From the moment I entered the world of development and humanitarian aid, I was driven by a deep desire to contribute to a better world. It wasn’t just a career choice—it was a mission fuelled by ideals and a determination to make a real difference in people’s lives. While those ideals have always inspired me, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The obstacles in the field aren’t just logistical or operational—they often feel deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming, especially when you’re far from home, experiencing things most people can’t imagine.
I remember feeling isolated at times, even while surrounded by colleagues. There were moments when everything around me seemed normal to everyone but me. I wasn’t used to seeing children die daily—children who, in my home country, would have likely survived. Being far from home, especially in a time when reliable internet communication didn’t exist, only amplified that sense of isolation. Although I wanted to share my experiences, I often found myself holding back, not wanting to worry my loved ones or fearing they did not understand and would respond with, “Why don’t you just come home?”
Even though the organizations I worked with provided solid preparation and access to psychologists, I realized there was something missing: a consistent, supportive presence who could really listen and guide me. I didn’t need psychological support—I needed someone who understood both my professional role and my personal challenges. In the development and humanitarian world, the lines between work and personal life often blur, and I believe I would have specifically have benefitted from coaching.
Living and working in high-pressure environments without the option to step away for a break due to security concerns made it harder to manage emotions and stress. Managers were often too busy juggling staff shortages, funding issues, and looming deadlines. Sometimes, the connection was missing, whether due to different approaches or simply a lack of time. I didn’t need a psychologist; I needed someone to help me reflect on my path, both professionally and personally—someone to help me stay motivated and ensure I was moving in the right direction.
As I progressed in my career and started managing teams, I was determined to be the kind of leader who takes the time to listen, support, guide, and mentor. Even with the workload, staff gaps, and constant deadlines, I tried to make it a priority to be there for my team, offering the support they needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
I believe it is vital for NGOs to invest in their staff’s well-being. Too often, the focus is entirely on the projects, deadlines, and outcomes, while we forget to invest in the people behind those efforts. NGO workers face unique challenges that go far beyond their job descriptions. Their personal lives are often tightly intertwined with their work, and without the right support, burnout, demotivation, and feelings of being lost can easily creep in.
This is why I became a trainer, mentor, and coach. I wanted to help others grow not just as professionals but as individuals. In this line of work, personal development is just as important as professional growth. By helping NGO staff reflect on their paths, develop their skills, and find balance in their lives, I believe we can build a more motivated, resilient, and effective workforce—one that is better equipped to tackle the immense challenges we face in the field. And ultimately, this helps us deliver the highest quality work for the people we serve.
My goal as a trainer, mentor, and coach is to guide NGO workers in finding their way, both personally and professionally. I want to ensure they have the tools, guidance, and support they need to keep doing the incredible work of making the world a better place.
If you are interested in coaching or training, feel free to reach out or explore more on the website. I would love to support you on your journey.