Leading Change with Active Resistance

11/03/23 • 29 min

In this captivating episode, we explore the compelling dynamics of leadership and the empowering concept of active resistance. My distinguished guest, Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, the President and CEO of the Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA), draws from her rich background as a medical doctor and her inspirational leadership journey.
Dr. Nyambi’s take on authentic leadership is a beacon of wisdom, emphasizing the significance of staying true to oneself, aligning actions with beliefs, and eschewing conformity to external expectations. Trust and active listening emerge as pivotal elements in her philosophy, bridging the worlds of community and organizational leadership. Her great words of wisdom:
“When you listen, do you hear, and does that translate? Do you go out and do something different? When you go into a meeting, you have an idea of how things should go, and you talk about your idea. Your focus is only to convince the other of your idea. That is not listening respectfully. Instead, listening respectfully is taking half your idea and half my idea and shifting issues together.”
Dr. Nyambi challenges conventional international development paradigms through a striking metaphor that distinguishes between organizations, likening them to "Toyotas" or "Teslas." This metaphor symbolizes the transformation needed within international NGOs, transitioning from the traditional North American-centric "Toyota" model to the innovative "Tesla" approach. This evolution encompasses profound changes in financial structures, power dynamics, and knowledge-sharing, embodying a sincere commitment to genuine localization.
Throughout this episode, I had the opportunity to hear her insights into the paramount importance of honoring local perspectives, standards, and agency in the realm of development work. Dr. Nyambi champions active resistance as a powerful force for catalyzing positive change, urging us all to challenge the prevailing status quo.
"Resistance," she contends, "is not merely a negative term; it represents an active engagement with issues. Demonstrated resilience is, for instance, a form of resistance and, importantly, a force for good."
Thank you, Dr. Nyambi, for this enlightening conversation.
I invite you to join us as we navigate the intricate facets of leadership, authenticity, and the promising trajectory of non-profit, locally-led development endeavors.

Previous Episode

Unveiling A Leadership Journey of Impact and Values

Meet Art delaCruz, a CEO who's not just about numbers and metrics but believes in connecting with people, fostering trust, and making failure more terrifying than missing a goal. My chat with the Team Rubicon leader was a revelation.
His disruptive leadership style? He modestly acknowledged, ”'I'm flattered you've noticed.”
If you love a good tale, this episode is for you. Imagine a journey to leadership woven with stories of family values, a 22-year career as a Naval officer, and a profound commitment to developing individuals, not just managing roles. Art revealed how he discovered in the military the craft of leading young men and women, understanding they are not just cogs in the system but individuals whose growth and development matter. Art’s leadership core focuses on connecting with people, developing them, retaining them, and fostering trust.
Team Rubicon's mission is about tangible, impactful assistance to those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. Art envisions Team Rubicon as more than a workplace; it's where you grow and make a positive impact.
What is Art’s leadership philosophy? He explained, “Practice what you preach.”
"Each year, I tell my teams: cut 25% of meetings, trim 25% of attendees, shorten meetings to 45 minutes. This seemingly small change compounds into a 25% reduction in wasted time, a valuable asset you can't purchase, even with unlimited funds. We create space for our people to excel while instilling the power of saying 'no' to wasted time throughout the organization."
As a fighter pilot turned CEO, Art values control where it matters most. His story isn't just about leadership; it's about culture and connection.
His advice to his younger self? “Savor the journey and ponder those unanswered questions for 30 minutes a day.”
Thank you, Art, for this captivating chat. You’re not just a CEO but a disruptor who's redefining the nonprofit CEO game with heart and a mission.
Don't miss this insightful episode!

Next 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!