The Relational Podcast

The Relational Podcasthttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-relational-podcast--6639066Because behind every system, movement, and meaningful change… lies a relationship.

What if the most transformative tool at our disposal isn’t a strategy, a policy, or new technology—but a conversation?
Welcome to The Relational Podcast, a series of authentic dialogues exploring how our connections—human to human, human to planet—shape the way we think, work, and create impact.

Each episode is a living experiment in reciprocity and deep listening. Members of the Wasan community step into two powerful roles: interviewer and interviewee. Together, we explore personal stories, deep insights, and practical experiences of how relationality can reshape systems and unlock new possibilities for collective transformation.

🎧 Tune in and discover:

Stories of meaningful change from facilitators, researchers, and community builders.
Insights into the invisible forces of connection and trust that sustain change.
Real conversations that invite us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, with each other, and with the systems we seek to shift.

Stories of meaningful change from facilitators, researchers, and community builders.
Insights into the invisible forces of connection and trust that sustain change.
Real conversations that invite us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, with each other, and with the systems we seek to shift.

This podcast is more than conversations—it’s an invitation to listen deeply and discover the profound impact of relationships.

Because when we transform our relationships, we transform our world.

Content by members of the Wasan community:
David Jay · Jane Wei · Sonja Betschart · Christine Lai · Ese Emerhi · Lily James Olds · Ana Amrein Esnaola · Catherine Dempsey · Melanie Kahl · Georgie Nightingall · Sumitra Pasupathy · Fabian Pfortmüller · Meg Busse · Avani Parekh · Rachel Sinha

Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. https://efectocolibri.com/en/

]]>falseepisodicThe Art of Relational Work: What the Research Really Tells Us with David Jayhttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
The discussion explores the transformative power of deep listening and meaningful relationships in addressing societal crises. David shares his journey from founding asexuality.org to advocating for relational ecosystems in movements and workplaces. Key concepts discussed include relational invisibility, the impact of personal storytelling, and the importance of creating environments where relationships can thrive. David emphasizes releasing control to allow relationships to evolve naturally and offers insights into how relational approaches can solve complex problems more effectively than top-down strategies.

00:47 Welcoming David Jay
01:56 David Jay's Journey and Work
05:41 Defining Relationality
08:55 Creating Relational Environments
12:32 Relational Systems and Social Movements
16:30 Challenges and Skepticism
21:10 Practical Advice for Building Relationships
24:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.

We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in! By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world.

Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67849480Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:10 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of the Relational Podcast, host Rachel Sinha is joined by David Jay, author of 'Relationality: How Moving from Transactional to Transformational Relationships Can Reshape Our Lonely World.' The discussion explores the transformative...
The discussion explores the transformative power of deep listening and meaningful relationships in addressing societal crises. David shares his journey from founding asexuality.org to advocating for relational ecosystems in movements and workplaces. Key concepts discussed include relational invisibility, the impact of personal storytelling, and the importance of creating environments where relationships can thrive. David emphasizes releasing control to allow relationships to evolve naturally and offers insights into how relational approaches can solve complex problems more effectively than top-down strategies.

00:47 Welcoming David Jay
01:56 David Jay's Journey and Work
05:41 Defining Relationality
08:55 Creating Relational Environments
12:32 Relational Systems and Social Movements
16:30 Challenges and Skepticism
21:10 Practical Advice for Building Relationships
24:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.

We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in! By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world.

Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>1559asexuality,davidjay,efectocolibrí,rachelsinha,relationality,relationships,systemssanctuary,therelationalpodcast,transactionalrelationships,transformationalrelationships,wasannetworkfalse113fullThe Messy Revolution: Why Imperfection Builds Stronger Communities with Avani Parekhhttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
Avani shares her experience building Love Doctor, a confidential platform for young people in South Asia to discuss sexual health and relationships, born from a moment of national grief and activism. She reflects on the role of weavers—trusted connectors who humanize digital spaces—and calls for intentionality in making online spaces lead to offline human connection.The conversation is a rallying cry for all digital builders, community weavers, and humans: show up in your messiness, invite others in, and bring people together face-to-face.Topics We Cover:

The origins and impact of Love Doctor in taboo contexts
Building trust and "weavers" in faceless online worlds
Why every digital community needs a "touch grass" moment
How showing up as your imperfect, real self sparks collective healing and change

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future.

Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67767558Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:11 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Meg Busse sits down with Avani Parekh, a community builder and technologist bridging digital and physical spaces to create true connection. Together, they explore the epidemic of loneliness, how trust...
Avani shares her experience building Love Doctor, a confidential platform for young people in South Asia to discuss sexual health and relationships, born from a moment of national grief and activism. She reflects on the role of weavers—trusted connectors who humanize digital spaces—and calls for intentionality in making online spaces lead to offline human connection.The conversation is a rallying cry for all digital builders, community weavers, and humans: show up in your messiness, invite others in, and bring people together face-to-face.Topics We Cover:

The origins and impact of Love Doctor in taboo contexts
Building trust and "weavers" in faceless online worlds
Why every digital community needs a "touch grass" moment
How showing up as your imperfect, real self sparks collective healing and change

00:59 — Meet Catherine: Collaborative development & social value
02:31 — Birds, sky, connection: Everyday cues for interdependence
09:25 — Participatory grantmaking: Community power in funding
13:09 — Relational approaches at work: From silos to ecosystems
27:02 — Governance & consensus: What inclusive decisions look like
30:44 — Why now: Democracy, resilience, and trust-based practice
31:57 — Start here: Deep listening as a daily discipline

00:59 — Meet Catherine: Collaborative development & social value
02:31 — Birds, sky, connection: Everyday cues for interdependence
09:25 — Participatory grantmaking: Community power in funding
13:09 — Relational approaches at work: From silos to ecosystems
27:02 — Governance & consensus: What inclusive decisions look like
30:44 — Why now: Democracy, resilience, and trust-based practice
31:57 — Start here: Deep listening as a daily discipline

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.

We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision.

We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>1993catherinedempsey,coherence,consensus-oriented,decision-making,deeplistening,ecosystemfunding,efectocolibrí,interdependence,interdependentrelationships,participatorygrantmaking,relationalpractice,socialchange,therelationalpodcast,trust-based-philanthropyfalse111fullThe Power of Relational Design in Social Impact with Melanie Kahlhttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
What you’ll learn:
🔸Snail Mail & New Walks: The power of analog joy in a digital world
🔸Back to Basics: Returning to relational ways of working
🔸Defining Relationality through Possibility: What a creative nun and agrarian poet teach us about relational creativity
🔸Case Study: How creatively engaging with retail employees shifted power, deepened relationships, and shaped creative change for a beloved brand
🔸Rehearsing Trust: What relational practitioners can learn from long-form improv comedy
🔸Crisis as the crucible: Relationships formed in crisis and the power of creative, relational approaches in emergent change
🔸Microcosms of change: What the “Early Relational Health” field demonstrates about the power of relational work in policy and systems change
🔸Action Steps: The power of dinner parties and telling stories of the unexpected
🔸Imaginary Book club: Solnit’s “A Paradise Built in Hell” and Ehrenreich’s” Dancing in the Streets”
🔸Relational lineages: The power of reflecting on understanding your relational roots as a practitioner

Dig deeper:

📚Books recommended:
- “A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster” by Rebecca Solnit
- “Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy” by Barbara Ehrenreich
📝 Follow “The Meld” on Substack—forthcoming newsletter on relational alchemy
💬 Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads
🖥 Be in touch! Website
Latest research on kinship and connection

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67235340Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:08 +0000Efecto ColibríWe talk about social impact, but what about relational impact? In this episode, we delve into the radical idea that meaningful conversations and deep relationships drive transformative social change more effectively than policies or technologies...
What you’ll learn:
🔸Snail Mail & New Walks: The power of analog joy in a digital world
🔸Back to Basics: Returning to relational ways of working
🔸Defining Relationality through Possibility: What a creative nun and agrarian poet teach us about relational creativity
🔸Case Study: How creatively engaging with retail employees shifted power, deepened relationships, and shaped creative change for a beloved brand
🔸Rehearsing Trust: What relational practitioners can learn from long-form improv comedy
🔸Crisis as the crucible: Relationships formed in crisis and the power of creative, relational approaches in emergent change
🔸Microcosms of change: What the “Early Relational Health” field demonstrates about the power of relational work in policy and systems change
🔸Action Steps: The power of dinner parties and telling stories of the unexpected
🔸Imaginary Book club: Solnit’s “A Paradise Built in Hell” and Ehrenreich’s” Dancing in the Streets”
🔸Relational lineages: The power of reflecting on understanding your relational roots as a practitioner

