.As I have long been watching the work of The Carter Center, it is a pleasure to sit down with Paige.We jump right into the conversation:What is it like to lead right now?How has communication changed?What are you hearing from your organization?Transparency, authenticity, and togetherness, are all qualities that Paige demonstrates.  She admits that it took her time and effort to find the balance of the right amount of communication within her team and organization. The lesson she has learned and shares with us around organizational communication is a vital one.“There is so much noise out there. People say there is no such thing as over-communication [referring to meaningful communication] but I think since we spend so much time at our screens  - and keeping up with our inboxes - that we, in fact,  may be over-communicating.” - Paige AlexanderThank you, Paige,  for your time, lessons, and for your baking tips (you have to listen in for that.)  In this episode, Paige quotes former President Jimmy Carter, and I would like to echo her in leaving you with this:“We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.” - Jimmy Carter—About PaigePaige Alexander joined The Carter Center as chief executive officer in June 2020. Paige has had a distinguished global development career with over two decades of experience spanning the government and nonprofit sectors. She has held senior leadership positions at two regional bureaus of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), covering missions and development programs in 25 countries.

This week I sit down with Indira Kaur Ahluwalia, whose work I was initially drawn to  due to all she has been doing for racial and ethnic equity. Indira has built her career on enabling equality systemically on the strength of individual differences initially establishing Development and Training Services (dTS) in 2002 to build gender equality and social inclusion.  I like to say she comes to this seat with 3 hats which gives her viewpoint of leadership a dynamic lens. CEO, author, strategic advisor, she is leading the charge on calling out racial inequity. “We need to understand and recognize that we have to start at the core of building racial and ethnic equity.”  How do you make an impact and difference in racial inequity globally? “We have to get out own houses in order.” I love that statement.  Indira shares with us who the leaders are and who they are not; meaning where diversity lives and where is lacks. There is a way to take action and get involved as you will hear in this episode through the pledge. Check out our links below to get connected.  This episode is already a favorite in the Lessons from Leaders office and we are eager for you to listen, and get active on this important issue.  Connect with Indira: Read her book: Fast Forward to Hope –  You Tube Indiegogo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BsczvNyuEE Website: https://www.fastforwardtohope.com You will hear CREED mentioned a few times in this interview. The website is live here:  www.CREEDinAction.orgAs well as social media account here:  Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Direct Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indira-ahluwalia/ KAUR Strategies: Overview | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndiraKaurA https://twitter.com/KaurStrategies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indirakaur.ahluwalia/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiraahluwalia/

This week I sit with John Stephens who is the CEO of The BOMA Project. John brings a unique leadership lens to his position with BOMA because he has served as a board member, a position for an organization that was funding BOMA, and then interim CEO. From each role, John was able to grow his view of how to best service the organization. “It helped me launch, having those close relationships with board members. I knew what was important to them. I knew how the board functioned. I think often times, new CEO’s get overly focused on the organization and programs. They tend to not think about the board as a vital organ of the organization, giving it the attention it deserves.”What is quite eye opening in this episode is John’s ability to merge his three lenses to give insight, advice, and feedback that, used properly, can strengthen an organization, their board, and their staff’s relationships. Thank you John for giving our listeners a new perspective and helpful action steps to build bonds and strengthen teams. https://youtu.be/jyZcbUU3Iq8

Wild Network has been a strong, and foundational support of the Lessons from Leaders podcast over the last 3 years so to have Fiona here with me today is amazing! I like to call our first interaction a meeting of two sisters from different mothers, it was instant connection and friendship. In this episode, we start by discussing vision. Fiona has such a gift of seeing where things can grow and be made stronger sharing, “When I have conviction about something that needs to be done, I believe I can be a catalyst for that change. I believe other people will care too.”The WILD Network is the Women Innovators and Leaders Network. “Right now there is focus on women’s leadership. Supporting great leaders at all stages of their career to be even greater, and supporting strong organizations to be even stronger." (Fiona Macaulay) This episode is one of our most empowering yet. I adore Fiona’s ability to manifest and vision cast. Her belief is contagious. Here are some things you can expect to hear: What is social innovation Overcoming Fears Asking and Accepting Help The power of belief Setting up small, actionable steps The virtual 2022 Women in Global Development Leadership Forum - taking place May 16-19 -  supports the development of strong and inclusive leaders from across the global development sector. Learn more about WILD Forum to 2022 Women in Global development Leadership Forum here:  www.WILDleadershipForum.org  

