Breaking Boundaries: The CREED Chronicles in Development Equity

03/15/24 • 23 min

This podcast is a game-changer.
Celebrating CREED's 2nd anniversary, I'm joined by Paul Weisenfeld, Executive Vice President at RTI and a key figure in the Coalition for Racial and Ethnic Equity in Development’s (CREED) Board Executive Committee.
Get ready for some real talk!
Paul shares CREED's remarkable journey, from its infancy to shaking up the development sector. Senior leaders like Paul are spearheading change, advocating for racial equity in their organizations. His insights into CREED's triumphs and trials paint a vivid picture of transformation in the development sector.
From his own journey since the '80s to championing authentic leadership and tackling biases head-on, Paul's words hit home when he shared a vivid example of when he became possibly the first black mission director for an agency in a predominantly white environment and realized he was “code-switching” his behavior to fit in. He realized the weight of representation and the importance of authenticity.
"In 2006, I became a Mission Director in Peru for USAID, possibly the first black Mission Director in South America. I navigated the dual worlds of predominantly white professional settings and my predominantly black upbringing. This led to a style of code-switching until recent years when I embraced authentic leadership."
Paul's reflections shed light on CREED's evolution and the collaborative efforts of senior leaders in reshaping racial equity in development.
"In the development sector, authentic leadership means confronting biases head-on and collaborating to drive racial equity."
Fearlessly navigating uncomfortable conversations, Paul urges us to confront systemic issues with courage. His passion for inclusivity is infectious, inspiring us to drive change authentically. By recognizing our role in addressing these issues, he empowers leaders to take action.
As we wrapped up, Paul's stories left me not just informed but energized. Thank you, Paul, for sharing your journey.
Join me in exploring CREED's initiatives and embarking on our journey toward a more equitable future.

Previous Episode

Nonprofit Boardroom and Beyond | Building Trust and Collaboration

Tune in now and revitalize your approach to social impact!
From the very start, my conversation with Julia Roig, Founder and Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project, is a thought-provoking dialogue that promises to captivate your interest. Julia’s resilient journey in the nonprofit sector contains invaluable insights that ignite passion and action. I couldn't help but jot down Julia's insightful words at the core of our conversation.
“Don’t just face risks but embrace them. Risks often unfold into transformative successes.”
On the art of networking, collaboration, and relationship building, Julia champions the power of deliberate relationship-building, urging leaders to embrace slow networking, fostering genuine connections, and recognizing the true magic in the spaciousness of profound collaborations. Her words echo as a call to collective empowerment and shared responsibility.
She contributes, "Collaboration isn't easy. We've taken for granted that putting people together will make it happen. The reality is, it's hard work, a long-term commitment, and we must slow down in building relationships and understanding."
As we dive into the vibrant board engagement and culture world, Julia paints a picture of intentional excitement. She champions the creation of lively, substantive board meetings that blend camaraderie with impactful discussions. It's not just about work; it's about building a thriving, energized community.
In a sector where challenges are met with resilience, thank you, Julia, for your guidance, sparking a renewed sense of purpose.
I can’t wait to continue following Julia. Her words reverberate as a call to action, inspiring professionals to lead with courage, collaborate with zeal, and infuse joy into their nonprofit journey.
Listen today!

Next Episode

Catalyzing Impact: NGO Leadership Strategies, Board Engagement, and Mission Allignment

Have you fallen head over heels with your mission statement?

Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of inspiration from my guest, Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, when he shares that, for him, falling in love with the mission and setting audacious goals are the turbo boosters of motivation and success that foster innovation to drive impactful change within NGOs.

🔸"Falling in love with the mission fuels our passion while setting impossible goals ignites our imagination and determination - both are the driving forces behind unstoppable motivation."

Michael's career is a treasure trove of unique insights, drawing from his experiences at Microsoft and Charity Navigator. His journey underscores the importance of accountability, resilience, and people-centric leadership, making his perspective a valuable asset for any NGO leader.

🔸"At Microsoft, I learned that people are not just a bullet point on a slide - they're our first priority. Supporting our teams through challenges, building psychological safety, and fostering a mission-driven culture are pivotal moments that drive success."

Are you seeking practical strategies for successful change management?

Look no further. Michael's insights, grounded in real-world experiences at Microsoft and Charity Navigator, offer a roadmap you can immediately apply to your current strategic plan. These strategies emphasize collaboration, experimentation, and strategic vision to address complex challenges.

Michael and I also explore the dynamic relationship for CEO-board engagement, trust-building, and effectively leveraging board support. Michael's personal growth and leadership evolution perspective offer a compelling roadmap for NGO leaders driving lasting impact.

🔸"Board engagement is about finding the balance between adding value without overstepping boundaries, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring mutual enjoyment and contribution."

Take advantage of this timely episode, which is brimming with inspiration and actionable strategies crucial in today's challenging NGO landscape.

Thank you, Michael, for equipping us with the tools to catalyze positive change within the NGO community!