It can feel overwhelming navigating a career pivot, especially in times of uncertainty. But it doesn’t have to be.
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, we’re joined by Wayan Vota, founder of Career Pivot, to explore how humanitarian and development professionals can use these very principles to make meaningful career transitions.
Wayan shares his personal journey of shifting careers after being laid off and discusses how his platform, Career Pivot, helps people embrace change, find new opportunities, and use their skills in new places, all while staying true to their core values.
He walks through his seven-step methodology for job searching and pivoting careers, showing how you can align your professional path with your commitment to improving lives globally.
Wayan also highlights how technology, networking, and peer support systems can powerfully support job seekers in their transitions, helping them find new roles that uphold their values and continue their impact.
If you're a humanitarian looking to pivot or even redefine your professional journey, this episode will give you tools, inspiration, and insights to take the next step, without compromising on your values.
Today’s guest:
Wayan Vota is the founder of Career Pivot, a 12,000-member community dedicated to helping professionals find a new job. With over 25 years of experience using technology to improve lives around the world, Wayan has seen firsthand how difficult it can be to pivot, especially when you're deeply committed to humanitarian values. After being laid off in January, Wayan channeled his own experience into creating Career Pivot, a platform designed to help people align their values with their career transitions. Through Career Pivot, Wayan supports job seekers with a 7-step methodology and guides to use Generative AI to accelerate the job search process.
You’ll learn:
Resources:
Learn more about Career Pivot and get involved at mypivot.substack.com.
Career Pivot offers webinars, peer support groups, and guides to help you through every step of your career transition
Mentioned in today’s episode:
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Lydia Poole discusses "The Big Humanitarian Rethink," a digital consultation she launched with Ben Parker to capture diverse perspectives on reforming the humanitarian system during a period of unprecedented funding cuts. The consultation revealed two distinct camps: "reimaginers" who advocate for radical transformation addressing power imbalances, and "improvers" who prefer incremental change while preserving humanitarian principles. Despite these differences, both groups agree on the need to maintain some international crisis response capabilities. As the humanitarian sector navigates this watershed moment, Lydia emphasizes the urgent need to make difficult choices about what to preserve while avoiding a disorderly collapse of vital services. This conversation offers rare insight into a sector at a crossroads, balancing immediate operational demands with the opportunity for meaningful, long-overdue reform.
Today's Guest
Lydia Poole is a humanitarian financing expert with over 15 years of experience. Along with Ben Parker, Lydia co-created "The Big Humanitarian Rethink" citizen consultation, an initiative to collect diverse perspectives on humanitarian system reform following recent funding cuts. Lydia previously wrote an article published by The New Humanitarian addressing the risks of leaving key decisions about humanitarian system reform to a small group of leaders with vested interests.
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In a sector increasingly battered by funding cuts, program disruptions, and global uncertainty, where can humanitarian professionals find stability? As the waves of change crash around us, what can serve as our anchor?
In this powerful episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Carrie Santos about how structured peer support groups (also called masterminds or forums) can provide that crucial foundation during turbulent times. They explore how these intentional communities help humanitarians weather career transitions, prevent burnout, and find creative solutions to complex problems when traditional support systems falter.
Carrie shares her fascinating journey from working in a donor role to leading overseas programs for the American Red Cross, and then unexpectedly pivoting to run a global organization for entrepreneurs. There, she discovered the profound impact of structured peer support: an approach that successful business leaders have invested in for decades as their hidden compass during times of uncertainty.
You'll hear how this powerful practice serves as an anchor for people across industries and cultures, transforming not just their careers, but their marriages, parenting, and overall well-being during life's storms. As Carrie notes, "It's been a great source of mental strength for me... If you want to live in a community where people listen to each other, support each other, and help you when you're stuck–if you want to live in that world, you can create it."
If you're feeling adrift amid funding cuts, searching for your next opportunity, or simply wanting to connect with people who understand your unique challenges, this episode reveals how the right peer support network could be the anchor you need to remain steady, purposeful, and persevering.
Today's Guest
Carrie Santos
With 20 years' experience as an international humanitarian, Carrie has led overseas operations for the American Red Cross and served as a U.S. government donor to local and international organizations. As CEO of Entrepreneurs' Organization, with 16,000+ members globally, she led a network of purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to do good while making a profit; including 1,500+ peer support groups. Now she serves as a consultant, helping to build strategic plans for nonprofit and for-profit organizations that are aligned with her purpose of solving the world's problems by ensuring everyone can contribute their talents.
