Dr. Helene Gayle has unparalleled experience in leading organizations that respond to crisis. Dr. Gayle spent over 20 years working on HIV/AIDS at the Center for Disease Control while also serving as the Chief of the HIV/AIDS Division for USAID, was the CEO for CARE International, led the McKinsey Social Initiative, and now serves as the head of the Chicago Community Trust. In this episode, Dr. Gayle shares lessons learned of how to lead, refine strategy, and focus. She reflects on the parallels between the HIV/AIDS crisis of 30 years ago and the refugee crisis of today, how to change the politics of toxic narratives, and how to make difficult decisions in the face of crisis. This interview covers a lot of ground and explores crucial organizational and political questions.

Displaced is produced by the Vox Media Podcast Network in partnership with the International Rescue Committee. For more on the show: rescue.org/displaced.

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