Best Humanitarian Leadership Academy Podcasts (2025)

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Shaping humanitarian AI: why every voice counts 46:01

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8d ago46:01

46:01

Send us a text Ka Man Parkinson is joined by Lucy Hall from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space to discuss a landmark joint survey on AI adoption in the humanitarian sector. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is currently being used, what future potential it holds, and why this research i…

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From academia to action: how research can shape humanitarian education 28:09

21d ago28:09

28:09

Send us a text How can academic research shape humanitarian action? This is the question at the heart of today's insightful discussion between two Education in Emergencies (EiE) colleagues from Save the Children International. Casey Pearson (EiE Technical Learning Specialist) sits down with Rafka Daoud (EiE Professional Development Programme Manage…

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‘Double literacy’: harnessing AI for humanitarians and social change 38:11

1M ago38:11

38:11

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, Ka Man Parkinson speaks to Dr Cornelia C. Walther to hear her expert take on the implications of AI for humanitarians - and the actions we can take today to keep abreast of developments. Cornelia's experience positions her as an insightful and authoritative thought leader in this space: a former hum…

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Shaping impact-driven careers: stories of purpose, resilience and growth 54:45

2M ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text How can you shape a meaningful and purpose-driven career in the humanitarian sector and beyond? Tune in to this episode to glean insights from Ana Lucia Villagran, a Learning Solutions Specialist at HLA’s Latin America and Caribbean Regional Centre from Guatemala, and Selim Uysal, an independent humanitarian consultant and trainer fr…

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Poetry and purpose: in conversation with Poetic Unity 44:52

3M ago44:52

44:52

Send us a text To celebrate World Poetry Day 2025, we explore the power of creative expression for forging connections and inspiring action within our communities and beyond. The HLA's Ka Man Parkinson connects with two inspiring members of Poetic Unity, Tariq Brown and Blaize Alexis-Anglin, who performed powerful pieces at the inaugural Humanitari…

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Coaching for humanitarians: Natasha’s journey of discovery and transformation 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

Send us a text "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." When Natasha Nishimwe (Save the Children International) stepped into a new role in a global team, she felt like an imposter. But by taking action through coaching, she unlocked her confidence, overcame self-doubt and stepped into new professional opportunities. Guided by Charl…

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Coaching for humanitarians: tools and techniques to foster resilience and growth 1:06:17

3M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Send us a text In this two-part podcast, join coaching expert Charlotte Balfour-Poole to explore the transformative power of coaching in the humanitarian sector. In the first episode, together with host Ka Man Parkinson, discover key coaching tools for managing wellbeing, building resilience, and unlocking personal and professional growth. Gain ins…

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Youth Leadership (Episode 2) 19:44

3M ago19:44

19:44

Send us a text In this episode, we continue talking about youth participation in humanitarian and civic action. We discuss how youth can and should be involved in crisis response, humanitarian action, and development. Hear from participants of the Youth Leadership for Emerging Future programme Miro Béreš and Maria Andruchiw, as well as Kacper Rynio…

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Reflecting on Three Years: What the Humanitarian Response to the Ukraine War Taught Us 38:55

3M ago38:55

38:55

Send us a text 24 February 2025 marks the third anniversary of the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine. In this conversation, we focus on lessons learnt from these three years of delivering humanitarian response with the goal to support and strengthen locally-led action. Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Humanitarian Leaders…

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Two Years On: Reflecting on the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Humanitarian Response 23:58

4M ago23:58

23:58

Send us a text As we mark the second anniversary of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake response, this podcast episode is dedicated to reflections, lessons learnt, and remaining challenges. Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the HLA, hosts a conversation with Bdour Ghousheh, the HLA Regional Lead in the Middle East and North Africa, and Samanth…

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Listening to lead: Kate Beale on leadership, collaboration, and global humanitarian action 28:32

4M ago28:32

28:32

Send us a text What does it take to build a career that spans continents, sectors, and some of the world’s most pressing challenges? In this episode, the HLA’s Ka Man Parkinson is joined by Kate Beale, Managing Director at Crowell Global Advisors, who shares her extraordinary journey from grassroots work in Paraguay to influencing global policy in …

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Women’s Education in Emergencies in Pakistan: voices from the training room and beyond 1:17:49

5M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

Send us a text In this episode, we take you on a deep dive exploration of a transformative programme designed to address the unique challenges faced by women working in the education context in crisis affected communities across Pakistan. We published the initial story of the training as it happened, and in this episode we present an audio journey …

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Preparados para el futuro: Practicantes Profesionales del Programa de Jóvenes Humanitarios de HLA en Perú comparten sus experiencias 50:42

5M ago50:42

50:42

Send us a text A principios de octubre de 2024, el equipo de HLA en América Latina y el Caribe, junto con 4 organizaciones locales y Save the Children International, se embarcaron en un emocionante viaje: empoderar a los jóvenes en Perú. Ir más allá del fortalecimiento de capacidades para ofrecer una oportunidad que potencialmente pueda cambiar la …

