The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader: Make a Greater Impact by Creating a High Performance Team while Avoiding Stress and Overwhelm (Aid for Aid Workers)

Ever feel like you're drowning in your workload and still not making the impact you want?

In this episode, we tackle a critical issue facing humanitarian and development leaders today: burnout. Discover why traditional ways of working are causing you more harm than good and how you can break free from this cycle.

In this 11 minute episode you'll learn:

1. The real reasons behind burnout that you might not be aware of and how to address them.
2. Gain insights on how to become a modern leader who maximizes impact while reducing stress and overwhelm.
3. Learn how to acquire practical skills to empower your team, enhancing productivity and fostering a high-performing, inclusive work environment.

Don't let overwork and overwhelm hold you back—listen to this episode now and start your journey towards more effective and sustainable leadership!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers humanitarian and international development leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Hello, my aspiring modern humanitarian and development leaders. I hope you're having a great week. This is just a quick announcement to let you know that as of today, I am discontinuing the quick quote episodes on Wednesdays. And that might be reversed in the future, but for now, we are going to do one episode a week. And if you are interested in hearing from me twice a week, then I suggest you go and sign up for my biweekly newsletter which you can do by going to my website. Aid for www.aidforaidworkers.com and clicking on sign up for weekly newsletter. 

One of my mom's favorite sayings is "things never begin when you think they do". So who knows what this opportunity of closing one door may lead to in terms of opening another, but for now, this is a decision that I'm making and yeah, let's see how it goes. 

So the episodes will be released every Monday and yeah, looking forward to talking to you then. Until then keep evolving. Bye for now.

What are the leadership qualities needed to keep up with an evolving humanitarian and development sector?

This is the second part of a two part series in which Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken and I explore what types of qualities leaders need to meet the changes happening in the humanitarian and development sectors.  

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Which leadership style will allow you success in the changing humanitarian and development sectors
• Understand what is needed from you as a leader as you progress in your career
• Why you have more influence on your organization’s culture than you think

Hit play now to learn how to evolve your leadership style and create a lasting impact in your team and beyond!

Here are some ways to learn more about Tosca and her work:

• NGO Soul and Strategy Podcast
• Tosca Linkedin
• Tosca website
• Download free chapter of book:  Between Power and Irrelevance: The Future of Transnational NGOs
• Tosca's email: tosca@5oaksconsulting.org

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

Are you struggling to find time to develop your team while juggling countless responsibilities?

Many leaders feel overwhelmed and believe they simply don’t have the time to invest in team development. Yet, the absence of regular development can lead to stagnation—both for your team and yourself. This episode addresses this common struggle, offering practical strategies to integrate team development into your daily routine without adding to your workload. In this episode you'll discover:

• How to seamlessly incorporate team development into everyday tasks
• Understand the consequences of neglecting this vital aspect of leadership
• Learn to prioritize team growth even amidst a busy schedule.

Tune in now to transform your leadership approach and create a high-performing team without feeling overwhelmed!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Could your drive for high performance be secretly sabotaging your productivity and impact as a humanitarian and international development leader?

This episode tackles the surprising ways your high performance might be hindering your success, a common challenge for many humanitarian and international development leaders striving for excellence.

In this 13 minute episode you'll learn:

• Why constantly being available can lead to decreased productivity and increased burnout.
• Learn how to set boundaries that allow for focused, impactful work without sacrificing team support.
• Gain practical strategies to balance high performance with effective leadership, enhancing both your well-being and your team's success.

Listen to this episode now to uncover how to break free from high-performance traps and lead more effectively!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Do you want your team to share more ideas and drive greater innovation effortlessly?

As a humanitarian and international development leader, you unknowingly block your team's ideas and preventing diversity of thinking and innovation.  Or maybe you struggle with empowering your teams to think independently and contribute meaningfully. Whatever your reason,this episode delves into a leadership style that not only promotes inclusivity but also encourages a diversity of thought, leading to more innovative solutions and greater team engagement.

Here's what you will learn in 12 minutes:

• How to overcome the biggest obstacle to creating an inclusive environment and diversity of thinking.
• A proven leadership method that empowers your team to share their ideas and take proactive steps.
• Find out a practical step you can implement today to lead more inclusively and achieve your desired impact.

Listen to this episode now and transform your leadership approach to foster a more innovative and inclusive team environment!

Resources mentioned: Operationalizing Locally Led Development: Cultivating a Healthy Global Development Ecosystem by Humentum

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How does your leadership style impact your workload and your team's productivity as a humanitarian and international development leader?

Discover the answer in this episode!

As a humanitarian and development leader, finding the balance between managing and coaching can significantly affect your team's performance and your own efficiency. This episode tackles how understanding and adjusting your leadership style can reduce your workload and boost productivity.

In this 13 minute episode you'll learn:

• How to identify your default leadership style and its impact on your team's effectiveness.
• Practical strategies to balance managing and coaching for optimal team performance.
• Understand how empowering your team through a coach approach can lead to greater innovation and less dependency Listen to this episode now to uncover how you can optimize your leadership style for maximum impact and efficiency!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you ready to create meaningful change in the humanitarian and development sectors without falling into the trap of overwork and overwhelm?

