Shownotes
Nonprofit leadership is never just about the mission—it’s about the people leading it, the clarity they bring, and the balance they maintain along the way. In this episode of IMPACTability®, Dastan Khalili, CEO of Cal Earth, shares how continuing his father’s legacy taught him that true leadership requires more than vision: it requires resilience, self-care, and staying grounded in purpose.
From Super Adobe technology that equips communities with sustainable shelters after disasters, to the personal lessons of balancing service with well-being, Dastan offers a roadmap for nonprofit leaders navigating growth, transition, and impact. His story is both practical and inspiring—reminding us that innovation and legacy can work hand-in-hand when leaders stay clear about why they serve.
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https://youtu.be/KFGf851jOEw
Standout Quotes
- “If you believe, it will always work out.”— [04:26]
Dastan reflects on the uncertainty after his father’s passing and how trusting the work and service helped guide their path forward.
- “Are you looking for the footprints of the lion or are you a lion hunter?” — [21:00]
Dastan shares a Rumi-inspired story to illustrate the importance of authentic service in nonprofit leadership.
- “Drop by drop the water gathers until suddenly it becomes an ocean.” — [30:30]
Dastan describes the long-term nature of Cal Earth’s mission and the generational impact of sustainable housing solutions.
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome to IMPACTability®: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast
- 01:10 – A Legacy of Sustainable Shelter
- 04:20 – Trusting the Work: Lessons in Leadership
- 08:02 – Daily Inspiration & Community Empowerment
- 10:58 – SuperAdobe Explained: Building with Earth
- 14:19 – Global Impact: From Haiti to Hormuz
- 17:24 – Are You a Lion Hunter? Leadership Lessons from Rumi
- 22:11 – Self-Care & Balance in Nonprofit Leadership
- 28:12 – Riding the Waves: Disaster Recovery & Long-Term Vision
Guest Bio
Dastan Khalili is the President of Cal Earth Institute of Earth Art & Architecture, where he continues the visionary work of his father, Nader Khalili. From the age of four, Dastan was immersed in the world of earth architecture, traveling alongside his father on a mission to solve global housing challenges.
Today, he leads Cal Earth with a deep commitment to sustainability, education, and service. Under his leadership, the Institute has expanded its reach worldwide, empowering individuals to build disaster-resistant shelters using SuperAdobe technology.
Dastan is also an award-winning filmmaker whose documentaries on his father’s work are part of Cal Earth’s curriculum. His passion for service, storytelling, and harmony with nature drives everything he does.
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