The Relational Podcast

In this episode of the Relational Podcast, host Rachel Sinha is joined by David Jay, author of 'Relationality: How Moving from Transactional to Transformational Relationships Can Reshape Our Lonely World.'The discussion explores the transformative power of deep listening and meaningful relationships in addressing societal crises. David shares his journey from founding asexuality.org to advocating for relational ecosystems in movements and workplaces. Key concepts discussed include relational invisibility, the impact of personal storytelling, and the importance of creating environments where relationships can thrive. David emphasizes releasing control to allow relationships to evolve naturally and offers insights into how relational approaches can solve complex problems more effectively than top-down strategies.00:47 Welcoming David Jay01:56 David Jay's Journey and Work05:41 Defining Relationality08:55 Creating Relational Environments12:32 Relational Systems and Social Movements16:30 Challenges and Skepticism21:10 Practical Advice for Building Relationships24:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in! By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world.Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Meg Busse sits down with Avani Parekh, a community builder and technologist bridging digital and physical spaces to create true connection. Together, they explore the epidemic of loneliness, how trust and humanness are built in anonymous online networks, and why "touching grass"—real-world connection—is essential in our hyper-digital lives.Avani shares her experience building Love Doctor, a confidential platform for young people in South Asia to discuss sexual health and relationships, born from a moment of national grief and activism. She reflects on the role of weavers—trusted connectors who humanize digital spaces—and calls for intentionality in making online spaces lead to offline human connection.The conversation is a rallying cry for all digital builders, community weavers, and humans: show up in your messiness, invite others in, and bring people together face-to-face.Topics We Cover:The origins and impact of Love Doctor in taboo contextsBuilding trust and "weavers" in faceless online worldsWhy every digital community needs a "touch grass" momentHow showing up as your imperfect, real self sparks collective healing and changeA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future.Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

Host Ana Amrein Esnaola talks with Catherine Dempsey about why interdependent relationships—not transactions—drive social change.We explore participatory grantmaking, trust-based funding, and consensus decision-making, plus practical first steps (beginning with deep listening). Learn how centering community and connection builds resilience, improves funding decisions, and powers systemic impact.00:59 — Meet Catherine: Collaborative development & social value02:31 — Birds, sky, connection: Everyday cues for interdependence09:25 — Participatory grantmaking: Community power in funding13:09 — Relational approaches at work: From silos to ecosystems27:02 — Governance & consensus: What inclusive decisions look like30:44 — Why now: Democracy, resilience, and trust-based practice31:57 — Start here: Deep listening as a daily disciplineA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision.We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

We talk about social impact, but what about relational impact? In this episode, we delve into the radical idea that meaningful conversations and deep relationships drive transformative social change more effectively than policies or technologies alone. Melanie, a designer and facilitator based in  Brooklyn with roots in the Midwest, explores how her work at the intersection of design and social impact centers on relational processes. Born out of her background in studying how people make change in organizations, neighborhoods, and social movements, Melanie explores how relational and appreciative approaches enhance research and design— even in large corporations.Drawing from the wisdom of Corita Kent and Wendell Berry, Melanie shares the spiritual imperative of relational ways of working in this moment of upheaval. At its core, relational ways of working reveal individual potential and tap into collective possibilities—that’s what practitioners must center. By highlighting case studies in education, retail, theater, and crisis response, Melanie illustrates how fostering  human connection creates resilience, amplifies creativity, and creates more durable impact. Join us in exploring how every story and every conversation illuminates the power of relationships.  What you’ll learn:🔸Snail Mail & New Walks: The power of analog joy in a digital world🔸Back to Basics: Returning to relational ways of working🔸Defining Relationality through Possibility: What a creative nun and agrarian poet teach us about relational creativity🔸Case Study: How creatively engaging with retail employees shifted power, deepened relationships, and shaped creative change for a beloved brand🔸Rehearsing Trust: What relational practitioners can learn from long-form improv comedy🔸Crisis as the crucible: Relationships formed in crisis and the power of creative, relational approaches in emergent change🔸Microcosms of change: What the “Early Relational Health” field demonstrates about the power of relational work in policy and systems change🔸Action Steps: The power of dinner parties and telling stories of the unexpected🔸Imaginary Book club: Solnit’s “A Paradise Built in Hell” and Ehrenreich’s” Dancing in the Streets”🔸Relational lineages: The power of reflecting on understanding your relational roots as a practitionerDig deeper:📚Books recommended:“A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster” by Rebecca Solnit“Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy” by Barbara Ehrenreich📝 Follow “The Meld” on Substack—forthcoming newsletter on relational alchemy 💬 Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads 🖥 Be in touch! WebsiteLatest research on kinship and connectionA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, Melanie Kahl and Georgie Nightingall engage in an intimate conversation exploring the transformative power of relationships and deep listening. We’ll delve into the unseen forces of connection and reciprocity, discussing how meaningful interactions are pivotal for change.Georgie shares personal experiences, the founding of her company Trigger