Guests: René van Dongen & Janine Waldman

Host: Susie Kenny-Smith

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In this powerful episode, experienced UN leader and coach René van Dongen and seasoned HR leader and coach Janine Waldron offer essential guidance for managers navigating change within UN organizations. Speaking from personal experience and professional insight, they explore how leaders can support their teams — and themselves — through uncertainty, restructuring, and emotional upheaval.

🔑 Key Themes:

• The Multi-Faceted Role of Middle Managers: Managers are the “connective tissue” between leadership and staff. They’re expected to manage operations, explain the “why” behind change, support team members, and often deal with their own job uncertainty — all at once.

• Clarity, Empathy, and Communication: Leaders must be honest about what they know and don’t know, actively listen to staff concerns, and help teams make sense of what’s happening. “Deep listening” is emphasized over quick fixes or rushed reassurances.

• Balancing Strategic and Emotional Leadership: Janine and René stress the need to lead with both head and heart. Managers should be transparent, stay human, and maintain a sense of consistency and presence that staff can trust.

• Self-Care is Not Optional: Leaders must “put on their own oxygen masks first.” Prioritizing wellbeing, setting boundaries, and reaching out for peer or professional support helps sustain the capacity to lead others through change.

• Coaching and Resilience: Coaching is a transformative tool that helps managers and staff process difficult emotions, rebuild confidence, and move from fear to possibility. Both guests highlight the importance of resilience and reframing uncertainty as a growth opportunity.

• Team Rebuilding After Restructuring: After layoffs or reorganizations, remaining staff often suffer from “survivor syndrome.” Leaders are encouraged to acknowledge loss, celebrate what’s working, and create shared goals to move forward with clarity and purpose.

• Taking Ownership of Career Growth: Change often challenges assumptions about stability and entitlement. René urges staff to take charge of their own careers, re-skill, and actively plan for their futures — even while still in their current roles.

   

💬 Standout Quotes:

“Change is a given. Transition is a choice.” — René van Dongen “Have one foot in acknowledgement, and one foot in possibility.” — Janine Waldron “The power of leadership lies in deep listening, not in knowing all the answers.”

Whether you’re a manager navigating tough conversations or a team member seeking direction, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that leading through change starts with clarity, compassion, and courage — for others and for yourself.