Lessons from Leaders

This podcast is dedicated to sharing leadership stories from the international nonprofit and other global sectors. We highlight the amazing leaders working to make a difference and learn from their stories. Each guest is hand selected by the host, Lynne Gilliland has worked with individuals, teams and organizations throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Previously, she was a senior manager with a larger US-based NGO, as well as Country Director for their Honduras program and Team Leader for West, Central and Southern Africa.She holds a graduate degree in International Agricultural Development from the University of California at Davis and is certified in tools such as MBTI, Emotional Intelligence, Strengths Deployment, Retreats that Work and various other 360 feedback assessments. Lynne was a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica and is fluent in Spanish.

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Lessons from Leaders

Yes, to Doing Hard Things

July 15, 2025 • Lynne Gilliland • Episode 110

Say “yes” to the tough stuff! That was the big lesson I learned as I sat down with Aleksander Dardeli, COO of Save the Children, in this edition of Lessons From Leaders.

Aleks’ story is proof that the most meaningful impact comes from leaning into challenges with optimism, curiosity, and a belief in what’s possible. From his early days in Albania, where he helped spark change as a student leader, to guiding Save the Children’s global mission, Aleks shows us that growth and transformation come to life from doing hard things.

“Leadership styles are not born. They grow. They are our evolutionary response to circumstances, who we are, and our passion to drive change.”

Uplifting Lessons for the NGO World
Aleks’ childhood under communism helped him learn through adversity, and his role in Albania’s student movement taught him the value of human freedoms and personal initiative. He credits his family for nurturing his imagination and resilience, and he’s always on the lookout for new ideas.

“I find reading to be key to building a strong imagination. And I find a strong imagination to be one of the key ingredients of resilience.”

As he leads a team across 54 countries, Aleks shares with us how he has learned to absorb complexity and turn it into progress.

“Reducing complexity too much leads to simplicity that sometimes is foolish. Leaders must absorb complexity and make action possible.”

And is it possible to lead a mission with meaning? Absolutely! For Aleks, a real partnership starts with a clear, focused mission. And trust is at the heart of everything Aleks does.

“It all starts with that mission. The organizations joining forces must align at the level of the mission. And by mission, I don’t mean a generalized mission… I mean a specific mission. Trust is built by staying true to your mission, being consistent, and demonstrating benevolence.”

What’s the secret sauce to a mission with meaning? A team, hungry for change. Aleks looks for organizations with a proven record of adaptability and a spirit of innovation at every level. He is passionate about technology and AI and urges NGOs to “speed up our pace” so the sector can lead.
“If you’re looking at two different teams with a high appetite for change, I think you have a good start.”

Why Say Yes to Hard Things?

For NGO Leaders: Aleks’ journey is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunities in a changing environment.
For Changemakers: His story is a reminder that agency and imagination are the keys to resilience and lasting impact.
For the Sector: This episode is a rallying cry: embrace the hard stuff, invest in your people and technology, and never lose sight of your mission.

Thank you, Aleks, for this motivating sit-down.

Are you ready to be inspired? I invite you to listen to Aleks’ inspiring words and say “yes: to doing hard things, and discover how bold leadership, a clear mission, and a love of learning can shape the future of nonprofit impact!