This episode dives into an emerging leadership approach that prioritizes empathy, empowerment, and people-first strategies. If you're navigating the challenges of localization, decolonization, or cultivating sustainable team dynamics, this episode offers solutions to help you lead effectively while preserving your energy and focus.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How the "Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader" course is shaping a movement of empathetic, high-impact leaders.
• Upcoming partnerships with organizations that can expand your leadership training opportunities.
• Gain insights into fostering a coaching culture that enhances team relationships, encourages innovation, and reduces micromanagement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how 2025 can be your year to achieve more while working less as a modern humanitarian and development leader!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you too busy to be a caring leader?

In today's fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks is a common issue, especially for those in leadership roles. This episode tackles how our busyness directly affects our ability to lead with compassion and effectiveness. You’ll discover practical strategies to reclaim your time and enhance your leadership approach.

In this 19 minute episode you'll learn:

• Identify what’s truly consuming your time and streamline your schedule.
• Create more space in your calendar to reduce stress and improve productivity.
• Recognize busy-ness as a mindset and shift your perspective for better work-life balance.

Listen now to transform your leadership approach and start leading with greater care and efficiency.

Resources mentioned:

Good Samaritan Research

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

In today’s fast-paced humanitarian and development landscape, the traditional approach to performance planning often falls short, leading to uninspired teams and stagnant results. This episode dives into how you can transform performance plans into powerful tools for motivation and change, addressing a common challenge many leaders face—how to drive engagement while preventing burnout.

By tuning in, you'll discover how to:

1. Create leadership impact goals that align your actions with your vision, making it easier to lead effectively.
2. Integrate team values into performance planning to foster a thriving organizational culture.
3. Prioritize well-being in your team to enhance overall performance and job satisfaction.

Don’t miss out on these transformative insights—hit play now and start reshaping your team’s performance approach today!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you a humanitarian or international development leader who wants to make a greater impact, but without the overwhelm and burnout? If you want to create a high performance team that meets the changing demands of the humanitarian and development sector without sacrificing your well being, check out "The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader" podcast.

In less time than it takes you to drink your powdered milk Nescafe, you will learn how to empower a diverse team to perform their best despite cultural and personality differences, what's keeping you from greater productivity and how to overcome it and how to meet the leadership needs of the modern humanitarian and development sector while making a greater impact and avoiding burnout.

I'm your host, Torrey Peace, and after 12 years working in humanitarian and development, As well as coaching hundreds of leaders across the UN, INGOs, and civil society globally, I have observed first hand the overwork and overwhelm that is so common and leads to burnout. The good news is that I've also discovered how you can lead differently in order to step out of overwhelm and start making a bigger impact than you thought possible.

And I want to share it with you. Join me every Monday to learn practical insights and tips to help you become a modern humanitarian and development leader. And on Wednesdays for inspirational quotes to get you through the week. Check out "The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader " podcast on any platform you listen to your podcasts.

I recommend you start with episode one, "Say No to Burnout in the Humanitarian and Development Sector: how to do less and make a bigger impact". See you there!

Are your quick conversations actually slowing you down? Discover why "faster" doesn't always mean "better" and learn the key to saving time while building stronger teams.

In the humanitarian and international development sectors where rushed communication often leads to misunderstandings, this episode addresses how taking a deliberate, structured approach to conversations can transform your team's efficiency and help you make a greater impact. If you've ever felt like you're wasting time on repetitive conversations, this is for you.

In this 10 minute episode you'll learn:

• Learn a three-part process for effective communication that builds clarity and saves time.
• Discover how structured conversations can empower your team and enhance inclusivity.
• Explore strategies to overcome common communication challenges, especially in diverse, multilingual teams.

Listen now to uncover how better communication can revolutionize your productivity and create a lasting impact with your team.

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Struggling to make your performance and development plans truly effective?

If you’re finding that traditional planning questions aren’t setting your team up for success, this episode is tailored just for you. We’ll dive into how to tackle common pitfalls in performance and development planning, ensuring your goals are not only achievable but transformative.

By tuning in, you'll discover how to identify and overcome potential obstacles before they derail your plans, pinpoint the specific changes needed to achieve your objectives, and recognize the goals that will truly motivate and impact you and your team.

Don't miss out on these game-changing insights—click play now and revolutionize your approach to performance and development planning!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you unknowingly playing the victim in your role as a humanitarian and development leader? Discover how to become a hero and avoid burnout in today's episode!

As a leader, you might feel overwhelmed by your workload, not having control of your time, and team responsibilities. This episode addresses how these common challenges lead to burnout and offers actionable steps to take control and make a greater impact.

In this episode you will:

• Learn to recognize and overcome the three most common victim mindsets that hinder your productivity and well-being.
• Discover how shifting your perspective can empower you to achieve greater impact and avoid burnout.
• Gain practical strategies to take control of your time, workload, and team dynamics.

Play this episode now to stop being a victim and start being the hero of your own leadership journey!

Resources mentioned: Leading Well Report by CHS Alliance and ICVA

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How would your team would perform if you weren’t there to lead them?

As a leader, your goal is to build a team that thrives independently, yet many teams falter when the leader steps away. This episode explores how your vacation time—whether real or simulated—can be a powerful tool to test your team’s performance, identify areas for growth, and refine your own leadership style.

