What does it take to lead a global humanitarian organization through a pandemic and beyond? In this episode, Michael Nyenhuis shares how he has led UNICEF USA since March 2020, starting his role just two weeks after COVID shutdowns began. 

Michael talks about building strong boards and leadership teams, the balance between confidence and humility, and how to create connection in a hybrid work world. With decades of experience in humanitarian leadership, he reflects on his journey from journalist to President & CEO, and how staying close to mission and people shapes lasting impact.

Find Michael's Newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/relentless-6990692731056488449/

Takeaways:

• Rebuilding the Board and Leadership Team: Michael explains how reshaping governance and leadership early in his tenure has been crucial to the success of every organization he has led. He emphasizes getting the right people in place who share the mission and bring diverse skills and chemistry to the table.
• Evolution Over Revolution: Describing his leadership approach, Michael shares his belief in "relentless incrementalism." He believes consistent, thoughtful progress is more sustainable than sweeping change and that small steps taken regularly are key to building lasting impact.
• Starting a CEO Role in a Global Pandemic: Michael began his job just as COVID shut the world down. He relied on daily video updates, creative communication, and a golden retriever named Izzy to build relationships remotely. He reflects on the benefits and drawbacks of trying to lead without in-person interaction.
• Creating Culture in a Hybrid Workplace: UNICEF USA has embraced hybrid work, but Michael is intentional about maintaining connection. From monthly staff engagement days to leadership meetings and all-staff retreats, he builds structured moments for human interaction and relationship-building.
• Honest Career Advice for Aspiring Humanitarians: Michael stresses that global development is a profession, not just a passion. He shares how expertise, formal experience, and training are key to entering the nonprofit space and why it is important to respect the rigor of humanitarian work.
• CEO Roundtables and Mentorship by Listening: Michael hosts monthly roundtables with staff based on anniversary dates, offering space for Q&A and storytelling. He also invited youth leaders to mentor him, flipping the script to show respect and learn from the next generation of changemakers.
• Balancing Confidence and Humility: Michael reflects on the need to balance strong leadership with the humility to listen. Early in his career, he sometimes over-relied on consensus. Today, he sees the value in trusting instincts while remaining open.

Quote of the Show:

• "When you find what you're supposed to do, doors start opening." - Michael Nyenhuis

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelnyenhuis/
• Website: https://www.unicefusa.org/

Ways to Tune In:

• Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast 
• Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ 

#NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #UNICEFUSA

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:28 Key Achievements at UNICEF USA

03:18 Building Effective Leadership Teams

14:13 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

20:14 Remote and Hybrid Work Dynamics

29:31 CEO Round Table and Onboarding

30:48 Operating Rhythm and Annual Planning

32:18 Monthly Staff Meetings and Engagement

36:22 Public Speaking and Media Training

39:55 Managing Diverse Constituents

42:36 Biggest Challenge: Leading Through COVID-19

45:16 Career Journey and Journalism Background

51:47 Mentorship and Youth Engagement

54:32 Balancing Confidence and Humility in Leadership

58:03 Outro