Welcome to Transformation Talk. Every Thursday for a year, starting in September 2012, I’ll post an interview with someone who is a force for good in the world. These men and women have either deepened their passion or found their calling after experiencing a loss, trauma or diagnosis.

I want to broaden the conversation around grief and its transformative power. My hope is that in their words you’ll find echoes of your story. In their inspired actions, you’ll see yourself and your immense possibility.

*Special Request: The technology of Skype is amazing and imperfect. Please listen with your heart and forgive the occasional blips on the screen.

Today’s interview is with Desiree Adaway of The Adaway Group. She is a coach, consultant and mentor who focuses on global service and leadership. I’ve long been a fan of hers, and it was a huge pleasure to talk with her about her life, her passions and her penchant for being uncomfortable.

Bio and link to download the audio version are below. Running time is 36 minutes. If you’re receiving this via email, click through the title to view the video.

Right-click or Control-click here to download the audio version.

Here is Desiree in her own words. Find her at DesireeAdaway.com

I love to challenge and help others experience success.

I am a strong, strategic business professional with the breadth and depth of having worked with organizations of all sizes in various phases of transition. I bring my clients insights and expertise from having served in senior-level roles in the nonprofit and grant management sectors for such renowned organizations as Habitat for Humanity International, where I was the Senior Director of Volunteer Mobilization, and Rotary International, where I was the director of their largest Humanitarian Grants program.                                                                                                                                              

I identify the dangers, weigh their impact, and then place my feet deliberately—and stay by your side every step of the way.

I thrive at partnering with talented leaders to successfully navigate through integrations, reorganizations, through all stages of organizational evolution. My industry expertise also includes fundraising, grant management, environmental, social justice, and faith based initiatives.

I break bottlenecks.

I am especially skilled at helping organizations achieve more consistent, quality program results at both the chapter, national and international levels.  I have designed and/ or administered more than 150 global programs to engage 500,000 people into action directly and almost 1 million indirectly through creation of global strategy. I have crafted and administered partnerships that have secured over $10.5 million in funding from a variety of private and corporate resources. You need both sides of your brain–right and left – to create work of depth and meaning.  I bring you both.

I create clear narratives that showcase data and story.

I believe that success for nonprofit, small businesses or individuals  is not possible without taking risks and innovating. When we “go for broke” and learn to fail graciously, we open up opportunities for shared learning. We create a culture that encourages creativity and calculated risk taking. We energize each other. Fearless is not reckless, and I will never let you forget that.