51. Leading from the heart with Sarah Noble

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

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti is joined by Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. Sarah shares her unique perspective on peace-building, storytelling, and how inner development can create outer change. Together, they discuss:

• The history and mission of the Caux Palace as a gathering place for change-makers.
• Sarah’s journey from working at The New Humanitarian to her current role at the Caux Foundation.
• The importance of storytelling in peace and conflict resolution.
• Practical ways to incorporate quiet time and self-reflection into your life.
• How the Inner Development Goals framework helps accelerate progress to tackle global challenges.
• A preview of the System Changer Sleepover retreat, a space for women in the humanitarian sector to connect and collaborate on systems change and workforce well-being.

About Sarah Noble

Sarah is originally from Canada and has lived in Switzerland for more than half her life. She has dedicated her career to building a better world through storytelling and peacebuilding. In her TEDx talk, Storytelling is Our Real-Life Superpower, she highlights the power of stories to address the existential challenges of our time. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and partnerships, Sarah co-founded and curates the Peace Talks at Interpeace. She has overseen more than 20 editions across eight countries and worked with over 200 speakers. Previously, she served as Director of External Relations at The New Humanitarian, leading its rebranding and expanding its funding base. Sarah holds an MA in International Affairs and volunteers as the Country Chair of Global Dignity for Switzerland.

Key Quotes:

1. "Embodying change is about being the change you want to see, and leading from the heart, not just the mind."
2. "Quiet time is not a luxury—it's an essential practice for inner and outer peace."
3. "We all need to be like the hummingbird, doing the best that we can, even when the world seems overwhelming."

Connect with Sarah and the Caux Foundation:

• Website: caux.ch
• Learn more about their summer forums, events, and how to host your own gathering at the Caux Palace.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts in sustainable development, democracy, and peace. The hummingbird story is a beautiful story she often shared to illustrate the importance of individual action in the face of seemingly overwhelming challenges.Here is a recording of her telling of it.
• PeaceTalks - website
• The New Humanitarian - website
• Inner Development Goals (IDG) - website
• System Changer Sleepover – contact Melissa Pitotti on LinkedIn for more details