43. Redefining “resilience” with Gemma Houldey

Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being in aid organisations

Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can better support well-being?

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Gemma Houldey, author of The Vulnerable Humanitarian. Gemma shares her journey from human rights advocacy to becoming a thought leader regarding humanitarian well-being. You’ll hear about the importance of showing up with vulnerability, understanding power dynamics, and how feminist funders are pioneering new approaches to support long-term organizational well-being.

If you're passionate about creating a more supportive and sustainable humanitarian sector, this episode is a must-listen.

Today’s Guest

Gemma Houldey is a researcher, facilitator and space-holder for more caring and inclusive working cultures in the aid sector. Her book “The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector,” draws on her own story and the accounts of over a hundred national and international aid workers she interviewed. The book explores the systemic causes of burnout in aid work, and provides guideposts for managers and staff to cultivate and embody collective resilience and care in the workplace. Her most recent research investigates the role of grantmakers in funding more sustainable, resilient human rights movements. Gemma works with individuals and organisations to support them to ‘walk the talk’ on principles of anti-oppression, by integrating decolonial approaches to wellbeing into everyday work routines and practices that deepen a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Website: gemmahouldey.com
Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram

You’ll Learn

• What embodying change means in the context of vulnerability and power dynamics
• How personal and organizational well-being are interconnected
• The impact of funding practices on the well-being of humanitarian workers
• The role of feminist funders in promoting sustainable well-being initiatives
• Practical steps for creating supportive work environments

Resources Mentioned

• Gemma Houldey’s Website: gemmahouldey.com
• The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Available on Routledge and other bookselling websites
• Newsletter Sign-Up: Available on Gemma’s website for updates and resources, including a free chapter of her book and 25% discount code to buy it.

Quotes

• “Embodying change means showing up with vulnerability and leaning into difficult conversations.” – Gemma Houldey
• “We need to decolonize well-being and allow partners to define what it means for them.” – Gemma Houldey

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.
• Visit gemmahouldey.com to learn more about Gemma’s work and sign up for her newsletter.
• Join Gemma’s upcoming book circle to embody change through shared learning and practice on wellbeing and resilience in a supportive community.