Dig deeper:

📚Books recommended:
- “A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster” by Rebecca Solnit
- “Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy” by Barbara Ehrenreich
📝 Follow “The Meld” on Substack—forthcoming newsletter on relational alchemy
💬 Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads
🖥 Be in touch! Website
Latest research on kinship and connection

Centering and Grounding Ritual: Crown Shyness, Mother Trees, and poem: Clearing – Martha Postlethwaite
Georgie’s organisation Trigger Conversations
Georgie’s TEDx Talk, “Talking to Strangers”
Georgie’s research on five types of interaction structures
Newsletter: Conversations with Georgie
Personal Website: www.georgienightingall.co.uk

Centering and Grounding Ritual: Crown Shyness, Mother Trees, and poem: Clearing – Martha Postlethwaite
Georgie’s organisation Trigger Conversations
Georgie’s TEDx Talk, “Talking to Strangers”
Georgie’s research on five types of interaction structures
Newsletter: Conversations with Georgie
Personal Website: www.georgienightingall.co.uk

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together – especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision.We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

]]>2195community,deeplistening,georgienightingall,humanconnection,melaniekahl,relationality,relationalleadership,relationships,socialentrepreneur,socialimpact,storytelling,therelationalpodcast,triggerconversationsfalse19fullThe power of relationships in addressing global crises with Sumitra Pasupathyhttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
Sumitra shares her rich family heritage, her journey from being an engineer to a social innovator, and her work with resource and wealth holders. She highlights the importance of trust, deep listening, and relational frameworks in effecting meaningful social change. The discussion delves into the concept of social innovation versus product innovation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her work, and practical steps for embracing relational leadership.

00:00 Introduction to the Relational Podcast
00:59 Meet Sumitra: A Journey of Heritage and Social Impact
02:27 The Influence of Family and Community
05:36 From Engineering to Social Innovation
08:05 A Pivotal Moment During COVID-19
11:35 The Power of Relational Trust
18:48 Facing the Poly Crisis with Trust and Collaboration
25:28 Practical Steps for Embracing Relationa lLeadership
27:53 Conclusion: The Heart of Transformation

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67235166Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:48:40 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of the Relational Podcast, host Georgie Nightingall engages in a profound conversation with Sumitra Pasupathy, of KAI Advisory and partner at Philanthropy Dialogues about the transformative power of relationships in addressing global...
Sumitra shares her rich family heritage, her journey from being an engineer to a social innovator, and her work with resource and wealth holders. She highlights the importance of trust, deep listening, and relational frameworks in effecting meaningful social change. The discussion delves into the concept of social innovation versus product innovation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her work, and practical steps for embracing relational leadership.

00:00 Introduction to the Relational Podcast
00:59 Meet Sumitra: A Journey of Heritage and Social Impact
02:27 The Influence of Family and Community
05:36 From Engineering to Social Innovation
08:05 A Pivotal Moment During COVID-19
11:35 The Power of Relational Trust
18:48 Facing the Poly Crisis with Trust and Collaboration
25:28 Practical Steps for Embracing Relationa lLeadership
27:53 Conclusion: The Heart of Transformation

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

]]>1693covid19,efectocolibrí,georgienightingall,kaiadvisory,philanthropydialogues,podcast,podcastproduction,podcastwithpurpose,relationalleadership,relationalpodcast,socialinnovation,sumitrapasupathy,transformativepower,wasannetworkfalse18fullWhy belonging matters in a rapidly complex world with Fabian Pfortmüllerhttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
They discuss how deep listening and relationality can drive systemic change, sharing personal stories and insights on belonging, community building, and the role of relational leadership. Fabian delves into his own journey from Switzerland to Amsterdam, his experiences with the Sandbox community, and the impact of fostering deep, intentional relationships. The conversation covers the significance of belonging, the limitations of transactional networking, and the importance of caring for relationships within various fields. They also touch on philosophical and practical aspects of relational work, urging resource holders to value and support these essential human connections. They end with practical advice on how to start working relationally, emphasizing the power of making genuine invitations.

