Summary
What does it take to create real systemic change without burning out? In this episode, I’m joined by award winning social entrepreneur, systems change advocate and artist, Nora Wilhelm to explore the deeper layers of transformation. We discuss how to go beyond surface-level solutions, navigate resistance to change, and stay rooted in your purpose during a paradigm shift. Nora shares insights on the risks of burnout in activism, the power of local action, and how community support can sustain long-term impact. This conversation is a grounded, hopeful reminder that lasting change begins within and that balancing personal well-being with collective action is not only possible, but necessary.
Bio
Nora Wilhelm is an award winning social entrepreneur, systems change advocate and artist dedicated to paradigm shifts towards a more just and regenerative future. A changeworker since her teens, she has a background in youth engagement and active citizenship. She presided the European Youth Parliament Switzerland from 2014-2016 and organised an International Session of the EYP in Laax (GR), under the Patronage of then Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. In 2017, she co-founded collaboratio helvetica, an initiative that catalyses systems change towards the Agenda 2030 in Switzerland by cultivating a cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem, building the needed capacity, open knowledge sharing, and empowering systems change leaders. She was amongst others recognised for her outstanding contribution by Forbes (30 under 30), UNEP, UNESCO and the Swiss government, and spoke at events such as the Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation, the Swiss Conference of city mayors, TEDx and on global stages next to luminaries such as Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus or Jane Goodall. She holds a BA in International Affairs from the University of St. Gallen and a MSt in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge. In 2023, she created the well • change atelier to make art-based processes and tools to cultivate connection, creativity, and well-being available to more people. In 2024, she launched Parayma to take her support of (aspiring) systems change leaders to a planetary level.
Keywords
systemic change, paradigm shift, burnout, community, local action, iceberg model, resistance to change, individual contribution, collective action, sustainability
Chapters
00:00 Catalyzing Systemic Change
03:09 Understanding the Iceberg Model
05:51 Burnout and Support in Change Work
12:00 Resistance to Change and Its Implications
17:59 The Importance of Localized Change
23:42 Navigating Individual and Systemic Responsibilities
29:50 Embracing Progress Over Perfection
32:46 The Burden of Perfectionism in Change Making
34:11 Personal Sacrifice and Its Impact on Change Work
38:45 Finding Your Unique Contribution
42:02 The Importance of Community and Collective Efforts
43:53 Shifting Work Practices to Prevent Burnout
51:00 Navigating Systemic Challenges and Personal Wellbeing
01:02:13 Following Your Arrow: Embracing Individual Paths
Links
https://www.parayma.co/blog/iceberg-model
https://www.parayma.co/blog/inner-outer-work
https://www.changeatelier.org/offerings/dance-your-purpose
Thank you to our headline sponsors for this season
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