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

Annemarie Shrouder shares her personal journey with identity and discusses her work building inclusive cultures and communities. She and Melissa explore the difference between learning and BEING something (embodying change), the challenges of mixed race identity, creating safe and/or brave spaces, and the importance of representation, belonging and community support.

Topics Discussed:

• Identity and embodying change
• Inclusion and belonging in organizations
• Leadership, empathy and localization
• Diversity in leadership and overcoming barriers
• Creating inclusive cultures and speaking up against injustice

Key Insights:

• Embodying change means living what you learn, not just talking about it
• Inclusion alone is not enough without addressing oppressive systems
• Self-care and vulnerability are acts of resistance for historically disadvantaged groups
• Both safe spaces and brave spaces are needed to have meaningful conversations (and this article by Elise Ahenkorah takes it a step further talking about accountable spaces)

Annemarie Shrouder – international best-selling author of Being Brown in a Black and White World: Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism and Belonging - has spent more than 20 years in the field of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) as a facilitator, consultant, and international speaker. An expert in EDI with a Masters in Bias Awareness, Annemarie assists in the creation of healthy workplace communities through her Signature Methodology and Inclusive Leadership Program. Organizations turn to Annemarie when they are looking to build environments where people can learn and are supported, and where they are acknowledged and valued. She also delivers presentations and keynotes, and can be booked for speaking engagements that inspire people to notice more, and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion. Annemarie works with diversity broadly and is passionate about healing the racial divide and supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion.

To learn more, check out:

• Her website: https://annemarieshrouder.com/
• Her community for leaders committed to building belonging: https://ediwithheart.wordpress.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarieshrouder/
• Her book: https://annemarieshrouder.com/book/

“Embodying change is the difference between learning something and BEING something.”

- Annemarie Shrouder

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti and Nasra Ismail have a candid conversation about navigating transitions, power dynamics, and the principles of localization in the humanitarian sector. They share personal anecdotes and insights into their professional journeys, discussing the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. From experiencing shifts in power dynamics to embracing localization as a personal and professional practice, they delve into the complexities of working in the humanitarian field and the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. Join them as they explore the intersection of personal and professional growth, which could be helpful for anyone navigating career transitions or seeking to create meaningful change in their communities.

Background

Nasra Ismail is Alight's newly appointed U.S. Enterprise Executive Director, where she leads a team to build and expand welcoming communities for newcomers to the United States. With a career spanning two decades, Nasra's journey has taken her across the globe, from leading public policy in Washington D.C. to delivering humanitarian aid in East Africa and shaping social justice movement strategy in philanthropy for the past three years. As a first-generation immigrant, Nasra champions interconnected communities founded on principles of equity and inclusion, all working towards a shared future. Nasra has held leadership roles at organizations including the U.S Millennium Challenge Corporation, Care US, Oxfam International, Co-Impact, and GivingTuesday. Her unique blend of experiences in humanitarian, public, and philanthropic sectors all reflect her core values, which were enriched by her personal displacement journey from Somalia.

In this episode, Melissa and Nasra

• reflect on their professional journeys, highlighting the transitions they've experienced and the lessons learned
• discuss the impact of power dynamics on relationships and professional interactions, sharing personal experiences of navigating shifts in power
• share insights into the principles of localization and its significance in empowering local communities to drive change and participate fully in humanitarian efforts
• explore the intersection of personal and professional values, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's purpose with their work
• offer encouragement and advice for individuals navigating career transitions or seeking to create positive change in their communities
• discuss the role of community support and collaboration in fostering personal and professional growth, highlighting the value of mutual aid and solidarity

Melissa's conclusion

Community is the #1 thing you need when navigating a values-aligned career transition in the humanitarian sector.

Resources mentioned

• Nasra Ismail's LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/nasraismail
• Nasra Ismail's X (Twitter) profile: @NAS_isms
• Nasra is the U.S. Enterprise Executive Director of Alight, and you can learn more about Alight at: https://wearealight.org/
• Their previous podcast conversation can be found here: https://changemakingwomen.com/guest-series-embodying-change-4-nasra-ismail-director-of-the-somalia-ngo-consortium/

In this episode Melissa speaks with Joy Kolin, Executive Director and Board President of Giving Joy.

Joy has 20-years of experience in the field of international development, a career that has taken her to over 60 countries. Throughout her travels, Joy found herself touched by a common trend - the immense ability of women to affect positive change if given the resources and opportunities to do so. In 2018 she established Giving Joy as a way to harness and grow the power and the influence of women-led ventures the world over. Now, women from any country, across any trade or industry, can apply for a one-time grant between $250 to $500 to jump start and/or expand their operations.