Conversations, and insights from her PhD research on human connection. You’ll learn practices for being a better relational leader (mapping ripples!) and how to think about the multifaceted value of relationships (from cognitive to social-emotional). Follow Georgie’s journey from her early days in project management to becoming a Sandbox member and from Trigger conversations to a PhD in human connection.The episode emphasizes the importance of building trust, co-creation, and participatory roles in fostering a connected and resilient community. Through storytelling and reflection, the conversation highlights the critical role of relationality in driving social impact and navigating complex challenges.00:53 Centering and Grounding Ritual03:48 Introducing Georgie: A Social Entrepreneur08:39 Trigger Conversations: The Birth of an Idea11:23 The Power of Relational Work in Organizations19:23 Relational Leadership in Action20:53 The Sandbox Community Model29:30 Mapping Relational Ripples33:51 Practical Steps for Relational LeadershipLinks:Centering and Grounding Ritual: Crown Shyness, Mother Trees, and poem: Clearing – Martha PostlethwaiteGeorgie’s organisation Trigger ConversationsGeorgie’s TEDx Talk, “Talking to Strangers”Georgie’s research on five types of interaction structures Newsletter: Conversations with GeorgiePersonal Website: www.georgienightingall.co.uk A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together – especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision.We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of the Relational Podcast, host Georgie Nightingall engages in a profound conversation with Sumitra Pasupathy, of KAI Advisory and partner at Philanthropy Dialogues about the transformative power of relationships in addressing global crises. Sumitra shares her rich family heritage, her journey from being an engineer to a social innovator, and her work with resource and wealth holders. She highlights the importance of trust, deep listening, and relational frameworks in effecting meaningful social change. The discussion delves into the concept of social innovation versus product innovation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her work, and practical steps for embracing relational leadership.00:00 Introduction to the Relational Podcast00:59 Meet Sumitra: A Journey of Heritage and Social Impact02:27 The Influence of Family and Community05:36 From Engineering to Social Innovation08:05 A Pivotal Moment During COVID-1911:35 The Power of Relational Trust18:48 Facing the Poly Crisis with Trust and Collaboration25:28 Practical Steps for Embracing Relationa lLeadership27:53 Conclusion: The Heart of TransformationA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Sumitra Pasupathy, of Karuna Advisory Impact (KAI) and partner at Philanthropy Dialogues speaks to Fabian Pfortmüller to explore the transformative power of genuine human connections and relationships. Fabian Pfortmüller, is partner at Together Institute, an organization that works with purpose-driven communities, networks and their leaders to help them thrive. Fabian is co-creator of the Wasan Network, a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Fabian writes a newsletter on community and is co-author of the Community Canvas and the Community Weaving Framework, both open-source community building frameworks.They discuss how deep listening and relationality can drive systemic change, sharing personal stories and insights on belonging, community building, and the role of relational leadership. Fabian delves into his own journey from Switzerland to Amsterdam, his experiences with the Sandbox community, and the impact of fostering deep, intentional relationships. The conversation covers the significance of belonging, the limitations of transactional networking, and the importance of caring for relationships within various fields. They also touch on philosophical and practical aspects of relational work, urging resource holders to value and support these essential human connections. They end with practical advice on how to start working relationally, emphasizing the power of making genuine invitations.00:00 Introduction to the Relational Podcast02:36 Meet Fabo: A Journey of Connection07:47 The Power of Belonging12:04 Why Relational Work Matters17:19 Creating Communities of Change22:40 Amplfying RelationalLeadership27:50 Practical Steps to Start Working Relationally29:00 Closing ReflectionsA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, Fabian Pfortmüller and Meg Busse explore the power of relationships in social change, the unique design of the Roddenberry Fellowship, and practical ways to foster connection and abundance in communities. Meg shares personal stories, challenges, and insights from leading a fellow-driven network, and both hosts reflect on the value of slowing down and deep listening in a fast-paced world.Key Moments:00:52 – Meet Meg Busse: Her background, passions, and the Roddenberry Foundation02:10 – The impact of the Roddenberry Fellowship: Building solidarity and trust04:53 – Shifting to fellow-led retreats and network ownership08:46 – How the fellowship changed Meg personally10:56 – Designing for connection, abundance, and glimpses of the future13:13 – The annual rhythm: Retreats, coaching, and community touchpoints15:24 – The benefits and challenges of fellow-led retreats17:35 – How Meg’s role shifted with distributed leadership19:19 – Addressing skepticism: Why relational work is “soft, slow, and magical”21:36 – Practical advice: How to start working more relationally24:29 – The importance of asking questions and fostering curiosity25:54 – Final reflections: Making the case for relationships and closing thoughtsA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this heart-opening episode of The Relational Podcast, Avani Parekh from Catalyst Now sits down  with Rachel Sinha, systems thinker, community convenor and co-founder of The System Sanctuary, to explore how relationships, rather than reports or rigid strategies, spark true transformation in systems change work.Rachel shares stories from her journey—growing up in the English countryside, moving across continents, and initiating unexpected communities wherever she lands. Together, they unpack the bold act of convening, the vulnerability of gathering people without a script, and the magic (and messiness) that arises when we center human connection in our change-making work.HighlightsFrom Gardening Clubs to Global Communities: Rachel reflects on her lifelong tendency to build community, from childhood clubs to leading system-shifting networks in finance and beyond.The Finance Innovation Lab: How one “no-budget” convening initiative during the 2008 financial crisis ended up catalyzing new coalitions, policy shifts, and even marriages.Throw a Better Party: The power of joyful, inclusive, creative convenings over dry, extractive panel sessions—and why making spaces “fun” is strategic, not fluffy.Facing the Fear of Convening: What it really feels like to send the invitation—personally and professionally—and why it’s an act of leadership worth the risk.Why Metrics Miss the Point: Rachel breaks down why the most transformational work often happens in meandering, sacred spaces that defy typical KPIs and outputs.The Sacred in the Systemic: A moving glimpse into The System Sanctuary, a peer space for global system leaders to be real, slow down, and be seen.Wisdom Drops“If you don’t know the answer, that’s your signal to convene.”