In this 14 minute episode you'll discover:

• How to strategically assign responsibilities during your leave to empower team members and test their independence.
• Learn how to use time away to assess your leadership effectiveness and identify gaps in team confidence or skills.
• 3 Steps to using your vacation time away to build a higher performance team

Hit play now to uncover how your time away can transform both your team’s performance and your leadership approach!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How do you know if you are leading to make the most impact on those around you?

In today's episode you'll discover how to:

• Harness the power of silence to foster deeper conversations and uncover hidden insights from your team.
• Align your actions with your words to build trust and integrity within your organization.
• Shift your focus from authority to influence by truly serving and developing your team, creating a more engaged and motivated workplace.

Press play now to discover simple, actionable strategies to evolve into the impactful leader your team deserves.

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

Is your team’s lack of action a knowledge problem—or a confidence problem? Misdiagnosing this could be holding them (and you) back.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by showing your team how to do something over and over only for them to hesitate or keep asking for help, you’re not alone. This episode dives into why this happens and offers a powerful framework to help you move from frustration to transformation in your leadership.

In this ten minute episode you'll discover:

• Learn the key differences between knowledge and confidence problems of team members
• How to address knowledge or confidence problems
• Gain insights into creating sustainable, high-performance teams that act independently.

Press play now to learn what may be blocking you from a high performance team!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How might your perspective of leadership be causing you unnecessary stress?

Learn a common belief humanitarian and development leaders have that creates more work than necessary and an alternative way of thinking in today’s quick quote episode inspired by this quote:

"Leadership is no longer about having the right answers but is more about engaging others to find the right solutions." - James D Showkeir

Listen now to learn a new way of thinking that will make you more productive and less stressful!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

As an NGO leader, you're already facing enough external challenges—funding cuts, humanitarian crises, and job uncertainty. But what if part of your stress is coming from how you're thinking about these challenges?

In this episode, we’ll explore how your mindset may be adding unnecessary suffering and what you can do to break free from it.

More specifically you'll discover:

• How to recognize and stop unhelpful "what if" thinking before it spirals.
• Simple mindset shifts that reduce anxiety and help you focus on what you can control.
• Find out how to communicate in ways that minimize drama rather than amplify it—both in your own mind and in conversations with others.

Press play now to start reducing unnecessary stress for yourself and others!

REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR:  "How to Feel Better During Hard Times as a NGO Leader" 

This one hour webinar will give you practical tools to understand the source of your uncomfortable feelings, solutions to address those feelings so you feel better immediately. Come to the live call to discuss your particular situation and what you can do to step away from stress and into action.

Please register by selecting your preferred day and time below:

Wednesday, March 12th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time 

Monday, March 17th - 2:30pm to 3:30pm Bangkok time

Monday, March 17th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time

Tuesday, March 25th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time

Tuesday, March 25th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Have you ever considered how much power you truly hold in your humanitarian or development work—and how it might be unknowingly limiting those around you?

We talk about shifting power and creating more equitable workplaces, but knowing what you can do as an individual to do this is not often discussed.  This episode explores the subtle ways you may be unintentionally taking power away from others and how to shift that dynamic to foster more inclusive and effective teams.

By tuning in, you’ll discover:

• Practical insights into recognizing the power dynamics at play in your work environment.
• Proven strategies for empowering your team, partners, and communities.
• The transformative impact of listening more and speaking less on your leadership effectiveness.

Ready to amplify your leadership impact? Hit play on this episode and start shifting power to greater inclusion and equality.

Resources Mentioned:

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Fifty Shades of Aid Facebook Group

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you unknowingly preventing your team's growth by focusing on mistakes instead of lessons?

In today's episode, we delve into the powerful shift from blame to learning and how it can transform both personal and team development. If you or your team are stuck in a cycle of blame after errors or failures, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on using mistakes as opportunities for growth.

In this 9 minute episode you'll discover how to:

• Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities to foster a growth mindset.
• Create a supportive environment where feedback is viewed as a chance for improvement rather than criticism.
• Shift from a negative mindset to one that actively seeks out lessons from setbacks.

Tune in now to learn how to turn errors into stepping stones for success and empower your team to evolve and thrive!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you falling for these common myths that could be undermining your coaching sessions?

Coaching is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit, but many aspiring humanitarian and international development leaders are sabotaging their efforts without even realizing it. By debunking the myths around coaching, you can unlock new levels of performance, empowerment, and success within your team.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Three common myths that could be preventing you from becoming the coach you aspire to be
• How understanding these myths will help you overcome them
• How using coaching the "right" way will help you create a higher performance team

Ready to step up your coaching game and lead your team to new heights? Press play now and start transforming the way you lead!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

In this episode, we unpack the power of distinguishing facts from assumptions—a skill that’s not always intuitive but essential for reducing stress and making sound decisions. If you're struggling to lead with clarity, this conversation is for you.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How to identify common mistakes that distort your perception of reality.
• Practical techniques to turn vague assumptions into concrete facts.
• How clarifying your thoughts can reduce stress and enhance leadership outcomes.

Tune in now to gain powerful insights that will help you lead with confidence and clarity—so you can make high quality decisions!

REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR:  "How to Feel Better During Hard Times as a NGO Leader" 

This one hour webinar will give you practical tools to understand the source of your uncomfortable feelings, solutions to address those feelings so you feel better immediately. Come to the live call to discuss your particular situation and what you can do to step away from stress and into action.

Please register by selecting your preferred day and time below:

Wednesday, March 12th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time 

Monday, March 17th - 2:30pm to 3:30pm Bangkok time

Monday, March 17th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time

Tuesday, March 25th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time

Tuesday, March 25th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you exhausted from constantly being "busy" yet feeling like you’re making little impact?

In this episode, we dive into what I call "high performance syndrome" —a state where the drive for productivity leads to stress and burnout rather than meaningful results. If you’ve ever found yourself working late into the night or drowning in endless emails, this discussion will resonate with you deeply.

Through listening to this 10 minute episode you'll learn: 

• How to know if your high performance is keeping you stressed and not productive
• How to overcome this way of working
• Why the common ways of working are doing the opposite of what you want – leaving you overworked and with less impact on your team and community

Don’t fall into the traditional way of doing things which isn't creating the results you want —hit play on this episode now and start transforming your impact today!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How does telling your team what to do impact their overall performance?

Many humanitarian and international development leaders think telling their team what to do is essential, but relying too heavily on this approach can lead to an over-dependent, less empowered team. This episode explores how leaders unintentionally undermine team performance by over-managing and explains how to unlock your team's potential by shifting away from advice-giving.

In this 9 minute episode you'll discover:

• How the belief that leaders must "have all the answers" may be limiting your team and creating more work for you
• How to encourage self-reliance and confidence within your team.
• Gain practical tips for transitioning to a coaching approach that builds a proactive, high-performing team.

Ready to empower your team and lighten your own workload? Tune into this episode to start the journey toward a more confident team of true high performers!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How strongly do you believe in your team's performance?

You may say yes, but it is your actions which answer this question. If you give advice or tell others what to do, it is likely in part due to not trusting your team's own solutions or performance.

In this episode learn how to know if you are undermining your team's confidence, and discover:

• Why withholding advice can actually boost your team's confidence and problem-solving abilities.
• What it may mean if your team frequently asks for advice even when they don't need it
• Understand how to build a high-performing, self-reliant team that thrives on confidence and trust.

Listen now to discover how a shift in the belief in your team can make them higher performers!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you unknowingly delaying achieving your goals by focusing on the wrong tasks? Discover the subtle yet powerful signs that determine your success in today’s episode!

Today's quick quote episode is inspired by this quote by Idowu Koyenikan (author of "Wealth for All Africans"): “Where your attention goes, your time goes.” – Idowu Koyenikan 

Press play now to get back on track and achieve your goals starting today!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Have you ever felt guilty for saying no to extra work, even when your plate is already full?

Many leaders struggle with setting boundaries, often feeling the pressure to say yes to every request. This episode tackles the common dilemma of wanting to be a team player while avoiding burnout, offering insights that resonate with anyone aiming to maintain their well-being while contributing effectively.

By tuning in, you'll discover how to confidently set boundaries, the importance of saying no without guilt, and how prioritizing your own well-being can actually enhance your ability to support your team.

Don't miss out on transformative strategies for setting boundaries without feeling guilty—listen to this episode now!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What is the one thing you must control to achieve your goals as a humanitarian and international development leader?

As a leader, external events and circumstances can often feel overwhelming and uncontrollable, but mastering your mindset is the key to navigating these challenges and making a lasting impact.

In this episode you will:

• Understand how controlling your thoughts empowers you to handle external challenges effectively.
• Learn how influential leaders maintained their mindset to achieve remarkable resilience and impact.
• Discover actionable strategies to shift your thinking and become the hero of your own leadership story.

Play this episode now to unlock the power of your mindset and take control of your leadership journey!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What if your biggest achievements this year weren’t just about your actions, but the way you think?

In this episode, we dive into how shifting your mindset can unlock breakthroughs in leadership, productivity, and personal growth. Whether you’re reflecting on your wins from the past year or setting goals for the future, this episode equips you with tools to think like the leader you aspire to be.

By listening, you’ll discover:

• How adopting the mindset of your future role can help you act and grow into it today.
• Why breaking unproductive patterns is key to achieving new levels of success.
• A question to ask yourself when preparing for future goals and reflecting on past ones

Don’t miss this chance to transform the way you think about growth and leadership—press play now and start building the mindset to achieve your 2025 goals!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Could your leadership style be holding your team back from success?

As a humanitarian and development leader, you may unknowingly be creating obstacles for your team's success by adhering to outdated leadership assumptions. Understanding and shifting your leadership approach can significantly enhance your team's performance and your overall impact.

In this 12 minute episode you'll learn:

• Identify and overcome assumptions  that may be preventing your team's success.
• Learn how to effectively communicate and implement a coaching leadership style to empower your team.
• Discover simple, actionable steps to foster a more proactive, self-reliant, and high-performing team.

Listen to this episode now to uncover the surprising ways you can ensure your team's success and make a greater impact!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Ever wondered if you are talking too much - to the point that it is hurting your team's development?

