Deep Listening, Real Change: Exploring Relational Leadership with Meg Busse

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, Fabian Pfortmüller and Meg Busse explore the power of relationships in social change, the unique design of the Roddenberry Fellowship, and practical ways to foster connection and abundance in communities. Meg shares personal stories, challenges, and insights from leading a fellow-driven network, and both hosts reflect on the value of slowing down and deep listening in a fast-paced world.

Key Moments:
00:52 – Meet Meg Busse: Her background, passions, and the Roddenberry Foundation
02:10 – The impact of the Roddenberry Fellowship: Building solidarity and trust
04:53 – Shifting to fellow-led retreats and network ownership
08:46 – How the fellowship changed Meg personally
10:56 – Designing for connection, abundance, and glimpses of the future
13:13 – The annual rhythm: Retreats, coaching, and community touchpoints
15:24 – The benefits and challenges of fellow-led retreats
17:35 – How Meg’s role shifted with distributed leadership
19:19 – Addressing skepticism: Why relational work is “soft, slow, and magical”
21:36 – Practical advice: How to start working more relationally
24:29 – The importance of asking questions and fostering curiosity
25:54 – Final reflections: Making the case for relationships and closing thoughts

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!

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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