Ep 92: Becoming a Guide with Renée Lertzman

Feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of climate change and planetary crises? Wondering if your current efforts are actually making a difference, or if you're just spinning your wheels? In this inspiring conversation, Lis Best chats with founder, psychologist, researcher, and strategist Renée Lertzman about transforming our approach to climate action and change-making. Renée shares her groundbreaking insights on how understanding human psychology, especially around topics like control, trauma, and belonging, can help us become more effective change agents, impact strategists and conveners by reimagining our roles as guides. Together, they explore how to navigate the emotional landscape of environmental work with kindness, curiosity, and strategic compassion. Whether you're leading a team, engaging stakeholders, or building community, this episode will help you navigate the emotional landscape of systems change work with grace, curiosity, and compassion. Listen to the episode on: -Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1dkqX2E... -Google Podcasts https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... -YouTube https://www.youtube.com/%40girlsclubc... Episode Outline: [00:00] Introduction: Overcoming emotional barriers in climate impact work [08:12] Debunking outdated assumptions about human motivation and engagement in environmental action [15:22] The five guiding principles for effective change: Attune, Reveal, Convene, Equip, Sustain [27:18] Why the how of convening is critical—trauma-informed approaches to creating safe, powerful spaces [34:07] Understanding the role of control in impact work and practicing guiding instead of forcing [40:03] Tips for discerning whether your motivation is control or collective hope [41:58] The importance of staying in a state of expansion—neuroscience insights on resilience [44:40] Becoming a guide: cultivating self-awareness and evoking connection, not control [49:04] Renée’s upcoming book: So You Want to Change the World—a practical guide for change makers [52:07] How to stay connected with Renee: Substack, LinkedIn, and website [52:50] Closing remarks: Join community, stay inspired, and keep creating impact Connect with Us: Lis Best's website https://elisabethbest.com/ Learn more about the Girls Club Collective https://girlsclubcollective.co/ Connect with Girls Club Collective and Lis Best on LinkedIn   / girls-club-collective     / elisabethbest   Join the next GCC Community Power Hour https://girlsclubcollective.co/commun... Inquire about coaching with Lis https://calendly.com/lis-best/alignme... Reneé Lertzman Info: Follow Renée Lertzman on LinkedIn   / reneelertzman   Subscribe to Renée’s Substack https://reneelertzman.substack.com/ Learn more about Project InsideOut https://reneelertzman.com/project-ins... Renée Lertzman’s website http://reneelertzman.com/ This episode was post-produced and edited by Yanina Mora ( yaninamora.com.ar) The intro and outro music was created and produced by Daniel Mark. About Lis: Lis Best is an executive coach for impact leaders, founder of the Girls Club Collective, and host of the Women Changing the World podcast. Since launching her business in 2020, Lis has helped hundreds of leaders navigate ESG and sustainability careers, launch heart-centered businesses, and become more effective change agents. —------------------------ HASHTAGS: #SystemsChange #WomenChangingTheWorld #FeminineLeadership #PersonalGrowth #community #girlsclubcollective #ClimateChange #ChangeMaker #TraumaInformedLeadership #EnvironmentalPsychology