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the fine line between helpful and unhelpful communication. As a leader, you might find yourself questioning whether you’re truly adding value or simply adding noise. This episode will help you tackle a common issue many leaders face: over-talking and its impact on team dynamics. Learn how to strike the right balance in your communication to foster better relationships and empower your team more effectively.

By tuning in for this 12 minute episode, you'll discover how to:

• Identify when your input is truly beneficial and when it might be counterproductive.
• Avoid common pitfalls of over-talking and its impact on your team’s autonomy.
• Enhance your leadership by understanding and managing your motives behind speaking.

Click play now to master the art of impactful communication and elevate your leadership game!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How does your team feel about you as a leader?

As a leader, the emotional connection you cultivate with your team can significantly impact their well-being and productivity.

In today’s episode, we dive into the critical relationship between leadership and team dynamics, especially in light of Mental Health Day. Discover a unique way to be more mindful about the relationship you have with your team, including how to improve it.

Through this 11 minute episode you will learn:

• A four-step process for building stronger, more positive relationships with your team
• Strategies to identify and enhance the specific feelings you want your team to associate with your leadership
• Tools to regularly assess and improve how you’re perceived as a leader, fostering a healthier work environment

Tune in now to transform your leadership approach and create a lasting positive impact on your team’s well-being!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

We spend a lot of time forming job descriptions and action plans. But what about time on how you want to be remembered as a unique leader?

Today's 9 minute quick quote episode is inspired by this quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter:

“A vision is not just a picture of what could be, it’s an appeal to our better selves, to become something more.”

This episode dives into the crucial role of having a personal leadership vision, how to start forming one and how to use it.

You will discover how to:

1. Define a leadership impact goal that resonates with your values and aspirations.
2. Make better decisions that align with your vision, fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment for their teams.
3. Tap into your emotions as a guide to grow as a leader and inspire others effectively.

Tune in now to unlock the keys to becoming the leader you aspire to be and start making a meaningful impact today!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

 Are you feeling overwhelmed by endless meetings and responsibilities as an NGO leader? What if saying "no" more often could actually help you make a greater impact?

Many NGO leaders struggle with taking on too much, leading to burnout and inefficiency. In this episode, Pravat Gurung shares how learning to say "no" helped him reclaim his time, empower his team, and become a more effective leader. If you’ve ever felt like you need to do it all, this conversation will show you a better way.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How setting boundaries and prioritizing key responsibilities can help you lead more effectively.
• Learn the power of trust and vulnerability in leadership and how they can transform team dynamics.
• Gain practical steps to structure your time and empower your team for greater efficiency and impact.

Hit play now to learn how saying “no” to the right things can help you create a bigger impact in your work as an NGO leader!

Resources Mentioned:

Pravat Gurung's Linkedin Profile

Register Now: Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader

If you’d like to become more productive, be able to say no and empower your team to make an even greater impact, sign up now for the May 6th course!  You can find a link for more information and to register here!

How can you find time to get things done while also developing a high performance team?

In today’s fast-paced humanitarian and international development sector, you may struggle to balance team development with your crazy schedule. This episode addresses how you can effectively foster an inclusive environment and enhance team performance without adding extra tasks to your busy day.

In this 8 minute quick quote episode you will:

• Discover how everyday interactions can double as opportunities for team growth and inclusivity.
• Learn practical coaching techniques that seamlessly integrate into your leadership style, making team development a natural part of your workflow.
• Understand how a coaching approach can empower your team to solve their own problems and contribute more effectively, boosting overall team performance.

Don't miss out on transforming your leadership style and team dynamics—listen to the episode now and start making a greater impact effortlessly.

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty in the humanitarian and development sector?

As a leader in this field, you're no stranger to unpredictability. But when circumstances feel out of your hands, it can lead to paralysis, anxiety, and doubt about your next steps. In this episode, I share a powerful shift in perspective that can help you break free from fear, refocus, and take meaningful action—even in times of crisis.

Here's what you'll discover in this episode:

• Why resistance to reality creates more suffering—and how acceptance leads to empowerment.
• How to reframe challenges as opportunities to grow stronger, instead of feeling like a victim of circumstances.
• Practical strategies to move from overwhelm to clarity, so you can lead with confidence despite external uncertainty.

Don’t let difficult circumstances hold you back—press play now and learn how to take control as a modern NGO leader!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Still juggling team development and daily tasks like they’re two different jobs? What if they didn’t have to be?

As a NGO leader, you’re constantly pulled between delivering on project goals and trying to empower your team. But what if your everyday work could also be a powerful training ground for building a stronger team—without needing extra hours or resources?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• A 3-step framework to start leading more strategically while still getting things done
• How to delegate tasks as you go by creating systems that future-proof your team
• The coaching approach that encourages innovation and independence—without micromanaging

If you're ready to make more impact with less overwhelm, hit play and learn how to turn your daily routine into a leadership advantage.

Resources Mentioned:

Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Have you ever considered that working during your leave might be doing more harm than good—not just to you, but to your team and the culture you’re trying to build?

In the demanding world of humanitarian and development work, leaders often feel pressure to stay connected, even on vacation. But what if this habit is silently undermining team morale, productivity, and the very culture of wellbeing you want to foster?