To learn more check out:

- Giving Joy: https://givingjoygrants.org

- Email: [email protected]

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

How can we better manage our workload, as per Commitment 8 of the Core Humanitarian Standard?*

In this episode Melissa speaks with Wouter Smeets, a design-thinker, about how to re-shape our work in a way that gives us energy, rather than drains it. He gives us some good questions to ask ourselves, like: How do we design our morning routine? What makes a break a good break? What task can we do first that will put us on good footing for the rest of the day? What are some life-centric strategies for managing our calendar? He also reveals a free, work-enhancing drug that has zero side effects. And he talks about a ground-breaking process he’s involved with to create a safe space for exchanging ideas that is also a brave space for experimenting with putting these ideas into practice to make our work more life-enriching.

Wouter Smeets co-founded Prototype You, a community lab for explorers who challenge accepted norms about work, to co-create ways of working where people and organisations thrive. It’s a community lab with workshops, conversations, and experiments to cultivate work that enriches people’s lives. When he’s not working he’s usually visiting the sea, hiking, or running on the athletics track.

To learn more check out:

- Wouter on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wouter-smeets/

- Prototype You at https://www.prototypeyou.nl/community

- Wouter’s newsletter where he shares gems from the lab here: https://prototypeyou.ck.page/newsletter

- Wouter’s email is: [email protected]

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

*Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 8: Communities and people affected by crisis receive the assistance they require from competent and well-managed staff and volunteers.

In this conversation, Melissa speaks with Sabrina Prioli, the author of a memoir called “Rise up, phoenix” and one of the victim/survivors of the 2016 Terrain Compound Attacks in Juba, South Sudan. Sabrina shares her insights into how to better support victim/survivors and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. She also explains the nuances of the words “victim” vs. “survivor” and how to cope when hearing about traumatic incidents like hers.

*Note: This conversation includes references to rape and may be triggering for some listeners.*

Sabrina Prioli is currently a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, Mental Fitness Coach and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). She is an independent consultant and she supports organisations in raising awareness, prevention and preparation on the issue of sexual abuse, violence and rape. She worked for years as an aid worker and consultant for humanitarian projects. Sabrina helped develop the planning, monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) plans for her own and different partner implementing projects. She has worked as a researcher and PM&E consultant for universities, NGOs and governments in Latin America, Africa and Europe. She has experience and knowledge in the thematic areas of protection, education, economic empowerment and gender equality which allow her to develop the appropriate indicators and PM&E tools. In 2011 she created a foundation “Fundacion Hilo Sagrado”, dedicated to the conservation of culture and tradition of the indigenous peoples of Guajira, in Colombia, to strengthen the identity and social role of women. In 2021, for her civil commitment in favour of women victims of violence and abuse, she won the "Woman Award 2021" and the award “Il Paese delle Donne Award 2021." In 2022 she won solidarity award, “Premio Solidarietà” Premio Nazionale Pratola 2022. Sabrina has a degree in Sociology, a Masters in Project Management for International Organisations, and Certification in Monitoring & Evaluation & Facilitation.

• Sabrina's website: https://en.sabrinaprioli.com/
• Sabrina's 2020 memoir "Rise up, phoenix": https://en.sabrinaprioli.com/il-mio-libro

To learn more about the CHS Alliance work on organisational culture and well-being, see:

https://www.chsalliance.org/organisational-culture-and-people-management/

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

In this episode Melissa speaks with Dr. Aiysha Malik, a mental health specialist at the World Health Organization working for a world that supports, improves, and does not harm mental health. They discuss the WHO guidelines on mental health and work and accompanying WHO-ILO policy brief. What do the guidelines say and what can you do with them?

Check out the WHO guidelines on mental health at work here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053052

And the WHO-ILO mental health at work policy brief here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944

To learn more about the CHS Alliance work on organisational culture and well-being, see:

https://www.chsalliance.org/get-support/article/cultivating-caring-compassionate-aid-organisations/

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

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Melissa speaks with: Dr. Chinonso Emmanuel Okorie, an MSF doctor living in Rwanda who recently completed a mission in Yemen; Lindis Hurun, the General Director of MSF Norway; and Ryan Rodrick Beiler, a multimedia producer for MSF Norway. They and several colleagues were involved in the production of a video that has made waves in the humanitarian community for its handling of structural racism and patient dignity using a technique called “the duet.” In this podcast interview they talk about why and how the video came to be, the organisational culture changes that were happening behind the scenes, the public reaction to the video, and lessons learned they want to share with other humanitarians.