Welcome back, leaders. We hope that this new year brings innovation and reaching new limits. It is so exciting to start off the new year with leader Brigit Helms, who is the Executive Director at Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University. Brigit's impact has reached corners of the world from Africa, to Asia, to Costa Rica, Latin America, and beyond. In her travels and experience, it is 'safe' to say nothing quite prepared her for entering a new role at a new organization just 6 months into a global pandemic. Meeting the new team, ecosystem players, and staff all had to happen, as she says, in 2 dimensions, on Zoom. "I have a deep connection on how to build excellent teams. It is grounded on a deep sense of trust... That is very difficult to build when you don't know people and haven't seen them in person." Just like so many leaders, Brigit had to pivot what she knew to adjust to the pandemic's standards. As a self proclaimed student of organization transformation and leadership, she learned about The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni. This became her secret weapon and playbook. It was a pleasure to sit in the chair with Brigit, learn step by step how she took her team from strangers to a trusted bond, and how she continues to do so. As we enter our third year of the pandemic world, it is our goal here to continue bringing you the tools, tips, and sometimes tricks, of those who have experienced 'success' in leading virtually. Thank you, Brigit, for your optimism and ideas! 

Our last episode of the new year has arrived and we are thrilled to be in the chair with Caroline Anstey. As we wrap 2021, it feels right to be with Caroline, the CEO of Pact who began her role just 2 days after the national lock down. It is safe to say the leaders 5 years ago would have never imagined virtually leading organizations. At the beginning of the pandemic there was large concern over losing touch, not getting to know or connect with teams, and hearing Caroline’s experience is not just hopeful and relatable, but something I want other organizations to hear and try themselves. “We are communicating through Zoom. No one is getting to meet anyone else. There is not standing around in a coffee bar…. I get to know them in a way I would have never gotten to if we were in an office.” Think of the last time you zoomed with your team, did a dog bark? Do you know that dog’s name? Would you have known their name if you had been exclusively working in an office? Has a spouse or partner walked behind the screen during a call? Do you know anything about the person?Zoom has taken the world virtual but allowed room for personal conversation, connection, and growth. Caroline, thank you for the reminder that even though we are still “mostly” online, there is so much to be learned when we show up and listen. 

"How do we start healing so we can see each other?" On this day, in late November, the month of gratitude, I sat in pure amazement listening to Vivian Anderson speak on her journey, experience, and passions. What began as watching a viral video led to years of dedicated, door-knocking, on the ground work. "I can't watch another child being harmed," Vivian shares. Which is what drove her from New York, down to the deep south where Pandora's box as she called it was opened. Trauma. Deep rooted racism. On a platform like Lessons from Leaders, we are fortunate to hear leaders tell their stories in an open, authentic format. Vivian, thank you for being a guest and taking us with you on the incredible work you do. We are encouraging all of our guests to follow, comment, like, and share the mission of EveryBlackGirl Inc. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyblackgirl/?hl=enFunding, Website and More: https://linktr.ee/EveryBlackGirl

This week I sit down with Susan Sygall, who co-founded Mobility International USA over 40 years ago. “With a donation of $500, it all began.”We shared a laugh as Susan mentioned this, because $500 has turned into 40 years, and incredible, life changing impact for so many. Susan, a wheelchair rider, has a personal and professional commitment to disability rights, as well as women’s issues. She saw the need, the lack of inclusivity and took action that has now lead to impact across 100+ countries. “Why not me?” she says. This is a recurring theme not just in our call but in the foundation at Mobility International USA. Susan is a passionate advocate, a cheerleader, and mentor who has inspired me deeply from this conversation. It is a pleasure to share this episode and today I encourage you to look at your goals, your dreams, specifically the ones that seem too far out of reach and ask yourself, “Why not me?”Thank you Susan. 

Welcome back, we are thrilled to host Esther Benjamin, CEO and Executive Director of World Education Services.I have known Esther for many years, through organizations and position changes; it is fulfilling to see the successes she has accomplished and contributions she has made, and to be able to share those moments with you.From Sri Lanka, her family was seeking opportunity which Esther has created time and time again for herself and others, living, working, and traveling in over 100 countries, and organizations across sectors.Summarizing all of the journey together, Esther said, “The theme through my work experience would be: drive impact at scale.”International students, refugees, immigrants, are at the heart of the work of World Education Services. Real empathy and appreciation come authentically from her own personal experience of immigrating to the United States.Real. Honest. Hopeful. Those are the words I would use to describe this episode. Can’t wait for you to listen.