In this 10 minute episode you'll discover:

• How working during your leave can negatively impact your team and yourself.
• Learn how setting the right example as a leader can help create a thriving culture of wellbeing.
• How you have more power than you think in creating the culture you want to see

Press play now to uncover the surprising reasons why working on leave is selfish—and how you can lead by example to build a healthier, more balanced workplace.

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What is the greatest impact you will make as an international development and humanitarian leader? 

A hint: it's not the impact on the community.

Learn the secret to making the most impact as a humanitarian and development leader in today’s quick quote episode inspired by this quote: "The question is not only ‘What have I achieved?’, the question is: ‘What have I helped others to achieve?’" - Aga Khan IV

Click on the play button to find out how to start focusing on the best way to make a greater impact today!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

When is "busyness" okay and how can we create more of being good busy rather than bad busy?

In this episode, we explore how your perception of busyness can either fuel your inspiration or contribute to stress and burnout. We delve into the concept of “busy-ness” as a mindset and discuss how to shift your focus from unproductive tasks to those that bring real impact.

In this 9 minute episode you'll learn:

• How to transform feelings of overwhelm into motivation by prioritizing impactful tasks.
• The difference between "empty calorie" tasks and those that contribute to meaningful progress.
• Strategies to align your daily activities with your leadership goals and personal fulfillment.

Click the play button now to learn how to make your busy schedule work for you and boost your motivation!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Ever wonder why some conversations leave you feeling drained while others seem to strengthen your relationships?

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of effective listening and its critical role in building trust and enhancing communication. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, mastering the techniques of listening can transform your interactions and deepen your connections.

In this 17 minute episode you'll learn:

• What it means to be a great listener when it comes to creating a higher performance team
• Apply three powerful listening techniques that can immediately enhance your communication skills.
• Recognize the signs of poor listening and learn how to correct them for better outcomes.

Listen now to unlock the secrets of impactful listening and elevate your personal and professional relationships.

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you unknowingly giving up control over your career, leadership, and well-being? This episode reveals how NGO leaders often underestimate their influence—and what you can do about it today.

In this episode you'll discover:

• The three most common ways NGO leaders give up their power—and how to stop doing so.
• How to rethink career progression and create opportunities beyond the ‘traditional’ path.
• Practical steps to take control of your work culture, team leadership, and personal well-being.

Don’t allow assumptions to block your ability to create change—start shaping the NGO career and leadership style you want today.

Tune in now to learn how to take back your influence and create meaningful change!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Uncertainty—it’s an inevitable part of life and an ever-present reality for humanitarian and development leaders.

But how we respond to it is what defines us as NGO leaders.

In this episode we dive into how you can transform uncertainty from a source of stress and anxiety into a catalyst for growth and resilience.

More specifically you're going to learn:

• The surprising link between your perspective on uncertainty and your leadership effectiveness.
• One simple mindset shift that transforms anxiety into empowerment.
• How to uncover hidden opportunities in the most unpredictable challenges.

Whether you’re facing funding cuts or grappling with global unpredictability, this episode will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Mentioned in this episode - NGO Soul and Strategy Podcast

If you are a middle to senior NGO leader who wants a greater perspective on organizational change, Tosca Bruno van Vijfeijken's podcast is for you!

Through this bi-weekly podcast, you'll learn:

•  The organizational design, development and effectiveness angles of change
• Insights from a variety of global NGO leaders
• Conversations will delve into leadership, strategy, team culture, and the evolving challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

Check out the podcast NGO Soul and Strategy here!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What really makes someone a successful leader—and how might the popular definition of a "successful leader" be wrong?

If you're in the NGO sector, you may have unknowingly adopted a definition of leadership rooted in power, prestige, or control. In this episode, we’ll challenge that idea and explore a more inspiring, sustainable version of success—one that benefits both you and your team.

In this episode you'll discover:

• 4 overlooked signs of true leadership success (hint: none involve titles or salaries)
• Why your team’s ability to operate without you is your greatest leadership test
• Find out how believing in others before they believe in themselves can spark powerful transformations

Press play to redefine what it means to be a successful leader and walk away with practical tools to grow your team and yourself.

Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader course is open for registration!!! Learn more or register by clicking here.

What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What makes the difference between someone who achieves their professional goals and someone who does not?  Find out in this episode!

In this ten minute quick quote episode you will:

• Learn to see challenging moments as opportunities for growth and leadership development.
• Understand how reframing 'bad' situations can lead to positive outcomes for you and your team.
• Gain insights into handling difficult decisions with a perspective that fosters personal and professional growth.

Discover how to turn your leadership challenges into triumphs—listen to this episode now and start transforming obstacles into opportunities!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity. 

How can you create a team that takes more ownership and responsibility of their work so you can focus on bigger picture tasks?

This is just one of the lessons Kofi Duku shares from his ten years' experience as a leader in West Africa.

In today's interview, you'll discover:

• Why leaders who lead only from the front may be leaving their team behind
• Why emotional regulation is important as a leader
• Hear firsthand how Kofi Duku transformed his leadership style to create a more engaged, self-sufficient team and reclaimed time for strategic priorities.

Listen now to uncover actionable strategies that will help you lead more effectively, inspire your team, and free up your time for what truly matters!

Contact Kofi Duku:

• Linkedin Profile
• Whatsapp: +233204500868

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are your daily tasks merely keeping you busy, or are they driving real impact? Discover how to escape the trap of busyness and truly enhance your productivity in today's episode!

