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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia is joined by three members of the first expedition – Laura Fleming, Aparna Uppaluri and Katrina Webb. Laura, an engineer in the energy sector, reflects on overcoming her initial reservations about women-only spaces and emphasises the importance of integrating feminine traits like collaboration into leadership without exclusivity. Katrina, a Paralympian, shares her journey from physical and emotional burnout to resetting boundaries and nurturing her well-being, urging leaders to avoid the “superwoman” trap. Aparna challenges monolithic definitions of women’s leadership, advocating for a leadership model rooted in inner strength and authenticity.
“We need to bring feminine traits into leadership for the greater good and a better world,” Laura asserts.

The trio explores the balance between incorporating femininity into leadership without categorising it as solely feminine, ensuring a diverse and transformative impact.

About the Guests

Laura Fleming

Laura Fleming is the CEO (UK & Ireland) at Hitachi Energy, Laura leads the development and commercialisation of innovative renewable energy projects, including renewable hydrogen and hybrid technologies. With over 15 years of experience in the renewables industry, she is dedicated to driving sustainable energy solutions while navigating the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving sector.

Katrina Webb

Katrina Webb is a paralympic gold medallist, leadership consultant, and founder of Newday Leadership, Katrina specializes in resilience and well-being. As a global ambassador for the International Paralympic Committee, she inspires organizations and individuals to lead with purpose and create meaningful change.

Aparna Uppaluri

Aparna Uppaluri is an interdisciplinary professional with expertise in philanthropy, arts, and public health, Aparna bridges creative expression and social justice. With over 20 years of global experience, she builds cross-sectoral networks and programs that amplify women’s leadership and drive social impact.

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.