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Key Quote
"...It's been a great source of mental strength for me... If you want to live in a community where people listen to each other, people support each other, people cheer you on, and people help you when you're stuck… If you want to live in that world, you can create it." - Carrie Santos
In today’s episode, we hear from Dr. Lucia Berdondini, a Gestalt therapist and humanitarian, who shares her journey and the importance of embodying change in times of crisis. She discusses how grief and uncertainty are affecting the humanitarian workforce amidst recent challenges, and how we can support ourselves and others through this transformative period.
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About the guest:
Dr. Lucia Berdondini is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Course Leader of the Distance Learning MSc Humanitarian Intervention at the University of East London. A BACP Accredited Gestalt Psychotherapist since 2003, she has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and groups. Her research and practice focus on psychosocial interventions in war-affected regions, existential therapies, and intercultural counselling training, with experience in Afghanistan, Angola, India, Syria, and Ukraine. She has authored numerous international academic publications in these fields.
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Quotes by Dr. Lucia Berdonini
Farah Mahesri shares insights about systems-level change, the importance of building trust, and finding your community during times of transition. Drawing from her experience working with social justice organizations and in global development, Farah discusses how to embody change at multiple levels while staying true to your values.
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Guest bio:
Farah Mahesri is a freelance consultant specializing in organizational development and systems change. With experience in both global development and social justice movements, she helps individuals and organizations navigate transitions while staying aligned with their values.
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In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti talks with Anna Young, an organizational culture specialist, to explore how humanitarian teams can align their values with their daily work. Drawing from her research and extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, Anna shares actionable strategies for creating cultures rooted in kindness, connection, and appreciation—while addressing the systemic challenges that cause burnout and misalignment. This conversation is packed with practical insights, inspiring reflections, and a clear call to action: Start small, but start today.
About Anna Young:
Anna Young is an organizational culture expert based in Tasmania and Sweden. With a background in humanitarian response, she specializes in helping teams operationalize their values, foster healthier work cultures, and sustain their impact. Anna works globally with humanitarian organizations to create great cultures through bringing values into action through team behaviours, norms and rituals. She specializes in the ‘how’ of culture creation so that everyone can be a part of the change.
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In this episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti is joined by Jody Gunn-Russell and Camille Lemouchoux, two trailblazers in humanitarian staff well-being. Together, they recount the inspiring story of the NGO Staff Wellbeing Network, from its inception to its evolution into a vibrant community of practice. The conversation dives into the challenges of fostering well-being in the humanitarian sector, the systemic changes needed, and the collective efforts required to support staff across diverse cultural and organizational contexts.
Guest bios:
Key takeaways:
1. The importance of peer support: Sharing practices and resources helps alleviate the loneliness felt by many in the humanitarian field.
2. System change is necessary: Organizational cultures need to prioritize staff well-being as a core value, not an afterthought.
3. Inclusion and diversity: Future efforts should focus on engaging local NGOs and creating multilingual, culturally sensitive spaces
4. Wellbeing as a leadership responsibility: Leaders can adopt a coaching mindset, focusing on asking the right questions rather than having all the answers.
5. Advocacy with donors: Advocating for donor funding to include well-being costs can make well-being initiatives more sustainable.
Resources to explore:
The NGO Staff Well-being Network for professionals who care to share resources, ideas and strategies to improve NGO staff wellbeing meets quarterly online. Fill out this form to express interest in joining.
The Graduate Course in Humanitarian Leadership and Crisis Leadership Program by the Center for Humanitarian Leadership
Other episodes of the Embodying Change podcast
The Perspective Coaching Collective - tailored leadership and well-being training and coaching solutions for humanitarian organizations: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectif-perspectives-coaching/
In this heartfelt conversation, Dimple Dhabalia shares her journey from working in the government and humanitarian sectors to advocating for trauma-informed leadership and workforce well-being. Through the lens of her personal experiences and her book Tell Me My Story, Dimple explores the vital shift from “service before self” to a more sustainable, human-centered approach. This episode dives into the complexity of moral injury, the ripple effect of self-care in leadership, and how we can reframe our approach to service to prioritize both humanity and well-being.