00:00 Introduction to the Relational Podcast
02:36 Meet Fabo: A Journey of Connection
07:47 The Power of Belonging
12:04 Why Relational Work Matters
17:19 Creating Communities of Change
22:40 Amplfying RelationalLeadership
27:50 Practical Steps to Start Working Relationally
29:00 Closing Reflections

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67235121Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:30:17 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Sumitra Pasupathy, of Karuna Advisory Impact (KAI) and partner at Philanthropy Dialogues speaks to Fabian Pfortmüller to explore the transformative power of genuine human connections and relationships....
They discuss how deep listening and relationality can drive systemic change, sharing personal stories and insights on belonging, community building, and the role of relational leadership. Fabian delves into his own journey from Switzerland to Amsterdam, his experiences with the Sandbox community, and the impact of fostering deep, intentional relationships. The conversation covers the significance of belonging, the limitations of transactional networking, and the importance of caring for relationships within various fields. They also touch on philosophical and practical aspects of relational work, urging resource holders to value and support these essential human connections. They end with practical advice on how to start working relationally, emphasizing the power of making genuine invitations.

00:00 Introduction to the Relational Podcast
02:36 Meet Fabo: A Journey of Connection
07:47 The Power of Belonging
12:04 Why Relational Work Matters
17:19 Creating Communities of Change
22:40 Amplfying RelationalLeadership
27:50 Practical Steps to Start Working Relationally
29:00 Closing Reflections

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>1651belonging,deepconnections,fabianpfortmuller,feelingseen,kaiadvisory,philanthropydialogues,relationalleadership,socialinnovation,sumitrapasupathy,therelationalpodcast,togetherinstitute,wasannetworkfalse17fullDeep Listening, Real Change: Exploring Relational Leadership with Meg Bussehttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
Key Moments:
00:52 – Meet Meg Busse: Her background, passions, and the Roddenberry Foundation
02:10 – The impact of the Roddenberry Fellowship: Building solidarity and trust
04:53 – Shifting to fellow-led retreats and network ownership
08:46 – How the fellowship changed Meg personally
10:56 – Designing for connection, abundance, and glimpses of the future
13:13 – The annual rhythm: Retreats, coaching, and community touchpoints
15:24 – The benefits and challenges of fellow-led retreats
17:35 – How Meg’s role shifted with distributed leadership
19:19 – Addressing skepticism: Why relational work is “soft, slow, and magical”
21:36 – Practical advice: How to start working more relationally
24:29 – The importance of asking questions and fostering curiosity
25:54 – Final reflections: Making the case for relationships and closing thoughts

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67235087Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:20:07 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of The Relational Podcast, Fabian Pfortmüller and Meg Busse explore the power of relationships in social change, the unique design of the Roddenberry Fellowship, and practical ways to foster connection and abundance in communities. Meg...
Key Moments:
00:52 – Meet Meg Busse: Her background, passions, and the Roddenberry Foundation
02:10 – The impact of the Roddenberry Fellowship: Building solidarity and trust
04:53 – Shifting to fellow-led retreats and network ownership
08:46 – How the fellowship changed Meg personally
10:56 – Designing for connection, abundance, and glimpses of the future
13:13 – The annual rhythm: Retreats, coaching, and community touchpoints
15:24 – The benefits and challenges of fellow-led retreats
17:35 – How Meg’s role shifted with distributed leadership
19:19 – Addressing skepticism: Why relational work is “soft, slow, and magical”
21:36 – Practical advice: How to start working more relationally
24:29 – The importance of asking questions and fostering curiosity
25:54 – Final reflections: Making the case for relationships and closing thoughts

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About
]]>1653abundance,community,deeplistening,distributedleadership,efectocolibrí,fabianpfortmüller,fellowship,leadership,megbusse,realchange,roddenberryfellowship,roddenberryfoundation,therelationalpodcast,wasannetworkfalse16fullWho Gets to Convene? with Rachel Sinhahttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
Rachel shares stories from her journey—growing up in the English countryside, moving across continents, and initiating unexpected communities wherever she lands. Together, they unpack the bold act of convening, the vulnerability of gathering people without a script, and the magic (and messiness) that arises when we center human connection in our change-making work.