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Youth Leadership Episode 1 28:22

7M ago28:22

28:22

Send us a text In this episode, we focus on Youth Leadership and talk about the importance of youth participation. On the Youth Leadership for Emerging Future programme example, we discuss how youth can and should be involved in crisis response, humanitarian action, and development. The participants shared about the challenges they identified and h…

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Placing mental health and psychosocial support at the heart of the humanitarian agenda 54:33

7M ago54:33

54:33

Send us a text With the global mental health crisis affecting one in four people – and nearly everyone within communities impacted by crisis including conflict and disasters – the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is more urgent than ever. In this episode, Ka Man Parkinson holds a candid conversation with Marie Dahl and Dr Vic…

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Unlocking potential: cultivating a culture of humanitarian learning 36:35

8M ago36:35

36:35

Send us a text In this episode - part two of our deep dive exploration of humanitarian learning in 2024 - we continue the insightful conversation with passionate learning advocates Janet Nyaoro, Eleonora Aralla and Neba Ambe Azinui. In the first instalment of this conversation, Humanitarian learning in 2024: perspectives from Africa, the trio discu…

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Humanitarian learning in 2024: perspectives from Africa 1:05:29

8M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Send us a text In this episode - the first instalment of our two-part series - we explore current trends in humanitarian learning with a special focus on Africa. We sit down with three passionate advocates of learning in all forms: Janet Nyaoro (HLA East and Southern Africa Regional Centre), Eleonora Aralla (CAFOD Zimbabwe and Eswatini) and Neba Am…

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Feminist Leadership 48:36

9M ago48:36

48:36

Send us a text Feminist Leadership - a not-so-widely known or understood term. What is Feminist Leadership? What does it actually mean? Is its meaning simply implied in its name? Listen to this insightful conversation led by Rachel O'Brien, Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA). Rachel is joined by two mavens on this topic: Srilatha…

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Localisation: harnessing talent and technology to drive meaningful reform 29:10

10M ago29:10

29:10

Send us a text Hear Bidjan Nashat, tech entrepreneur and seasoned humanitarian leader, speak candidly on the challenges and opportunities in advancing localisation within the humanitarian sector. In this open and informative conversation with the HLA's Ka Man Parkinson, Bidjan critiques current localisation debates and advocates for practical, acti…

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Locally-led humanitarian research 38:35

10M ago38:35

38:35

Send us a text In this episode, we are focusing on locally-led humanitarian research. On the SHIFT programme example and reflecting on our partnerships with researchers in Ukraine and Poland, we discuss how local specialists are and should be involved in data collection, analysis, and research design. Tune in to hear from Maryana Zaviyska, Chief of…

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L'Éducation en Situation d'Urgence en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale 26:33

10M ago26:33

26:33

Send us a text Dans cet épisode de podcast, Anne Garcon mène une discussion approfondie avec deux spécialistes de l'éducation en situation d'urgence en Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale: Mathilde Lemaire, Responsable du programme de développement professionnel de l’éducation en situation d’urgence pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale à HLA et Yaya Di…

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LGBTQ+ sensitivity in the refugee crisis response in Poland 42:56

11M ago42:56

42:56

Send us a text What are the biggest challenges refugees and migrants from the LGBTQ+ community face in Poland, and how do locally-led organisations create networks and structures to support them? In this episode, we are talking about the Ukraine crisis response in Poland with a focus on strengthening the capacity of local organisations and advocacy…

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Cambio Climático y Asistencia Humanitaria: Respuesta durante la temporada de huracanes en América Latina y el Caribe. 46:42

11M ago46:42

46:42

Send us a text Este es el primer episodio en español de la serie del podcast: 'Nuevas Perspectivas Humanitarias' de HLA. En este episodio, Ana Lucía Villagran, Especialista en Soluciones de Aprendizaje en América Latina y el Caribe; obtiene ideas significativas de Mercedes García, líder de HLA para la región y Dan Stothart, Director Humanitario Reg…

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Building effective humanitarian learning communities 56:17

12M ago56:17

56:17

Send us a text How can we harness the power of communities and networks as tools for humanitarian learning? In this podcast episode, Esther Grieder (the HLA's Global Communities and Partnerships Lead), leads a deep dive discussion with three seasoned community builders from Ghana, Nigeria and the UK to share and compare professional experiences. Tu…

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Coaching and mentoring: tools to support every humanitarian 35:57

1y ago35:57

35:57

Send us a text Are you curious about coaching and mentoring - but not sure if it’s right for you, or how to get started? Charlotte Balfour-Poole, Head of Coaching at the HLA, provides her expert overview of coaching and mentoring, and highlights how they can be used as powerful tools to support every humanitarian. In conversation with Ka Man Parkin…

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Delivering training: Overcoming the challenges 43:34

1y ago43:34

43:34

Send us a text The delivery of high quality humanitarian learning - face-to-face or online is not devoid of unique challenges. As crises occur, it becomes increasingly important to carefully analyse capacity strengthening experiences and then introduce simple yet innovative methods to counter challenges faced so that training can get to the people …

