EP 68: Relationship over Task with Maria Estrada, PhD

In this episode, Lis Best is joined by Maria Estrada, PhD, an educator, facilitator, and coach. Maria discusses effective allyship, how to create containers that foster understanding, and what justice really means. We also get into the role of fire in climate action, why we need to center indigenous wisdom in climate work, and concrete examples of the innovation that comes from diversity.

When engaging in collaborative work, voices from extremely varied backgrounds are often present. Maria speaks to the importance of creating appropriate containers and space for this work to unfold. She shares how her current projects integrate dialogue and justice, assuring that risk and benefits are equally distributed, the procedural aspects of decision-making are considered, and judgment is suspended. 

Maria defines allyship as taking individual responsibility for actively advancing the rights and inclusion of people who are different from us and provides a framework for considering our various layers of access and power. We wrap by discussing fire, which plays a critical role across ecosystems, as well as spiritually, and exploring the role of healing for our planet, ourselves, and our relationships.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Outline:

(06:00) Creating effective containers for collaborative work in regenerative agriculture 

(12:00) The connection between dialogue and justice, plus an exercise to practice 

(18:14) How Maria’s immigration journey has shaped her

(24:56) Defining allyship and how to leverage our privilege to help others

(31:05) Examples of shifting power dynamics 

(35:34) Prioritizing Indigenous wisdom around fire and climate resilience 

(44:47) Why we should prioritize relationships over tasks for better collaboration

Resources Mentioned:

• Emily Anne Brant
• Rebecca Magee

Guest Info: 

• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: Maria Estrada
• Reach out to Maria directly: maria@thecollective180.com

Follow Us:

• Learn more on our website: girlsclubcollective.co
• Follow us on Instagram: @girls_club_collective
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: Girls Club Collective 

About Lis: 

Lis Best is an executive coach for impact leaders, founder of the Girls Club Collective, and host of the Women Changing the World podcast.

Since launching her business in 2020, Lis has helped hundreds of leaders navigate ESG and sustainability careers, launch heart-centered businesses, and become more effective change agents.