As a humanitarian and development leader, it's easy to get caught up in endless meetings and emails, feeling productive but not actually making the impact you seek. This episode explores why traditional productivity methods are failing you and offers solutions to achieve meaningful progress.

In this episode you will:

• Understand the difference between busy work and impactful work, and how to prioritize tasks that matter.
• Learn three practical strategies to stop wasting time and start being genuinely productive.
• Gain insights into how redefining productivity can lead to greater impact and success in your role.

Listen now and start transforming your productivity to make a greater impact!

Resources mentioned: Slow Productivity:  The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout by Cal Newport

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the humanitarian and development sectors?

You're not alone. In this episode, we're diving into what it really means to lead through uncertainty. As modern NGO leaders, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of anxiety and hopelessness. Funding cuts, policy shifts, and global crises can feel relentless.

But what if there were simple, practical ways to break free from that stuck feeling?

In this episode you'll discover:

• A simple action you can take today to instantly boost your mood and productivity.
• How to uncover hidden thoughts that may be holding you back.
• A three-step process to regain control when life feels overwhelming.

Listen now to learn more!

-------------------

Mentioned in this episode - NGO Soul and Strategy Podcast

If you are a middle to senior NGO leader who wants a greater perspective on organizational change, Tosca Bruno van Vijfeijken's podcast is for you!

Through this bi-weekly podcast, you'll learn:

•  The organizational design, development and effectiveness angles of change
• Insights from a variety of global NGO leaders
• Conversations will delve into leadership, strategy, team culture, and the evolving challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

Check out the podcast NGO Soul and Strategy here!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers NGO, international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Could your leadership style be the hidden cause of your stress and burnout?

You may think you are leading in a way you feel is "caring" for your team and helpful, but in reality you may be impacting your wellbeing and theirs as well. This episode uncovers the direct link between your leadership approach and your overall wellness, offering practical insights to transform your leadership style for better health and productivity.

In this 11 minute episode you'll learn:

• Learn how the CHS Alliance "Leading Well" Report connects leadership styles with well-being.
• Discover which leadership style creates the highest levels of well-being.
• Get actionable tips to start improving your leadership approach and personal well-being today.

Don't miss out on the chance to revolutionize your leadership style and boost your well-being—tune in to this episode now and start your journey towards becoming a more effective and healthier leader!

Resources mentioned: CHS Alliance and ICVA Leading Well Report - Aid Worker Perspectives on Well Being and Organizational Culture

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Sometimes the simplest things can be the key to making the most of our time.

The problem is we often become so busy as humanitarian and international development leaders we can forget these simple things.  And that leads us to just surviving and doing what we can to get things done.

This episode delves into a crucial lesson from Steve Jobs: the importance of deciding what not to do, which can help you focus on what truly drives your goals forward.

By listening to this 7 minute episode, you will learn how to:

• Identify and eliminate time-wasting activities that detract from your leadership impact.
• Use a time diary to gain awareness of your daily habits and their effectiveness.
• Align your time management strategies with your leadership goals for greater productivity and fulfillment.

Tune in now to discover how to regain control of your time and enhance your impact as a leader!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How might your perspective of time prevent you from making a greatest impact?

Learn the secret to gaining more time as a humanitarian and development leader in today’s quick quote episode inspired by this quote: "Time is a created thing - to say, “I don’t have time” is to say “I don't want to.” - Lao Tzu (Laou Stzuh), Chinese philosopher and writer

Listen now to find out how your perspective of time is affecting your performance!

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What’s keeps you from feeling truly motivated in your humanitarian and/or international development work?

In today's episode, we tackle a common struggle: the disconnect that can arise when day-to-day tasks overshadow your purpose.

Many humanitarian and international development leaders find themselves overwhelmed, losing sight of the impact you originally set out to make. This episode speaks directly to that feeling, offering insights on how to reignite your motivation by refocusing on your team’s development and the meaningful differences you can create in their lives.

Listen in to discover how prioritizing your team’s growth can not only enhance your leadership skills but also bring a renewed sense of purpose to your work. You’ll learn how to shift your focus from operational tasks to nurturing relationships, leading to profound impacts both within your team and the wider community.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach—hit play now and start making a lasting difference!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Feeling overwhelmed by stress? What if you could stop it from spiraling out of control before it even begins?

In today's episode, we dive into a profound Buddhist parable that sheds light on how we often magnify our own stress. We explore how the initial stressor, or "first arrow," can be compounded by unnecessary worries and self-judgment, creating multiple "arrows" that intensify our suffering. This episode is particularly relevant if you're grappling with workplace challenges, personal setbacks, or simply seeking ways to manage stress more effectively.

By listening, you'll discover:

• How to identify and address the additional layers of stress you impose on yourself.
• Practical steps to break free from the cycle of amplified suffering by focusing on what you can control.
• Effective techniques for cultivating self-compassion and reducing self-judgment, leading to a more resilient mindset.

Tune in to learn how to keep your stress in check and reclaim your peace of mind!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.  To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What’s the real cost of change for NGOs in a rapidly evolving global landscape?