Highlights

From Gardening Clubs to Global Communities: Rachel reflects on her lifelong tendency to build community, from childhood clubs to leading system-shifting networks in finance and beyond.
The Finance Innovation Lab: How one “no-budget” convening initiative during the 2008 financial crisis ended up catalyzing new coalitions, policy shifts, and even marriages.
Throw a Better Party: The power of joyful, inclusive, creative convenings over dry, extractive panel sessions—and why making spaces “fun” is strategic, not fluffy.
Facing the Fear of Convening: What it really feels like to send the invitation—personally and professionally—and why it’s an act of leadership worth the risk.
Why Metrics Miss the Point: Rachel breaks down why the most transformational work often happens in meandering, sacred spaces that defy typical KPIs and outputs.
The Sacred in the Systemic: A moving glimpse into The System Sanctuary, a peer space for global system leaders to be real, slow down, and be seen.

Wisdom Drops

“If you don’t know the answer, that’s your signal to convene.”
“People often recognize the value of relationality in their personal lives—but don’t allow it into their professional work.”
“Hosting a gathering is like throwing a party—it’s brave, messy, and transformative if you let it be.”

Resources Mentioned

Art of Hosting — Participatory leadership methodology for deep conversations
Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree brown
Panarchy Cycle — A systems framework for understanding birth, death, and regeneration in ecosystems and organizations

From Gardening Clubs to Global Communities: Rachel reflects on her lifelong tendency to build community, from childhood clubs to leading system-shifting networks in finance and beyond.
The Finance Innovation Lab: How one “no-budget” convening initiative during the 2008 financial crisis ended up catalyzing new coalitions, policy shifts, and even marriages.
Throw a Better Party: The power of joyful, inclusive, creative convenings over dry, extractive panel sessions—and why making spaces “fun” is strategic, not fluffy.
Facing the Fear of Convening: What it really feels like to send the invitation—personally and professionally—and why it’s an act of leadership worth the risk.
Why Metrics Miss the Point: Rachel breaks down why the most transformational work often happens in meandering, sacred spaces that defy typical KPIs and outputs.
The Sacred in the Systemic: A moving glimpse into The System Sanctuary, a peer space for global system leaders to be real, slow down, and be seen.

Wisdom Drops

“If you don’t know the answer, that’s your signal to convene.”
“People often recognize the value of relationality in their personal lives—but don’t allow it into their professional work.”
“Hosting a gathering is like throwing a party—it’s brave, messy, and transformative if you let it be.”

Resources Mentioned

Art of Hosting — Participatory leadership methodology for deep conversations
Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree brown
Panarchy Cycle — A systems framework for understanding birth, death, and regeneration in ecosystems and organizations

A Note from Avani: Rachel, thank you for making the invisible visible. Your presence in our community and your courage to keep convening even when the outcomes are intangible inspires us all. The next party we throw—we’re channeling your spirit.

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and...]]>1617artofhosting,avaniparekh,catalystnow,covening,efectocolibrí,gathering,globalcommunity,rachelsinha,relationality,relationships,therelationalpodcast,thesystemssanctuary,wasannetworkfalse15fullOne Close Friend Per Generation with Christine Laihttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
Christine shares the unexpected advice that’s guided her journey recently: to have one close friend in every generation. She talks about lessons learned on building the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems at the Kauffman Foundation and offers an honest look at what worked, what didn’t, and why relationality sat at the heart of it all.

The conversation also touches on the messiness of relational work, Christine’s refreshingly kind approach to AI (she may be the only person who speaks to her AI companions with full presence), and the role of compassion in navigating today’s tangled challenges.The episode opens with a reading of The Invitation by Mary Oliver.

Episode Highlights:

02:51 Christine's Journey and Defining Relationality
05:40 Relational Breakthroughs and Community Building
13:44 Challenges and Navigating Relational Work
28:40 Relationality in the Age of AI
32:30 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67068160Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:53:06 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Rachel Sinha talks with Christine Lai and explores what happens when you treat relationships not as a side note, but as the core strategy. Christine shares the unexpected advice that’s guided her...
Christine shares the unexpected advice that’s guided her journey recently: to have one close friend in every generation. She talks about lessons learned on building the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems at the Kauffman Foundation and offers an honest look at what worked, what didn’t, and why relationality sat at the heart of it all.