Check out the video, “When you picture Doctors without Borders, what do you see?” - here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DFemg94ufU

Excerpt from the video:

“This is not about us and them.

This is not about heroes and victims.

This is about global solidarity and humanitarian justice.

Because we are all just human beings, with the same worth and dignity, and the same right to live in safety and health.”

To learn more about the CHS Alliance work on power, organisational culture and well-being, see:

https://www.chsalliance.org/organisational-culture-and-people-management/

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

In this episode Melissa Pitotti speaks with Degan Ali, the Executive Director of Adeso, about the story behind the Pledge for Change 2030. They explore the ways in which the process that led to the Pledge was informed by lessons learned from the Charter for Change and the Grand Bargain. They consider the need for brave leaders to have safe spaces to come together on tough issues - and for leaders to be evaluated on metrics of success other than “bigger is better.” They end with reflections on equitable partnerships and accountability mechanisms.

Degan Ali is Executive Director of the African humanitarian and development organisation Adeso, as well as co-founder of the first Global South civil society network for local and national humanitarian organisations, the Network for Empowered Aid Response (NEAR). She is a Rockefeller Foundation Global Fellow for Social Innovation, and a contributor to the Overseas Development Institute/Humanitarian Policy Group and Global Food Security journal. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Al Jazeera and The Guardian. Degan holds an M.A. in international service from University of Roehampton and a B.A. from Trinity College. She lives in Kenya and works with organisations across the Global North and South.

To learn more about the Pledge for Change 2030 check out:

- The Pledge for Change website: https://pledgeforchange2030.org/

- The launch of the Pledge on the New Humanitarian Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/event-launch-of-the-pledge-for-change-2030/id1420089508?i=1000584624738

To learn more about the CHS Revision Process check out: https://corehumanitarianstandard.org/chs-revision

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

In this episode Melissa speaks with Faye Ekong of RavelWorks Africa about common challenges in aid organisations, particularly as they relate to decolonising aid in a “post” COVID world.

Faye Ekong is the Managing Director of RavelWorks Africa. She has been in Human Resources, Learning & Personal Development for over 10 years. She is an SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), holds a Masters of Science in International Management and a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies and Modern Languages. To learn more, check out:

- Ravelworks Africa: https://ravel.works/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faye-ekong/?originalSubdomain=ke

To register for the 21 September 2022 CIGNA event on “Safeguarding & Staff Well-being – What Good Looks Like” visit: https://www.cignaglobal.com/ngo-event?utm_source=Organisational+culture+opt-in&utm_campaign=ca506081f5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_09_08_08_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cf704f3635-ca506081f5-154076786

To register for the 27 – 28 September 2022 CHS Exchange, “Towards a more accountable aid system: delivering on our commitments” visit: https://hopin.com/events/chs-exchange-ga-2022

To learn more about the CHS Alliance work on organisational culture and well-being, see:

- https://www.chsalliance.org/get-support/article/cultivating-caring-compassionate-aid-organisations/

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***

Melissa speaks with Oge Chukwudozie about the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub’s exciting pilot project accompanying 10 local Nigerian organisations as they work to change their organisational cultures. Oge emphasizes the value of cultivating a safe and supportive workplace culture and the importance of leadership “walking the talk.”

Organisations often issue written policies without addressing the underlying social norms of the organisation that block the full implementation of these policies. A good place to start is for leaders to develop qualities like awareness, self-acceptance, empathy, curiosity in the face of criticism, and a learning mindset in the face of mistakes. Work relationships that are friendly and filled with laughter – rather than tension - can motivate and energise people to do their best work. Leaders who are nice are not necessarily weak. Mental health challenges and burnout are real. You want to ensure your staff are okay.

Oge Chukwudozie is a safeguarding and protection professional with 18 years’ experience in the aid sector. She has worked with different organisations, including Africare, Christian Aid and Save the Children. Oge has experience in various thematic areas such as education, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition and emergency response. She is currently the National Representative for the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) Nigeria Hub. Her six-month pilot project is currently providing mentorship to 10 local Nigerian organisations to assess their organizational cultures, create a vision and prioritized action plan for change, track progress in reflection journals, and share learning with peers.

To learn more, check out:

- The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) website:

https://safeguardingsupporthub.org/

and Nigeria specific page:

https://nigeria.safeguardingsupporthub.org/

- Twitter: @SafeguardingRSH

- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oge-chinenye-chukwudozie-96164a2b

To learn more about the CHS Alliance work on organisational culture and well-being, see:

- https://www.chsalliance.org/get-support/article/cultivating-caring-compassionate-aid-organisations/

***Thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***