Our conversation pared back some of the façade that the NGO/non profit world puts up about how they hire, operate and deliver change. In Gauri's journey, I got the chance to hear about her story in navigating a working class background and operating in some of the most influential international change making organisations in the world. She shared her experience in the gatekeeping that pervades these organisations and the systemic barriers that keep people from participating in the sector.

Takeaways

• Self-reflection and self-view anxiety can be a significant challenge for individuals, impacting their perception of themselves and their work.
• The charity sector faces challenges related to short-term funding cycles, risk aversion, and the need for innovation to drive systemic change.
• The importance of individual and systemic impact, grounded leadership, and the power of small acts of help and support in creating meaningful change. Importance of genuine human connection
• Redefining the relationship with money for well-being

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Recap
• 05:25 The Need for Innovation in the Charity Sector
• 10:42 The Value of Inner Work and Grounded Leadership
• 16:12 The Impact of Small Acts of Help and Support
• 22:06 The Role of Love, Connection, and Humility
• 27:29 The Impact of Small Acts of Help and Support
• 33:16 The Importance of Staying Grounded and Humble
• 39:01 Reimagining Wealth and Well-being
• 57:55 The Human Experience in a Tech-Driven World

The conversation delves into the challenges of water accessibility in Malawi, the limitations of traditional philanthropy, the professionalization of water services, innovative approaches to water sustainability, and the shifting mindsets and narratives in water aid. It highlights the impact of climate change, the role of social enterprise, and the need for a narrative shift in water aid and sustainability. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and the changing perception of water as a commodity. It also explores personal and professional choices, lifestyle impact, and the role of power and collaboration in addressing water-related issues.

Takeaways

• The limitations of traditional philanthropy and international aid in addressing water challenges
• The importance of professionalized services and innovative approaches to water sustainability Water access and sustainability are crucial for communities
• Collaboration and partnership are essential for addressing water challenges

Chapters (some of them)

• 00:00 Introduction to Water Challenges in Malawi
• 05:30 Professionalizing Water Services in Malawi
• 11:49 Shifting Mindsets and Narratives in Water Aid
• 17:11 Perception of Water as a Commodity
• 22:22 Water as a Source of Conflict
• 28:04 Water and Biodiversity

Jonethan Lee - Storyteller, father, and changemaker. Jonny didn't imagine himself in the international NGO career path a decade ago, but here today Jonny spends his time finding ways to tell powerful stories that shape the lives of people living in high deprivation communities across the globe. What started as an affinity for data and social media evolved into expertise in the third sector, international NGOs, donor engagement, and impact investing.

Summary

In this conversation, Andrew Brisbin and Alice discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning leadership within NGOs, particularly focusing on Alice's experience with SAFE, an organization dedicated to using storytelling to address social issues. They explore the importance of cultural sensitivity, the dynamics of funding in social work, and the power of personal stories in advocacy. Alice shares her reflections on her journey, the lessons learned, and the significance of making meaningful contributions in one's community.

Welcome to the adventure! I'm Andrew your host for the Doing Good Show, I'll be speaking to loads of different people in a variety of walks of life to understand what it means to have a rewarding career, life, and experience here on this big blue ball hurtling through space. Join me in discovering how people find meaning in all the different ways we spend time!