Escaping Scarcity to Reclaim Strategic Leadership (Pierre Berastaín)

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What happens when scarcity becomes the default mindset in your organization? In episode #336 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global nonprofit leader Pierre Berastain reveals how operating with too little for too long goes far beyond financial strain - it reshapes culture, stifles innovation, and narrows leadership’s field of vision. Drawing from personal experience and his work addressing systemic challenges, Pierre explains the structural, psychological, and relational costs of scarcity and why they so often leave organizations stuck in survival mode. He challenges leaders to step back, examine strategy, culture, and systems, and ask whether decisions are driven by fear or clarity. With practical insights and examples, this conversation offers nonprofit leaders a roadmap to shift from reactive to strategic, reimagine what’s possible, and create healthier, more resilient organizations that protect people while advancing mission.

"Scarcity distorts leadership and keeps organizations in survival mode instead of strategic growth."

ABOUT PIERRE

Pierre Berastaín is the Regional Director for North America of the Centre for Public Impact. He brings over 15 years of experience in organizational management and program implementation. He is the co-founder of Caminar Latino-Latinos United for Peace and Equity, a national organization focused on addressing gender-based violence. He has previously held leadership roles at organizations such as the District Alliance for Safe Housing, Harvard University, and Esperanza United, focusing on gender-based violence. A published author and public speaker, Pierre has been recognized for his work in immigration, LGBTQ advocacy, and restorative justice. Pierre holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School and a doctorate in public health from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Originally from Peru, he now lives in Washington, DC with his husband Paul.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Scarcity by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir 
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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