The conversation also touches on the messiness of relational work, Christine’s refreshingly kind approach to AI (she may be the only person who speaks to her AI companions with full presence), and the role of compassion in navigating today’s tangled challenges.The episode opens with a reading of The Invitation by Mary Oliver.

Episode Highlights:

02:51 Christine's Journey and Defining Relationality
05:40 Relational Breakthroughs and Community Building
13:44 Challenges and Navigating Relational Work
28:40 Relationality in the Age of AI
32:30 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>2230aiforsocialimpact,bottom-up-innovation,christinelai,deeplistening,efectocolibrí,human-first-leadership,intergenerationalconnections,kaufmannfoundation,leadership,networksummit,partnerships,rachelsinha,relationalmetrics,systemssanctuary,therelationalpodcast,wasannetworkfalse14fullGratitude Lists Unlock Community Power—Inside Ese Emerhi’s Niger-Delta Experimenthttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/Global Fund for Community Foundations, about the importance of relational networking and community-driven approaches in development. Ese shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of adjusting to a new work environment in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of gratitude and community over financial resources. They discuss the need for trust-building and flexibility in networks, contrasting it with rigid, top-down donor structures.

The conversation highlights the current crisis in traditional development models and the emerging value of community philanthropy as a solution that prioritizes relationships and localized problem-solving over external expertise and control.

03:04 Personal Journey and Challenges in Nigeria
04:01 The Importance of Gratitude in Building Relationships
07:29 The Freedom and Trust in Network-Based Approaches
09:35 Community Philanthropy: An Emerging Practice
20:58 Creating Spaces for Informal Connections

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66944288Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:07 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of the Relationality Podcast, host Sonja Betschart converses with Ese Emerhi, the Global Network Weaver for the https://globalfundcommunityfoundations.org/, about the importance of relational networking and community-driven approaches...Global Fund for Community Foundations, about the importance of relational networking and community-driven approaches in development. Ese shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of adjusting to a new work environment in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of gratitude and community over financial resources. They discuss the need for trust-building and flexibility in networks, contrasting it with rigid, top-down donor structures.

The conversation highlights the current crisis in traditional development models and the emerging value of community philanthropy as a solution that prioritizes relationships and localized problem-solving over external expertise and control.

03:04 Personal Journey and Challenges in Nigeria
04:01 The Importance of Gratitude in Building Relationships
07:29 The Freedom and Trust in Network-Based Approaches
09:35 Community Philanthropy: An Emerging Practice
20:58 Creating Spaces for Informal Connections

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle.

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About

]]>1560buildingrelationships,community,communityphilanthropy,efectocolibrí,eseemerhi,globalfundforcommunityfoundati,globalnetwork,gratitute,network-based-approaches,sonjabetschart,therelationalpodcast,wasannetworkfalse13fullPrioritizing people in a world of technology with Sonja Betscharthttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Jane Wei-Skillern explores with her special guest, Sonja Betschart, co-founder and co-pilot of We Robotics, how authentic relationships can be more powerful than any strategy or technology in driving meaningful change.Through an honest and insightful conversation, Sonja shares her fascinating journey from constant action to a leadership style grounded in deep and intentional relationships. You'll discover how this shift radically transformed her personal and professional outcomes, providing her with more energy, fulfillment, and—surprisingly—greater tangible results.Key moments in the episode:

[00:02:40] Sonja’s transformative experiment: balancing action and relationships.
[00:06:40] What do 50 projects reveal about the secret to success? (Hint: relationships win)
[00:09:30] Why relationships are essential in times of crisis and mistrust.
[00:13:50] The importance of personally experiencing deep listening and human connection.
[00:15:30] A key mindset shift: from "what we do" to "how we relate".

If you’ve ever felt like something is missing in the traditional way of working and leading, this episode offers a fresh, inspiring, and proven perspective on how putting relationships at the center can transform both your work and your life.Hit play and discover the transformative power of relationships!

