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When the work that once defined you no longer fits, what comes next?
In this heartfelt conversation, strategist and executive coach Kelsi Kriitmaa, PhD joins Melissa to explore what it means to embody change, especially for those in the social-impact and humanitarian worlds. Together, they talk about:
- Living your values through different seasons of life and career
- The difference between having to pivot and wanting to
- How to reframe a “career gap” into a story of growth
- Finding community and accountability when work feels uncertain
- Why sustainable leadership matters more than ever in 2025
Whether you’re navigating a career transition, feeling unmoored by sector-wide changes, or simply wondering what’s next, this episode reminds you: you’re allowed to change, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Today’s Guest
Kelsi Kriitmaa, PhD is a strategic advisor, executive coach, and former Chief Operating Officer who helps social-impact leaders and organizations work, lead, and grow, sustainably. After more than ten years living and working across humanitarian emergencies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, she moved to Geneva and joined the leadership of a social-impact consulting firm, later serving as COO. With 20+ years spanning multilateral institutions, non-profits, foundations, CSR teams, and mission-driven companies, Kelsi blends sharp strategy with a human-centered lens. She supports leaders and teams on organizational strategy and transitions, and coaches mid- to senior-level professionals and consultants on values-aligned careers and portfolio paths. Kelsi holds a BA in Psychology, an MPH, a PhD in Epidemiology, a CSR certificate, and accredited coaching credentials. She’s been featured in Forbes, Devex, and The Bloom.
Kelsi Kriitmaa, PhD is a strategic advisor, executive coach, and former Chief Operating Officer who helps social-impact leaders and organizations work, lead, and grow, sustainably. After more than ten years living and working across humanitarian emergencies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, she moved to Geneva and joined the leadership of a social-impact consulting firm, later serving as COO. With 20+ years spanning multilateral institutions, non-profits, foundations, CSR teams, and mission-driven companies, Kelsi blends sharp strategy with a human-centered lens. She supports leaders and teams on organizational strategy and transitions, and coaches mid- to senior-level professionals and consultants on values-aligned careers and portfolio paths. Kelsi holds a BA in Psychology, an MPH, a PhD in Epidemiology, a CSR certificate, and accredited coaching credentials. She’s been featured in Forbes, Devex, and The Bloom.
You’ll Learn
- How to test the question: Do I have to pivot, or do I want to?
- A values-first way to navigate career seasons (and why “having it all” is a myth of timing).
- The “panic → pause → plan” sequence for layoffs and funding shocks.
- How to reframe résumé gaps with honesty, clarity, and credibility.
- Why portfolio careers (multiple revenue streams, multiple identities) are rising in social impact.
- A simple Top-10 targeting method for focused job search.
- How to network without feeling salesy, and why “give before you get” works.
- Accountability pods and co-working rhythms that create momentum.
- Sustainable leadership trends: psychological safety, realistic workloads, and localized decision-making.
- First steps if consulting might be for you (and signs it isn’t).
Key Quotes by Kelsi
- “We’re not one identity. We’re allowed to change, and our careers should change with us.”
- “Change doesn’t mean starting over; it means realigning.”
- “Quality over quantity: ten intentional targets beat a hundred blind applications.”
Resources & Mentions
- Kelsi’s website: https://www.kriitmaa.com/
- Kelsi’s take on LinkedIn: The good, bad and ugly: (coming soon)
- Kelsi’s Group Coaching Programs (including wait list for January 2026 programs): https://www.kriitmaa.com/group-coaching
- Devex: https://www.devex.com/
- The Bloom: https://readtobloom.com/
- Dr. Rebecca Dempster, trained on Internal Family Systems (IFS) - https://resileo.net/
- “The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever” by Neha Ruch - link
- “Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and (Actually) Love What You Have” by Amanda Goetz - link
Show Editor
- Ziada Abeid is a communications consultant with over a decade of experience spanning media relations, PR, marketing, fundraising, and digital media strategy. She specializes in crafting compelling narratives and data-driven campaigns that amplify brand visibility and engagement. To learn more, visit: linkedin.com/in/ziadaabeid
Creators and Guests
Guest
What is Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being for people in aid?
A podcast for humanitarians who want to work in closer alignment to core values like compassion, accountability, solidarity and equity. Born in 2020 in collaboration with CHS Alliance and Mary Ann Clements, the podcast is now entering its next evolution and is hosted by Melissa Pitotti.