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Leadership and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: in conversation with Jamie McGoldrick 42:36

1y ago42:36

42:36

Send us a text Listen to Archie Law AM (Principal Leadership Advisor at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy) in conversation with Jamie McGoldrick, who has just completed a term as the Interim UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Together with Archie, Jamie discusses leadership and the humanitarian crisis in…

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Using our skills to make a difference: our humanitarian career journeys 44:41

1+ y ago44:41

44:41

Send us a text What does a humanitarian career look like? How can you kickstart your own journey in this inspiring sector – and how can this evolve over time? In our humanitarian careers podcast series, we’re connecting with humanitarians from around the world to hear personal stories and experiences of working in the sector. In this episode, the H…

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Capacity Strengthening Initiatives in the Middle East & North Africa Region 30:07

1+ y ago30:07

30:07

Send us a text In this episode, we discuss various learning opportunities provided by the HLA and Save the Children, which support capacity strengthening in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As countries of the MENA region face different types of crises, humanitarian actors on the ground need tailored capacity-strengthening programmes…

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Humanitarian Xchange: inspiring one million new humanitarians 29:19

1+ y ago29:19

29:19

Send us a text Join us as we explore the visionary Humanitarian Xchange, a groundbreaking event set to redefine global humanitarian sector. The inaugural Humanitarian Xchange is a hybrid conference scheduled to take place in London, UK and online on 20 February 2024. Dominic Courage, the force behind HX24, shares its unique vision, behind-the-scene…

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How face-to-face training is shifting the power 45:46

1+ y ago45:46

45:46

Send us a text Humanitarian learning is constantly evolving to be more accessible, inclusive and contextually relevant. The audiences, their needs, adequate formats for delivery and balance of power from how training is accessed to how it is delivered - is also changing. In this podcast episode, we hear from Rose Wahome, an educationist and HLA Lea…

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Education in emergencies: the viewpoint from Asia in 2023 39:20

2y ago39:20

39:20

Send us a text Globally, many families are preparing for the start of a new academic year, with children and young people currently starting or returning to education. However, in countries and regions around the world impacted by emergencies and crises, millions do not have access to education and safe learning environments. In this podcast episod…

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Civil Society Strengthening in Eastern Europe 39:04

2y ago39:04

39:04

Send us a text In this episode, we are discussing civil society strengthening in the context of the Ukraine crisis response in Eastern Europe with Olga Nikolska, the Program Director of Culture of Philanthropy Development at Civil Society Organisation Ednannia, and Pawel Mania, the Deputy Director for Transformational Response at the Humanitarian L…

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Immersive learning in the humanitarian sector 38:43

2y ago38:43

38:43

Send us a text Humanitarians across the sector - whether directly or indirectly - are already engaging with these tools and immersing in the metaverse. What does that look like now and in the next 10 years? James and Austen take us on journeys through technology before the metaverse, and how capacity strengthening needs and solutions have evolved o…

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Navigating humanitarian training pathways in 2023 30:07

2y ago30:07

30:07

Send us a text Humanitarian learning experts Dr Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings (Centre for Humanitarian Leadership) and Esther Grieder (Humanitarian Leadership Academy) join forces to help us to navigate the maze of learning pathways and opportunities available to current and aspiring humanitarians - whether through an academic route at university, lifelon…

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – and why it matters for humanitarians 45:01

2y ago45:01

45:01

Send us a text “Solidarity is the political expression of love. And I have hope and faith that we can get to a place that's equitable for all.” – Michelle Brillouet Listen to Ka Man Parkinson in conversation with Michelle Brillouet and Tim Carpentier on a thought-provoking exploration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) - and why it matters no…

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Take risks, listen and act: embracing equity in the humanitarian sector 26:26

2y ago26:26

26:26

Send us a text For International Women's Day, two senior leaders at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA) share their journeys in the humanitarian sector. Nwabundo Okoh speaks to Rachel O'Brien and Nancy Mureti about navigating leadership roles and embracing equity in their individual lives as women, and as advocates in the wider context. ___ R…

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Engine 2: How the HLA is driving change in the humanitarian sector 8:33

2+ y ago8:33

8:33

Send us a text ‘I see Engine 2 as being an enabler, giving us the opportunity and permission to be much more forward-looking, really focusing on strategic and innovative solutions to support locally-led humanitarian action.’ Listen to Samantha Davis talking to Fiona Tan about the work taking place at pace at the HLA through its Engine 2 programme t…

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What is Engine 2? A new model of response to aid in Ukraine 25:42

2+ y ago25:42

25:42

Send us a text 'Ukraine will accelerate necessary change in aid. Everyone's saying the old ways don't work anymore. We're going to create a different way of being: it's about accelerating change.' In our first podcast, listen to Save the Children UK's Gareth Owen in conversation with Pawel Mania. Gareth sets out the vision behind the DEC-funded pro…