“I was reading recently, about the return to office post Covid. You have a window to try new things and re-imagine your work place because it will get harder in the next few months.”Jeanne has been someone I have been wanting to sit down with for months. As the President and CEO of Internews, an international media support nonprofit, I felt who could be better to sit in the leaders chair during a time where news, honestly, and information has seemingly been so difficult to come by. I have found for so many leaders, looking back on 2020, it is easy to think, “I should have done this or that.” The reality is, when I look back at episodes from the heat of the pandemic, we were all just trying to stay afloat. Keep our teams together. Find peace. Jeanne brings up a great example of her timing in transition as well as a piece of advice for upcoming CEO’s. As President and CEO of Internews, Jeanne Bourgault leads the strategic management of the organization and its programs in more than 60 countries around the world.Follow along with Internews on Twitter @InternewsThank you! https://youtu.be/FYj4L4dyUmY

Welcome back to Lessons from Leaders. This week, we are with Ann Warner, CEO of Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network - WREN. “It is a privilege to be a CEO but it is also lonely, hard and exhausting. To try and figure it out where there is no formula, where the work is difficult — we are working on reproductive rights, economic dignity and justice, fighting against abortion bans and anti-trans bills….This is a tough context to do this.”Ann is driven, enduring, flexible, and beautifully well-spoken. Talking to her about, what I claimed is her spiral to WREN, was nothing short of inspired. It is tough. The work is tough. The more leaders I have the opportunity to sit down with, the more I am aware of how hard these organizations work to fight for justice, peace, equality, etc., which is taxing on both the mind and body daily. It is the grit and the grace that Ann demonstrates that I cherished in our conversation, and I look forward to you hearing it! Ann Warner leads strategic visioning and planning for WREN in partnership with the Board of Directors, as well as management of a talented team, resource mobilization, and program and policy development and evaluation.Follow along with Ann and her team at @WRENetwork on Twitter. https://youtu.be/binEvMN1bD0

Jeff Whisenant is an experienced leader in the nonprofit sector, with more than 30 years of experience in international development and relief, the president and CEO of ReSurge International. We were thrilled to welcome him to the Lessons from Leaders chair where he is refreshingly open and honest about diversity, equity, inclusion, and gratitude. "There were times where I brought my whole self. But my whole self was 25%. Colleagues stepped up and carried me through those days, I am very grateful for that."

In this episode, Jovana begins with walking us down her journey to leadership. Jovana has been a member of IPPFWHR’s Board of Directors since 2014. She assumed the role of Chair in 2017 at the age of 28, making her the youngest Board Chair in IPPFWHR’s history, which is only just the beginning of the amazing accomplishments made by her. Quickly I found how passionate about women's stories Jovana is. She has created a space for conversation, story telling, and lessons that has led to an eye opening understanding of rights, or lack thereof. Her age and experience make a glorious fit for her role with IPPFWHR. Fresh. Aware. Compassionate. Jovana proudly embodies IPPFWHR’s organizational commitment to Global South leadership. In this role, she is inspired to continue advancing IPPFWHR’s transformation to an intersectional feminist ecosystem.Thank you Jovana for your time on Lessons from Leaders! https://youtu.be/uZRxNQ8FxRA

“I didn’t wake up and decide it’s time to build a crowdfunding platform for a global community of 1.8 million Muslims. I didn’t even think about being an entrepreneur.” This week I sit down with Amany Killawi, who has had such a unique and inspiring journey to where she is now, an honoree by INK Magazine’s top female founder. Amany is the co-founder and COO of LaunchGood: a global crowdfunding platform for campaigns, projects and creative ideas. She is a social worker turned social entrepreneur who through LaunchGood has raised over 15 million for 1,500+ projects, impacting 70+ countries. One thing I loved about this episode was the comparison of a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset. Amany is a true, acting growth mindset leader who has allowed space of transition and evolution in her career. This episode is particularly inspirational for anyone interested in a transition be it for an organizational change, or positional change, I encourage you to listen, learn, and take the change. Thank you Amany! https://youtu.be/ZZZwigJKA-8

