START AN EXPEDITION

Episode Description

This is the inaugural episode of the Women Emerging Podcast which introduces the first expedition: one where 24 women from across the globe, spanning diverse geographies, generations, and specialisms, try to find an approach to leading that resonates with women. Host Julia Middleton shares the journey’s origins, rooted in addressing women’s isolation and the need for a fresh perspective on leadership.
Julia is joined by Vidya Shah, author and Executive Chair of the EdelGive Foundation, and Dr. Hinemoa Elder, a Māori Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Vidya reflects on the central role of women in driving societal change and her hope for authentic and diverse leadership styles. Hinemoa shares her experiences from an Antarctic expedition, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, cultural readiness, and honoring indigenous histories in leadership. This episode sets the stage for an extraordinary journey to redefine leading.

About the Guests

Dr Hinemoa Elder

Dr Hinemoa Elder is a Maori Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. As a board member at the Helen Clark Foundation, a public policy think tank, the Patron of Share My Super, a Board member of the two commercial boards of Te Aupōuri, Busara Circle member and alumni of @ Homeward Bound Project as well as a Youth Forensic Court report writer and inpatient child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr Hinemoa Elder, works with diverse stakeholders to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing the society and well-being.

Vidya Shah

Vidya Shah is an author and Executive Chair of the Edelgive Foundation. At EdelGive Foundation, she has led its growth into a major philanthropic force. Transitioning from a career in investment banking, Vidya has significantly impacted over 150 grassroots NGOs in India through strategic support and funding. She also serves on several high-profile boards, including the Akshaya Patra Foundation and Ashoka University’s Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy. An alumna of IIM-Ahmedabad, Vidya’s achievements have earned her notable accolades, including the She The People 40-over-40 Award.

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.