Nonprofit leadership is never just about the mission—it’s about the people leading it, the clarity they bring, and the balance they maintain along the way. In this episode of IMPACTability®, Dastan Khalili, CEO of Cal Earth, shares how continuing his father’s legacy taught him that true leadership requires more than vision: it requires resilience, self-care, and staying grounded in purpose.
From Super Adobe technology that equips communities with sustainable shelters after disasters, to the personal lessons of balancing service with well-being, Dastan offers a roadmap for nonprofit leaders navigating growth, transition, and impact. His story is both practical and inspiring—reminding us that innovation and legacy can work hand-in-hand when leaders stay clear about why they serve.
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https://youtu.be/KFGf851jOEwStandout Quotes
- “If you believe, it will always work out.”— [04:26]
Dastan reflects on the uncertainty after his father’s passing and how trusting the work and service helped guide their path forward. - “Are you looking for the footprints of the lion or are you a lion hunter?” — [21:00]
Dastan shares a Rumi-inspired story to illustrate the importance of authentic service in nonprofit leadership. - “Drop by drop the water gathers until suddenly it becomes an ocean.” — [30:30]
Dastan describes the long-term nature of Cal Earth’s mission and the generational impact of sustainable housing solutions.
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome to IMPACTability®: The Nonprofit Leaders Podcast
- 01:10 – A Legacy of Sustainable Shelter
- 04:20 – Trusting the Work: Lessons in Leadership
- 08:02 – Daily Inspiration & Community Empowerment
- 10:58 – SuperAdobe Explained: Building with Earth
- 14:19 – Global Impact: From Haiti to Hormuz
- 17:24 – Are You a Lion Hunter? Leadership Lessons from Rumi
- 22:11 – Self-Care & Balance in Nonprofit Leadership
- 28:12 – Riding the Waves: Disaster Recovery & Long-Term Vision
Guest Bio
Dastan Khalili is the President of Cal Earth Institute of Earth Art & Architecture, where he continues the visionary work of his father, Nader Khalili. From the age of four, Dastan was immersed in the world of earth architecture, traveling alongside his father on a mission to solve global housing challenges.
Today, he leads Cal Earth with a deep commitment to sustainability, education, and service. Under his leadership, the Institute has expanded its reach worldwide, empowering individuals to build disaster-resistant shelters using SuperAdobe technology.
Dastan is also an award-winning filmmaker whose documentaries on his father’s work are part of Cal Earth’s curriculum. His passion for service, storytelling, and harmony with nature drives everything he does.
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