This podcast platform inspires me daily. The leaders that come “sit in the chair” leave me feeling hopeful, empowered, and encouraged each time. It is a pure gift to share the space with them. Today, I share an extraordinary episode with the incredible DeAnna Hoskins, CEO and President of Just Leadership. She shares her deepest motto, what speaks to her, and her guiding light. I just loved one of the things she shared in regards to not losing herself, not losing her power or impact saying, “What I am not going to do is hinder my voice.” There is a message in there for everyone at every level of leadership. Leadership is not determined by title; every person can bring a leadership quality and use it no matter the ‘title.’Thank you DeAnna for sharing the space with me this week. It was an honor. 00:00 - 02:30 Meet DeAnna02:30 - 07:30 How she got here 07:30 - 8:30 Funding x Non Profits 8:30 - 12:00 Your expertise and how to thrive 12:00 - 15:00 Mantra x Mottos15:00 - 17:30 Delegation 17:30 - 20:00 Self Care20:00 - 25:00 Shifting into Overdrive 25:00 - 27:00 Getting back up 27:00 - 32:00 Rising Above32:00 - 35:00 Stress x Fear vs. Jumping 35:00 - 37:00 Closing with DeAnna

What is something you learned, perhaps as a child or adolescent, that you have since had to unlearn as you grew into an adult? I recently read an article about just a few of the many things adults have to unlearn, and as leaders, these were the top three:People’s expectations of you are your responsibility. Your value in an organization is based solely on the income you can bring in. You must work as much as possible to show your commitment, loyalty, and worth. I share these because, on today’s special episode, I sit down with our youngest leader yet who is deep in the unlearning. Kobe Smith LLB, Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPFWHR) walks me through the importance of recognizing things in life that may have been taught wrong, like those listed above, namely, feeling responsible for others expectations. “As leaders, we may not always stand in our truth. We think about what the others in the room think about the decisions that we make. I want to be a leader that stands in my truth.”Thank you Kobe, for taking the time to share your insights and fresh perspective. I look forward to your bright journey ahead! 00:00 - 08:30 | Meet Kobe Smith & His Organization08:30 - 15:00 | Loss Leads to Motivation15:00 - 20:00 | Leadership & Disagreements20:00 - 25:00 | Leave the Yes (wo)man behind 25:00 - 30:00 | Standing in Truth 30:00 - 32:00 | Allyship32:00 | Closing 

I am excited to bring this episode to you this week. This episode was actually recorded right at the 1-year mark of the pandemic, making the candor and honesty that Giselle Carino brings, fitting. Giselle Carino is the CEO of the International Planned Parenthood Federation Western Hemisphere Region (IPPFWHR), which on June 3, 2020 launched a new feminist alliance through the combination of the work with the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) and the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC). I appreciate so much about Giselle, namely her innovation and authenticity. I asked specifically for Giselle to share about her creative leadership take and I can’t wait for you to listen to what types of changes they made, to fulfill their mission. “Things are very hard in this field, and yet we have to find ways to do the work. In the past, we have traveled through mountains and rivers to get contraception to women, and this time it was the pandemic.”So how did they meet their mission while being shut down due to the crisis? Listen in, get inspired, reroute your thinking, and join Giselle in honoring and embracing change, improvisation and flexibility. https://youtu.be/fj7RPkbTerQ

His first episode has had a beautiful response and impact on leaders everywhere, and this week part 2 feels just as deeply valuable in its content.I am back for Part 2 of my conversation with Oussama Mezoui, CEO of Penny Appeal USA. Oussama starts this second part off in a way that feels deeply reflective.“Am I thinking about climate change in my decision-making? Am I thinking about gender issues or mental health issues? Am I thinking about racial issues in how I lead and are we a best practice organization?” Oussama mentions this is a shortlist to the many issues leaders are currently facing but what I found so impactful was the simplicity of his questions.If we as leaders could think through this question lens before each decision, how would it change your day-to-day and outcomes? Thank you, Oussama, for this gentle but necessary reminder.Here’s what you will learn:Why racial justice deserves a closed conversationBuilding organizational cultureIdentifying your non-negotiablesPart Two is now live.

I recently read an article about how the pandemic “leveled the playing field” for innovation. Small businesses took the opportunity to switch their beer and wine production to hand sanitizer, which grew their margins exponentially, restaurants were able to create space for customer “grocery shopping” experiences, and some have even called the pandemic an accelerant for the pace of social and technological change serving as ‘a great equalizer.’ Shortly after reading this article, I had a sit down with this week’s guest, Oussama Mezoui, the CEO of Penny Appeal USA, who started off our conversation with, “This is a great leveler. We as leaders can’t pretend we have ever been through a pandemic before. There is no tool kit we can google on how to lead through a pandemic.”It is true, there has been no guidebook, no business blueprint on surviving and thriving in a global pandemic, however, in my experience there has been a new wave of leadership community. Vulnerability has replaced scarcity and conversations like the one I had with Oussama more valuable than gold. I am grateful for this chat and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. You can expect to learn:How the pandemic allows you to reflect and test valuesThe importance of questioning your assumptions How to grow in your leadership skills Thank you, Oussama for your time! Part one is now live.