Guest Background:
Dimple Dhabalia is a seasoned humanitarian professional and author of Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self. With nearly two decades of experience in asylum and refugee policy and operations for the U.S. government, Dimple transitioned to focus on workforce mental health and well-being, organizational trauma, and moral injury. Her work and insights are dedicated to reshaping the way we approach service, leadership, and self-care in high-stress, misson-driven environments.
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In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Torrey Peace, leadership coach and expert in the humanitarian and development sectors. Together, they explore the challenge of balancing high performance with self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries and empowering your team to thrive. Torrey shares insightful strategies on overcoming imposter syndrome, delegating effectively, and why investing in your team creates a ripple effect of positive impact. Tune in to hear practical advice you can start applying today, whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization.
About Torrey
As a certified coach with twelve years’ experience in international development Torrey Peace facilitates rising and established leaders in the humanitarian and development world to become the leaders they admire, or “people centered leaders.” She has taught and coached over 400 supervisors globally from the UN, INGO and civil society to become more inclusive and caring leaders that make a greater impact while also stepping out of overwork and overwhelm. Her mission is to provide leaders the skills they need to be part of the change we want to see in the humanitarian and development world while also maintaining their wellbeing. For more information about Torrey’s work and podcast, please visit www.aidforaidworkers.com.
Key Topics:
● What it means to embody change as a leader
● Overcoming imposter syndrome and shifting mindset
● Delegating effectively to create more time and space
● Practical tips for managing and empowering your team
● The importance of peer support and collaboration in leadership
Links and Resources:
● Torrey’s Leadership Style Quiz
● Learn more about Torrey Peace’s Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader course
● Follow Torrey Peace on LinkedIn
● Listen to the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader Podcast
In this episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Debra Peltz, founder of CollabWork and a well-being champion with a 25-year career in senior administration roles. Debra shares her journey from volunteering in Sri Lanka to working at Save the Children UK and eventually launching her own business.
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In this episode, Melissa Pitotti is joined by Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. Sarah shares her unique perspective on peace-building, storytelling, and how inner development can create outer change. Together, they discuss:
About Sarah Noble
Sarah is originally from Canada and has lived in Switzerland for more than half her life. She has dedicated her career to building a better world through storytelling and peacebuilding. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she highlights the power of stories to address the existential challenges of our time. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and partnerships, Sarah co-founded and curates the Peace Talks at Interpeace. She has overseen more than 20 editions across eight countries and worked with over 200 speakers. Previously, she served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, leading its rebranding and expanding its funding base. Sarah holds an MA in International Affairs and volunteers as the Country Chair of Global Dignity for Switzerland.
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Ever wonder how aid workers can stay safe in some of the world’s most dangerous environments?
Rebecca Maudling, is on a mission to make sure humanitarian staff not only survive but feel confident and equipped to do their work safely — even in the toughest conditions. From co-founding an organization that helps NGOs work more safely, to reshaping how we think about mental health in crisis zones, Rebecca's insights on duty of care are hard earned. Stay tuned to the end to hear her big news about an exciting event coming up.
Today’s Guest
Rebecca is Co-Founder & Director of International Location Safety (ILS). She co-founded the organization, growing it from a start-up to its current position as a leading provider of security risk management services within the humanitarian aid and development sector. ILS supports organizations globally to meet their Duty of Care obligations and enable their staff to work in challenging situations around the world. As the business has grown, she has built up a fantastic team and so although now less involved in the day-to-day running of the business, she retains strategic oversight and a passion for supporting organizations to protect and care for their staff.
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Key Takeaway:
Rebecca emphasizes the importance of connection—both to oneself and to others—in sustaining well-being, especially in high-pressure environments like humanitarian work.
