The Relational Podcast

In this episode of the Relationality Podcast, host Sonja Betschart converses with Ese Emerhi, the Global Network Weaver for the 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 Nigeria04:01 The Importance of Gratitude in Building Relationships07:29 The Freedom and Trust in Network-Based Approaches09:35 Community Philanthropy: An Emerging Practice20:58 Creating Spaces for Informal ConnectionsA 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

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

Jane Wei-Skillern, a senior fellow and expert in network leadership, shares her insights on transformative change through relationships. She emphasizes that the power of impact lies not in control but in trust and collaboration. By prioritizing human connections over organizational hierarchy, leaders can create dynamic networks that foster community success. Jane offers practical advice on vulnerability and humility, urging listeners to step away from egos and embrace a mission-first mindset. Her inspiring stories and principles challenge conventional leadership paradigms.