When I started communicating with Emily Courey Pryor last spring, I knew right away that I wanted to have her on the podcast. Her previous experiences, her current work leading Data2X, and her passion for equality and leadership were all things that our listeners needed to hear. Then the pandemic hit, followed by a significant reversal of progress on gender equality, all while leading a busy organization and working from home with two small children. A year later, I am overjoyed to share with you what feels like the perfect episode for 2021."One of the important things that I have a learned as a leader, and as a working parent, is when you have to say 'I need a minute.'" This opening statement from Emily set the foundation for our conversation. Patience, awareness, and understanding are all qualities I am inspired by in Emily, not to mention her innovation, curiosity, and flexibility. The work Data2X is doing on gender data is just as intriguing as Emily’s leadership qualities. You can learn more about Data2X’s work here: http://data2x.org.  Thank you, Emily, for sharing "real life" during a pandemic as well as your passion for gender data and its relevance for the lives of women & girls everywhere. Enjoy!During my sit down with Emily, SHOW NOTES:0:00 - 3:00 | Intro 3:00 - 7:00 | What is Data2x7:00 - 10:00 | Gender Data 10:00 - 13:00 | Curiosity and Innovation 13:00 - 21:00 | Flexibility, Adaptability, and Empathy21:00 - 25:30 | ROI on Empathy25:30 - 30:00 | Motherhood Lessons in Leadership30:00 - 35:00 | Advice to Emily's Younger Self 35:00 | Closinghttps://youtu.be/0SeGXokwONQ

In a time where the world continues to feel deep sorrow, stress, and strife, I am encourage by the leaders who brave the storm like Michelle Nunn, CEO of CARE. I have such a fondness of CARE as I used to work for a likeminded NGO previously and this feels like an extension of my heart projects. When I asked Michelle what she has learned as a leader in crisis, she said “I had to learn things anew & challenge our preconceptions. I tend towards an optimistic sensibility which hasn’t always served well in the last year. I need to surround myself with those who think about the worst case scenarios.” This is something I have seen leaders avoid; the discomfort of differing views, of recognizing the hardships, and accepting the trials. I am inspired by Michelle’s ability to face this head on. Thank you Michelle for your time and your advice on facing crisis. SO many nuggets in this one! 0:00 - 3:00 | Meet Michelle 3:00 - 7:00 | One Year in Crisis7:00 - 9:30 | Lessons Learned as Leaders in Crisis 9:30 - 11:00 | Being Uncomfortable & Having Courage11:00 - 13:30 | Advice for Young Leaders 13:00 - 17:00 | Fail Forward 17:00 - 19:30 | Reflection 19:30 - 21:00 | Closing with Michelle

Each week it is an honor and privilege to sit down with leaders from across the world to learn, to listen, and to share, but this week is particularly heartfelt as I have the chance to share with you, listener, one of my favorite people. Meet Dr. Kozhi Makai. "In many ways I have an acquaintance with what it means to have moments of wisdom and to turn around the next moment and make a dumb decision. I love to see that part of the human condition. Meeting people who are like me but don't look like me but in many ways act, feel, behave like I do, it's something I absolutely love. In what ways can I learn today to be me a bit better than I was yesterday? What actions can I take to be better tomorrow."One of the (many) reasons I wanted to sit down with Dr. Makai was for his insights into organizational culture. Of course it was quick for him to share that it begins with his outlook, his foundation, and his mindset. As I love to quote, "Leaders bring the weather" and never a statement more true than with Dr. Makai.I'd love to hear your thoughts on this dynamic episode. Culture, DEI, Inclusion, Time... we tackle a lot in a short 40 minutes. Thank you Dr. Makai for your light & your positivity! SHOW TIMES 0:00 - 3:00 | Meet Dr. Makai 3:00 - 4:00 | Better than yesterday 4:00 - 8:00 | Curiosity & Connection8:00 - 11:30 | Expanding Comfort 11:30 - 15:00  | Time 15:00 - 24:00 | Culture 24:00 - 32:00 | Aspirations & Guiding Principles 32:00 - 38:00 | Transformation & Engagement  38:00 - 41:00 | Closing with Dr. Makai