Sheila Herrling, international development expert, discusses challenges in development finance, supporting diverse entrepreneurship, and building organizational culture. Topics include safe spaces for curiosity, aligning funds with community needs, and fostering diversity in decision-making. The conversation also touches on quantifying impact in policy work, building relationships, and entrepreneurship challenges. Sheila emphasizes the importance of empathy in problem-solving and shares personal reflections in a rapid-fire round at the end.
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Quick takeaways
Supporting diverse entrepreneurship is crucial for creating change in development finance.
Building a positive team culture involves embracing diversity, fostering open communication, and promoting collaboration.
Deep dives
The Influence of Sheila Harling in Organizational Culture and Team Building
Sheila Harling, the first board chair of the Energy for Growth Hub, is renowned for her expertise in international development, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Her impact extends beyond technical skills to create a positive team environment. Sheila's focus on building organizational cultures and supporting inclusive entrepreneurship showcases her unique leadership style, emphasizing connection, openness, and empathy within the team.
Prioritizing Equity in International Development
Sheila's upbringing in a homogenous suburb sparked her interest in international development's equity issues. Her career journey, from the Treasury Department to leading philanthropic organizations, reflects a commitment to leveling the playing field for marginalized communities. Through advocating for input from local communities, she highlights the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in development initiatives.
Authenticity and Transparency in Impact Assessment
Sheila emphasizes authenticity and transparency in measuring impact, cautioning against overly elaborate assessment methods that do not align with an organization's mission. She stresses the need for impact assessments to be genuine, reflecting the organization's resources and values. By avoiding trends and focusing on genuine impact narratives, organizations can effectively communicate their achievements.
Cultivating a Safe and Diverse Organizational Culture
Sheila's approach to building a positive team culture centers on embracing diversity and fostering open communication. She values creating a safe space where team members feel connected and empowered to share their perspectives. By encouraging active listening and embracing diverse viewpoints, Sheila promotes a culture of trust, empathy, and collaboration within the team.
Sheila Herrling, the Energy for Growth Hub’s first Board Chair and expert in international development, US foreign policy, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy joins Rose and Katie for this episode of High Energy Planet. This episode explores challenges in development finance, why supporting diverse entrepreneurship is critical to creating change, and how Sheila approaches building organizational culture.