In this episode from Summer 2023, Stephen “Steve” Webster, a veteran of UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination and IFRC’s Field Assessment and Coordination Team, discusses the essential qualities of effective disaster managers. He emphasizes the power of mutual aid and love-driven leadership and reveals what he says is the single most important quality for elevating the human condition.

Reflecting on his experiences, Steve tells host Lars Peter why he values individuals over institutions and how innovation requires psychological safety within teams. He also shares insights on the evolution of disaster management practices, the challenges of decolonizing the field, and why ‘synergy’ isn’t such an embarrassing word after all.