Gather at the Well: Season 2 Episode 5 | How to Create Human-Centered Systems + Policies (Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde)
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Overview
Policies aren’t just paperwork—they’re culture in action.
In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde invite us to rethink how policies are created—and more importantly, who they’re really for.
Together, they pull back the curtain on their own journey from outdated handbooks to building intentional, people-first policies rooted in trust, care, and collaboration. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart, they break down a five-step process that transforms policy-making from a check-the-box task into a powerful tool for psychological safety and team well-being.
You’ll hear stories, real talk, and tangible steps to design policies that reflect your values, center lived experience, and actually support the humans behind the work. Whether you're growing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or shaping culture in your school, this convo will leave you equipped—and inspired—to build better, together.
✨ Affirmations:
I am an attuned listener and a responsive leader.
When we know better, we do better.
Even if I feel overwhelmed to tackle policy creation, I can take the first step by noticing what's needed and asking for help.
I'm not alone. I don't have to do this on my own.
I honor that feeling. I know it will pass.
I honor my overwhelm. This moment can pass.
I honor my self-doubt. This feeling will pass.
Takeaways:
🔑 Policies should serve people first—legal and financials come second.
🤝 Co-creating with your team isn’t optional—it’s how meaningful policies are built.
🔁 Policies aren’t “set it and forget it”—they’re living tools for trust, equity, and care.
Today’s Speaker
Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well
Marisol Pineda Conde, Deputy Director of The Teaching Well.
“Human-centered means just that—putting people at the center of every decision.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Highlights
Defining Human-Centered Policies (02:18)
The Importance of Policies in Organizations (03:44)
Identifying Policy Gaps and Needs (06:08)
Feedback Mechanisms for Policy Development (10:06)
Challenges in Implementing Policies (13:45)
Opportunities for Policy Improvement (16:19)
Accountability and Leadership in Policy (19:31)
Roadmap to Human-Centered Policy Creation (25:51)
Powerful Quotes
“Policies aren’t typically seen as sexy, fun, or joyful. They feel like a chore—or barely register at all.”
– Lindsey Fuller
“When we know better, we do better. We're building organizations we don't have to heal from.”
– Lindsey Fuller
“The right policies make our time inside the organization more expansive, joyful, sustainable, and healthy.”
– Lindsey Fuller
“We were toggling between doing the bare minimum and making intentional space to imagine what’s possible.”
– Marisol Pineda Conde
“Sometimes we draft policies that aren’t sustainable for others. That’s not a limitation—it’s a design consideration.”
– Marisol Pineda Conde
“Strong leaders hold up the mirror—offering high support, high accountability, and a clear commitment to integrity.”
– Lindsey Fuller
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