Connect with ILS:
Upcoming Events:
Quotes
"Embodying change requires courage—courage to challenge the status quo and live in alignment with your values, even when it's difficult." – Rebecca Maudling
"We put psychological well-being at the heart of what we do. If you're not in a good mental place, you're not going to make good decisions under stress." – Rebecca Maudling
"The conversations around well-being in the humanitarian sector are happening more than ever. But there's still a long way to go." – Rebecca Maudling
"For us, it’s not just about teaching people how to survive hostile environments—it’s about helping them feel confident and empowered to do their work safely." – Rebecca Maudling
"When it comes to duty of care, it's not enough to have policies on paper. It’s about putting them into practice and making sure they actually work on the ground." – Rebecca Maudling
"Connection—to yourself and to others—is vital. You need to know what you need to sustain yourself and have a support network in place, especially when times get tough." – Rebecca Maudling
"We're seeing more conversations about mental health being just as important as physical health. That’s a positive shift, but there’s still so much more we can do." – Rebecca Maudling
"The humanitarian sector is facing unprecedented risks, and it’s never been more important to...
In this episode, Melissa Pitotti speaks with Deborah Doane, author of The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal.
Deborah brings decades of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, from leading the Ombudsman Project for humanitarian accountability to co-founding the RINGO Project, which is pushing for systemic change in global civil society.
The conversation explores key themes from Deborah’s book, including the challenges of reforming the INGO sector, shifting power to local actors, and embracing new roles for INGOs in the future.
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Deborah Doane is an independent consultant and author with over two decades of experience in humanitarian and development sectors. She has led key initiatives like the RINGO Project and the Ombudsman Project, which focused on bringing accountability to the humanitarian aid sector. Her latest book, The INGO Problem, explores the power dynamics and privilege embedded in international NGOs and how to move toward a more equitable system.
Connect with Deborah Doane:
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Call to Action:
If you want to dive deeper into how INGOs operate and how they can shift power to local communities, pick up Deborah’s book, The INGO Problem.
Let’s continue these important conversations on how we can all contribute to meaningful, system-wide change.
What does it mean to sit in the gray areas of change?
How can philanthropy better support nonprofit leaders and staff in these challenging times?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti speaks with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, a thought leader in philanthropy and the leader of the research team at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Elisha shares her journey from a childhood deeply influenced by civil rights activism to her role in shaping effective philanthropic practices. The conversation covers critical topics, including the findings from the 2024 State of Nonprofits report, which highlights the ongoing burnout crisis among nonprofit leaders, and the transformative impact of large, unrestricted gifts as seen in Mackenzie Scott’s philanthropy.
Elisha also provides a sneak peek into their upcoming research, exploring the differences in grantee experiences when receiving funds directly from foundations versus intermediaries. This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about the future of philanthropy and nonprofit well-being.
Today’s Guest
Elisha Smith Arrillaga is the Director of Research at the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). She has dedicated her career to ensuring that philanthropic practices are grounded in research and focused on maximizing their positive impact on nonprofits and the communities they serve.
Website: Center for Effective Philanthropy
Social Media: LinkedIn
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How can we create a thriving workplace culture in the humanitarian sector?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Leanne Marega, a pioneer in humanitarian workforce well-being and a founder of Thrive Worldwide. Leanne shares her journey from Interhealth Worldwide to founding Thrive Worldwide, emphasizing the critical role of culture in fostering thriving workplaces. You’ll hear about the importance of healthy boundaries, the challenges of leadership in times of crisis, and practical steps to create supportive work environments.
Leanne also opens up about her personal battle with cancer and how it influenced her perspective on well-being and leadership. Her story of hope and community support during a challenging time offers valuable insights for anyone facing similar struggles.
Today’s Guest
Leanne Marega is Co-Founder and CEO for Thrive Worldwide bringing over 15 years experience in the wellbeing industry. Prior to Thrive, Leanne worked with InterHealth Worldwide for eight years, 4 of those years as Regional Director for Eastern Africa based in Kenya. Leanne is an entrepreneur with a heart to see people and organisations flourish. Leanne has a Masters from University of East London (UEL) in International Humanitarian Psychosocial Consultation. She is also a trained Coach from the Awaken Coach Institute. Leanne lives between the UK and Kenya with her husband. She thrives in community, going on long walks, cooking, baking and reading a good book.
Website: thrive-worldwide.org
Thrive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveworldwide/
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-marega-kennedy/
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How can we create sustainable change within humanitarian and development organizations?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Mary Ann Clements, a pivotal figure in the history of this podcast and Co-CEO at an organisation working on disability justice, ADD International. Mary Ann shares her journey from initiating Healing Solidarity to re-imagining an INGO to become a participatory grant maker. You’ll hear about the importance of embodying change, the challenges of reimagining institutions, and the role of power dynamics in achieving sustainable transformation. Stay tuned until the end for Mary Ann’s insights on creating environments that support well-being and resilience.