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66860390Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:00:08 +0000Efecto ColibríIn this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Jane Wei-Skillern explores with her special guest, Sonja Betschart, co-founder and co-pilot of We Robotics, how authentic relationships can be more powerful than any strategy or technology in driving...In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Jane Wei-Skillern explores with her special guest, Sonja Betschart, co-founder and co-pilot of We Robotics, how authentic relationships can be more powerful than any strategy or technology in driving meaningful change.Through an honest and insightful conversation, Sonja shares her fascinating journey from constant action to a leadership style grounded in deep and intentional relationships. You'll discover how this shift radically transformed her personal and professional outcomes, providing her with more energy, fulfillment, and—surprisingly—greater tangible results.Key moments in the episode:

[00:02:40] Sonja’s transformative experiment: balancing action and relationships.
[00:06:40] What do 50 projects reveal about the secret to success? (Hint: relationships win)
[00:09:30] Why relationships are essential in times of crisis and mistrust.
[00:13:50] The importance of personally experiencing deep listening and human connection.
[00:15:30] A key mindset shift: from "what we do" to "how we relate".

If you’ve ever felt like something is missing in the traditional way of working and leading, this episode offers a fresh, inspiring, and proven perspective on how putting relationships at the center can transform both your work and your life.Hit play and discover the transformative power of relationships!

A big shout-out to the Wasan community for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation.Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at efectocolibri.com and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. Learn more https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>1109aiforimpact,climate,community,efecocolibrí,efectocolibrí,janewei-skillern,networkleadership,podcastwithpurpose,relationhips,robotics,sonjabetschart,technology,wasan,wasannetwork,weroboticsfalse12fullThe Power of We with Jane Wei-Skillernhttps://efectocolibri.com/en/serie/the-relational-podcast/
Drawing from decades of research at Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, Jane shares powerful stories of leaders who chose humility over ego, trust over control, and community over individual success. Together, David and Jane explore the principles that set successful networks apart:

Mission before organization
Trust, not control
Humility, not brand
Constellations, not stars

Through thoughtful insights, personal reflections, and compelling poetry, this conversation invites listeners to rethink leadership and embrace relationality as a path toward lasting impact.

A big shout-out to the Wasan Network for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation. Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at Efecto Colibrí and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66707435Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:05:00 +0000Efecto ColibríWhat if the greatest lever for impact isn’t found in strategies or institutions, but in the quality of our relationships? In this inaugural episode of The Relational Podcast, David Jay talks with renowned network leadership expert Jane Wei-Skillern...
Drawing from decades of research at Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, Jane shares powerful stories of leaders who chose humility over ego, trust over control, and community over individual success. Together, David and Jane explore the principles that set successful networks apart:

Mission before organization
Trust, not control
Humility, not brand
Constellations, not stars

Through thoughtful insights, personal reflections, and compelling poetry, this conversation invites listeners to rethink leadership and embrace relationality as a path toward lasting impact.

A big shout-out to the Wasan Network for bringing us together - especially Meg Busse, Rachel Sinha, Christine Lai and Melanie Kahl, facilitators of the “Making the Case for Relationality” huddle. We appreciate your role in fostering this conversation. Thank you for tuning in!

By sharing this episode and letting others know what inspired you, you help expand the community of co-creators building a more compassionate world. Dive deeper into our work at Efecto Colibrí and join us in sparking the collective change we all envision. We value your voice—together, we can empower social innovation.

Conceived and co-created during a Wasan Network small group in partnership with Huddlecraft. Wasan is a global network of social impact and philanthropy practitioners who believe that relationships sit at the center of social change. Learn more: https://www.wasan-network.org/

Production and dissemination by Efecto Colibrí: Efecto Colibrí blends storytelling, social innovation, and the power of relationships to produce and distribute original and partner podcasts that bridge communities and sectors, shift mindsets, and spark action toward a more just, diverse, and regenerative future. https://efectocolibri.com/en/

Artwork by Anjali Chandrashekar. https://anjalic.com/About]]>1199co-creation,community,control,davidjay,efectocolibrí,ego,harvard,humility,innovation,jane-wei-skillern,networkleadership,relationality,relationships,socialimpact,socialtrust,stanford,wasannetworkfalse11full