“People often recognize the value of relationality in their personal lives—but don’t allow it into their professional work.”“Hosting a gathering is like throwing a party—it’s brave, messy, and transformative if you let it be.”Resources MentionedArt of Hosting — Participatory leadership methodology for deep conversationsEmergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree brownPanarchy Cycle — A systems framework for understanding birth, death, and regeneration in ecosystems and organizationsA Note from Avani: Rachel, thank you for making the invisible visible. Your presence in our community and your courage to keep convening even when the outcomes are intangible inspires us all. The next party we throw—we’re channeling your spirit.A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Rachel Sinha talks with Christine Lai and explores what happens when you treat relationships not as a side note, but as the core strategy.Christine shares the unexpected advice that’s guided her journey recently: to have one close friend in every generation. She talks about lessons learned on building the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems at the Kauffman Foundation and offers an honest look at what worked, what didn’t, and why relationality sat at the heart of it all.The conversation also touches on the messiness of relational work, Christine’s refreshingly kind approach to AI (she may be the only person who speaks to her AI companions with full presence), and the role of compassion in navigating today’s tangled challenges.The episode opens with a reading of The Invitation by Mary Oliver. Episode Highlights: 02:51 Christine's Journey and Defining Relationality05:40 Relational Breakthroughs and Community Building13:44 Challenges and Navigating Relational Work28:40 Relationality in the Age of AI32:30 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of the Relationality Podcast, host Sonja Betschart converses with Ese Emerhi, the Global Network Weaver for the Global Fund for Community Foundations, about the importance of relational networking and community-driven approaches in development. Ese shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of adjusting to a new work environment in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of gratitude and community over financial resources. They discuss the need for trust-building and flexibility in networks, contrasting it with rigid, top-down donor structures.The conversation highlights the current crisis in traditional development models and the emerging value of community philanthropy as a solution that prioritizes relationships and localized problem-solving over external expertise and control.03:04 Personal Journey and Challenges in Nigeria04:01 The Importance of Gratitude in Building Relationships07:29 The Freedom and Trust in Network-Based Approaches09:35 Community Philanthropy: An Emerging Practice20:58 Creating Spaces for Informal ConnectionsA big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Jane Wei-Skillern explores with her special guest, Sonja Betschart, co-founder and co-pilot of We Robotics, how authentic relationships can be more powerful than any strategy or technology in driving meaningful change.Through an honest and insightful conversation, Sonja shares her fascinating journey from constant action to a leadership style grounded in deep and intentional relationships. You'll discover how this shift radically transformed her personal and professional outcomes, providing her with more energy, fulfillment, and—surprisingly—greater tangible results.Key moments in the episode:[00:02:40] Sonja’s transformative experiment: balancing action and relationships.[00:06:40] What do 50 projects reveal about the secret to success? (Hint: relationships win)[00:09:30] Why relationships are essential in times of crisis and mistrust.[00:13:50] The importance of personally experiencing deep listening and human connection.[00:15:30] A key mindset shift: from "what we do" to "how we relate".If you’ve ever felt like something is missing in the traditional way of working and leading, this episode offers a fresh, inspiring, and proven perspective on how putting relationships at the center can transform both your work and your life.Hit play and discover the transformative power of relationships!A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

What if the greatest lever for impact isn’t found in strategies or institutions, but in the quality of our relationships? In this inaugural episode of The Relational Podcast, David Jay talks with renowned network leadership expert Jane Wei-Skillern about how shifting our mindset from organizational control to relational trust can unlock transformative change. Drawing from decades of research at Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, Jane shares powerful stories of leaders who chose humility over ego, trust over control, and community over individual success. Together, David and Jane explore the principles that set successful networks apart:Mission before organizationTrust, not controlHumility, not brandConstellations, not starsThrough thoughtful insights, personal reflections, and compelling poetry, this conversation invites listeners to rethink leadership and embrace relationality as a path toward lasting impact.A big shout-out to the Wasan Network for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation. Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at Efecto Colibrí and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. https://efectocolibri.com/en/ Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About