Today’s Guest
Mary Ann Clements is co-CEO at ADD International and the initiator of Healing Solidarity. With extensive experience in social justice and humanitarian work, Mary Ann is committed to fostering well-being and systemic change in the sector.
Website: maryannclements.com
Social Media: LinkedIn
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Why is burnout so prevalent in the nonprofit sector? How can funders better support the people who deliver?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Rusty Stahl, founder of Fund the People. Rusty shares his journey into philanthropy, the systemic issues leading to chronic underinvestment in nonprofit staff, and the innovative solutions Fund the People advocates for. You’ll learn about the harmful myths surrounding nonprofit overhead, the importance of treating nonprofit staff as essential assets, and practical steps to foster a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit sector.
If you're passionate about creating a supportive and effective nonprofit environment, this episode is a must-listen.
Today’s Guest
Rusty Stahl is the founder of Fund the People, an organization dedicated to maximizing investment in the nonprofit workforce. With a background in social justice and philanthropy, Rusty has been a leading voice in advocating for better support and compensation for nonprofit staff.
Website: fundthepeople.org
Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities and challenges of humanitarian work? Are you looking for signs of hope that, together, we can transform the sector?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Pauline Chetcuti, the newly elected president of VOICE. Pauline shares her journey from international law to humanitarian advocacy, discussing the importance of saying no, the power of collective action, and the challenges of decolonizing and transforming humanitarian work.
Today’s guest
Pauline Chetcuti is the newly elected president of VOICE, the largest European humanitarian NGO network. With a background in international law and extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, Pauline is committed to advocating for effective, principled humanitarian aid and elevating local voices in global conversations.
Website: voiceeu.org
Social Media: Twitter, LinkedIn
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Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can better support well-being?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Gemma Houldey, author of The Vulnerable Humanitarian. Gemma shares her journey from human rights advocacy to becoming a thought leader regarding humanitarian well-being. You’ll hear about the importance of showing up with vulnerability, understanding power dynamics, and how feminist funders are pioneering new approaches to support long-term organizational well-being.
If you're passionate about creating a more supportive and sustainable humanitarian sector, this episode is a must-listen.
Today’s Guest
Gemma Houldey is a researcher, facilitator and space-holder for more caring and inclusive working cultures in the aid sector. Her book “The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector,” draws on her own story and the accounts of over a hundred national and international aid workers she interviewed. The book explores the systemic causes of burnout in aid work, and provides guideposts for managers and staff to cultivate and embody collective resilience and care in the workplace. Her most recent research investigates the role of grantmakers in funding more sustainable, resilient human rights movements. Gemma works with individuals and organisations to support them to ‘walk the talk’ on principles of anti-oppression, by integrating decolonial approaches to wellbeing into everyday work routines and practices that deepen a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Website: gemmahouldey.com
Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram
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Episode 42: We Are Feminist Leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook
Do you ever feel conflicted by traditional leadership models that don’t align with your values? Are you curious about how feminist principles can transform the way we approach leadership, especially in the humanitarian sector?
In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti sits down with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook, founders of We Are Feminist Leaders. Leila and Natalie share their journey from feeling disillusioned by patriarchal and colonial leadership structures to creating a transformative program that empowers leaders to bring about genuine change. You’ll hear about the practical applications of feminist leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of community and continuous learning.
If you're passionate about making a difference and leading with your values, this episode will inspire you and provide actionable insights into embodying change in your own life and work.
Today’s Guests
Leila Billing and Natalie Brook
Leila Billing and Natalie Brook are the visionary founders of We Are Feminist Leaders, an organization dedicated to fostering feminist leadership in humanitarian and development sectors. Through their 12-week online program and new membership learning network, they empower leaders to challenge traditional power structures, embrace intersectionality, and cultivate caring, inclusive work environments. Leila and Natalie draw inspiration from feminist movements around the world, particularly from the Global Majority, and aim to decentralize Western-centric leadership models. You can check out their bios here.
Website: wearefeministleaders.com
Social Media: Instagram and LinkedIn
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