In this episode of the series – Leadership Insights I Wish I Had Known at the Start, Julia speaks with Amy Brand, a long-time leader in the world of academic publishing.
Amy dismantles the illusion that leadership is about charisma or glamour. For her, it’s always been about getting the basics right: clear structures, strong boundaries, showing up fully, and being open to constant learning. From navigating emotional labour during a crisis to wrestling with self-doubt in high-stakes roles, Amy’s account is raw, reflective, and refreshingly real.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you have the ‘charisma’ to lead, listen to this episode to let that myth go.
About the Guest
Amy Brand
Dr. Amy Brand is a leading publisher, entrepreneur, and executive known for advancing equity in science and expanding access to knowledge, particularly through her transformative leadership at the MIT Press. She has spearheaded initiatives such as open access models, increased representation of women’s voices in STEM publishing, and innovative partnerships, including a collaboration with a children’s publisher and the launch of Direct to Open. Beyond the Press, Dr. Brand has co-founded the Knowledge Futures Group, served on influential boards, produced the Emmy-nominated Picture a Scientist, and received numerous honors for her positive impact on scientific and scholarly communication.
About the Host
Julia Middleton
Julia Middleton is the host of the Women Emerging podcast and a best-selling author of “If that’s leading, I’m in” as well as two previous books: “Leading beyond Authority” and “Cultural Intelligence”. She is deeply committed to helping people from all backgrounds to find their own approach to leading.
In 2020, Julia launched Women Emerging and in 2022 she lead an expedition of 24 women to find ‘an approach to leading that resonates with women’. She now leads expeditions with women all over the world based on 4Es methodology, discovered in the first expedition.
Prior to that, Julia was founder and, for over thirty years, Chief Executive of Common Purpose, which grew to become one of the biggest leadership development organisations in the world.
Julia is also an Ambassador for the Aurora Prize based in Armenia, on the boards of Alfanar Venture Philanthropy in the Arab World and Equality Now, which operates globally, and on the Advisory Councils of Fundacao Dom Cabral in Brazil and Synapse in Pakistan.
Born in London and brought up in New York, Julia was educated at French Lycées and graduated from the London School of Economics. She is married, with five children and lots of grandchildren.
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