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Episode Description

In this episode of the Women Emerging Podcast, Julia is joined by nine members of the Women Emerging Expedition as they reflect on their experiences two months into the journey. They share what they have learned, what has unsettled them, and what has brought clarity. For the past two months, these women have been speaking to others across the world women in villages and boardrooms, in Nigeria and Canada, in their teens and their eighties. The conversations have sparked deep reflections. Katya has been exploring the importance of ‘inner work,’ while Alia has been questioning leadership perspectives anchored in the global north. Ana Luz has developed a profound appreciation for women in politics, and Isata has been grappling with the challenging questions that arise from these discussions. For Anna Kuk, personal doubts about motherhood and leadership have surfaced, while Vidya has found her conversations holding up a mirror to her own approach to leadership. Yvette has been engaging with leaders who have transitioned between genders, reinforcing her belief that “leadership is leadership is leadership,” yet also uncovering new and unsettling questions. Meanwhile, Laura has been putting everything into practice in real time as she navigates a new job.
Sometimes, the questions are more important than the answers. Sometimes, uncertainty is where leadership begins.
This episode is intentionally messy because leadership itself is messy, and this phase of the expedition is full of uncertainty. But in the midst of the confusion, real insights emerge. Have a listen and join the journey.

About the Guests

Katya

Katya is an urban planner and climate advocate, currently interning at C40 Cities, where she supports international urban climate action. A UCL graduate with experience in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism from the University of Copenhagen, she has conducted research on green infrastructure in Yerevan and co-founded Caucasus Connect, an arts initiative promoting regional youth unity. An award-winning scholar, musician, and polyglot, Katya is passionate about collective action, inclusive education, and building bridges across cultures.

Ana Luz

Ana Luz Porzecanski is director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American University of Natural History. Ana Luz Porzecanski is a renowned biodiversity conservation specialist with extensive experience in scientific research, education, and professional training. Dedicated to understanding and preserving biodiversity, Ana Luz has designed and led capacity development projects across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the United States, working to enhance conservation efforts and professional growth for diverse audiences.

Yvette Hopkins

Yvette Hopkins is a former Colonel with nearly 30 years of military service, known for her expertise in intelligence and counterterrorism. She recently contributed to the UK’s space industry as Executive Vice President at SaxaVord Spaceport. Yvette is a keynote speaker and board member for several women-led organizations, focusing on leadership and innovation. Based in the Shetland Islands, she enjoys exploring global cultures and tackling issues of inequality.

Anna Kuk

Anna Kuk is director of Son Organique and the Artistic Director of the ReVerb Ensemble Anna Kuk, a violinist educated at Karol Szymanowski Music Academy and Guildhall School of Music, has performed with leading orchestras and at prominent festivals. She is also a skilled facilitator and author, using music to bridge art and leadership. Founder of the ReVerb Ensemble, Anna speaks five languages fluently and recently published See, Listen, Play.

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.

Alia Whitney-Johnson

Alia Whitney-Johnson is a social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience working with youth who have endured trauma, sexual abuse, and exploitation. As the Co-Founder and Founding Executive Director of Freedom Forward, Alia developed innovative programs like the HYPE Center and FAM foster care initiative. She has also served as Co-Chair of the Youth Trafficking Committee for the San Francisco Mayor’s Task Force on Anti-Human Trafficking. Currently, Alia is focused on her work with Emerge Lanka, an organization she founded in Sri Lanka, supporting survivors of child sexual abuse in their healing and empowerment.

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.

Isata Bussoh Kabia

Isata Bussoh Kabia is a Sierra Leonean politician with the All People’s Congress party, known for her leadership roles in the national parliament, Pan African Parliament, and as a government minister. A biochemistry graduate with an MBA from the University of Milan, she has championed causes like women’s rights and diaspora engagement, gaining nearly 90% of the vote in her 2012 parliamentary election. Kabia is also an Amujae Leader supported by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Foundation and is recognized for her advocacy, including proposing a Safe Abortion Bill and contributing to constitutional reforms.

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.