What Sustains the People Sustaining Change?
Across the social impact sector, there is growing recognition that behind ambitious systems change efforts lies a more fragile reality. Burnout is widespread. Teams are stretched. Leaders are navigating uncertainty, funding shocks, and political pressure, often without the support they need. Yet these challenges are still too often framed as individual resilience issues, rather than signals of how our systems are designed.
This discussion creates space for a more honest conversation about the human sustainability of impact work. How do power, money, and funding structures shape the emotional and cognitive load on leaders and teams? What does it mean to apply a “do no harm” lens not just to communities, but to founders, staff, and partners?
We will explore how organizations are adapting in turbulent times, from practical coping strategies and reflective practices to new ways of thinking about leadership, collaboration, and resilience. The conversation will also touch on the role of AI and technology, asking whether these tools are easing pressure or adding new forms of strain.
Ultimately, this session asks what it really takes to make systems change efforts last, not just in theory, but in the lived experience of the people doing the work.
Speakers
Joshua Haynes is Co-Founding Partner at Masawa, investing in early-stage ventures advancing mental health and human flourishing.
Kalim Ul Masih is CEO of Phoenix Coaching Ltd., supporting leaders and organisations to build resilience, clarity, and collaborative capacity.
Marion Brastel is Chairperson and Co-founder of Regenerative Changemaking, advancing regenerative approaches to work and systems change.
Mary Helda Akongo is Donor Relations Manager at Fundi Bots, supporting science and STEM education across Africa.
Tracy Jooste is Associate Director at the Governance Action Hub at Results for Development, focusing on accountability, public leadership, and citizen engagement.
Margaret Wawira is Lead of Resource Mobilisation and Management at Mizizi Elimu Afrika, strengthening education systems across Africa.
Discussion Questions
What are the hidden pressures and trade-offs behind systems change work, and how are they affecting people and organizations?
How do funding models and power dynamics contribute to burnout, and what would “do no harm” look like in practice for funders and founders?
What practices or structures have you seen help leaders and teams sustain their work over time?
How is technology, including AI, shaping our mental and emotional resilience, for better or worse?