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In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Daria Ofman, Process designer - facilitator & change maker, as well as Partner at Better Future, a Dutch-based social impact consulting firm. Daria shares her journey from working in Egypt, helping organizations transition from nonprofit to for-profit models, to her current focus on facilitative leadership. She discusses the importance of human energy and innovative capacity in organizations, especially in SMEs, and how leadership can create the conditions for others to thrive. Daria also explains why leaders need to facilitate rather than dictate, and how fostering agency and trust is key to navigating organizational change.

Daria explains how her work in people and organizational change focuses on helping leaders create environments where people can thrive. She shares how clear purpose, trust, and facilitative leadership can improve collaboration and innovation. Daria highlights the importance of supporting middle managers, fostering agency, and balancing strategy with human-centered practices. She also shows how asking better questions, providing space for ownership, and focusing on ethical decision-making help teams feel valued and stay connected to the organization’s mission, even during times of transition.

Key Topics:

-Career Journey in Facilitative Leadership: How Daria’s experience in Egypt, helping organizations transition from nonprofit to for-profit, shaped her focus on human-centered leadership.

-The Power of SMEs: Why small and medium-sized enterprises are key to innovation, people management, and organizational agility.

-Leading with Purpose and Trust: How clear purpose, authentic leadership, and trust help organizations stay connected and thrive during change.

-Facilitative Leadership in Action: Why leaders should create space for others to take ownership, ask better questions, and foster agency within teams.

-Balancing Strategy with Human Energy: How focusing on ethical decision-making, transparent communication, and humane processes drives sustainable success.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[01:23] Daria shares her career journey and experience in Egypt

[06:33] How leaders can maintain purpose and stay connected to teams

[08:49] The importance of agency and fostering trust in leadership

[11:57] The evolving role of middle managers in facilitating change

[13:35] The role of leadership in creating thriving organizations

[14:46] The challenges of balancing strategy and human-centered practices

[16:21] Why facilitative leadership is crucial in times of organizational change

[21:00] Creating alignment and building trust within leadership teams

[21:51] Supporting leaders through the transition process for long-term success

[26:56] The power of asking better questions to drive innovation

[29:40] Courage and permission in leadership

[32:10] Confidence and leadership uncertainty 

[34:44] Hierarchy across cultures

[36:55] Generational differences in organizations

[38:24] Role of elders in organizations

📚 Resources:

👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/

👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB 

Follow our guest, Daria Ofman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariaofman/

Follow our Guest’s Company, Better Future:

Better Future:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-future/

Website: https://better-future.com/ 

Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/

Follow Ideas For Leaders:

Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leaders

Listening Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646

Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/

Subscribe for more insights on facilitative leadership and creating thriving organizations. Share your thoughts in the comments below!