In this two part series special guest Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken shares over three decades of experience in change management, which she often discusses on her own podcast "NGO Soul and Strategy".  In this first part we discuss some practical ways you can navigate change with confidence in our ever changing humanitarian world.

Here are some of what you'll gain by listening:

• Understand the psychological and emotional impacts of organizational change on staff and leadership.
• Learn proven strategies for navigating uncertainty, communicating effectively, and minimizing resistance to change.
• Gain insights into fostering resilience and honoring the past while paving the way for impactful transformations.

Here are some ways to learn more about Tosca and her work:

• NGO Soul and Strategy Podcast
• Tosca Linkedin
• Tosca website
• Download free chapter of book:  Between Power and Irrelevance: The Future of Transnational NGOs
• Tosca's email: tosca@5oaksconsulting.org



WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you struggling to balance empowering your team while navigating constant change as an NGO leader?

Today my special guest Ross Coxon, Director of Client Delivery for Humentum, joins me in a joint discussion around what is needed to thrive as a modern NGO leader in today's complex environment.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Gain insights on how to build trust within your team and encourage innovation.
• Learn how to balance vulnerability and leadership for stronger, more resilient teams.
• Discover why empowering others (and letting go of control) is key to surviving and thriving in NGO leadership.

Link to Register for Humentum course in partnership with Aid for Aid Workers:

• Becoming the Modern NGO Leader Course

How can you gain more time AND respect at work?

In this episode you'll discover:

• One common thing leaders do which negatively impacts self-esteem over time
• How to earn respect from your colleagues (and yourself)
• What will likely happen if you say no to someone who asks to meet with you

Tune in to this seven minute episode to learn how to reclaim your time while also gaining respect from yourself and others.

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Ever felt overwhelmed by your workload simply because you couldn’t say no?

Sometimes humanitarian and development leaders struggle with the urge to be team players, often leading to taking on more work than we can handle.  This may lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

This episode dives into a critical mindset shift: recognizing that saying no can actually enhance your effectiveness, well-being, and relationships at work.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How to reclaim your time and energy by understanding the true cost of overcommitting.
• Practical strategies for saying no without guilt, realize the positive impact of focusing on quality over quantity
• Gain insights into fostering a healthier team culture that respects boundaries.

Tune in now to transform your approach to workload management AND become a more effective team player!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

What if a simple change in how you recognize your team can transform their mental health and motivation?

In today's fast-paced humanitarian and development sectors, leaders often overlook the profound impact of genuine recognition on their team’s mental wellbeing. As pressures mount, many struggle with feelings of undervaluation and burnout. This episode addresses a crucial yet often neglected strategy: authentic acknowledgment, which can significantly enhance your team's morale and engagement.

Listeners will discover how to:

• Implement impactful acknowledgment that fosters a deeper connection with team members.
• Differentiate between superficial praise and meaningful recognition, leading to a more motivated team.
• Enhance their leadership skills by using specific adjectives that resonate on a personal level, creating a more supportive work environment.

Tune in now to learn how you can make a lasting positive change in your team's mental health with just one simple shift in your leadership approach!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you tired of waiting for your organization to help you achieve work-life balance or stop working long hours?

Learn the secret to experiencing the change you want as a humanitarian and development leader in today’s quick quote episode inspired by this quote: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.  We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.  We are the change that we seek."  - Barack Obama

What Is Your Leadership Style?  Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

Are you tired of feeling like your time isn’t your own?

You are not alone.  Between being assigned last minute proposals, attending tons of meetings and various HQ initiatives you may feel you don't own your time.  But there are some ways you can gain more control over it, and that's what you'll learn in today's episode!

By tuning in, you’ll discover:

• What's making you feel you have no control over your time 
• Why it's important to treat your own schedule with the same respect you give others.
• Strategies on how to take control of your time so you can have less work and more impact

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your approach to time management—hit play now to find out how!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

How can you transform dreaded feedback conversations into valuable, growth-driven dialogues?

In today's episode, we tackle a common challenge: making feedback sessions something we look forward to rather than avoid. If you're finding feedback stressful for both you and your team, this episode offers actionable insights to change that dynamic. We explore why feedback often feels uncomfortable, and how you can turn it into an opportunity for growth and learning.

You’ll learn how to:

1. Reframe feedback as a gift, enhancing receptivity and engagement.
2. Approach feedback conversations with a clear, neutral mindset to foster better outcomes.
3. Incorporate regular feedback into your team's culture to support continuous improvement.

Listen now to unlock the secrets to more effective and less stressful feedback conversations that benefit everyone involved!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

In this episode, we delve into a common pitfall that many humanitarian and development leaders face: when asking, "How can I support you?" While this question seems caring, it can inadvertently create dependency among team members, undermining their growth and confidence. Understanding how and when to ask this question can transform your leadership approach and enhance your team's performance.

By tuning into this 11 minute quick quote episode, you’ll discover how to:

1. Shift your questioning strategy to foster greater independence in your team.
2. Enhance your team’s confidence and responsibility through targeted support.
3. Cultivate a stronger, high-performing team dynamic that benefits everyone involved.

Ready to elevate your leadership style and empower your team? Press play now to learn the crucial timing and approach for asking how to support your team effectively!

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

Want to know how to lead better?  It starts by understanding your leadership style.   To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader.  Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.