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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia delves into the unique leadership culture of Botswana. Joined by prominent women leaders, the discussion explores how community, nature, and tradition shape leadership in the country.
Rebecca, who gathered all these women, highlights how the expedition initially lacked resonance with her until she realized it needed to reflect the authentic voice of Botswana women, leaders who balance strength and humility while embracing their cultural identity. Priyanka emphasizes the profound interconnectedness of community, drawing lessons from Botswana’s natural environment. Tebogo and Rosalind reflect on the rich tradition of collective leadership of Botswana embodied in the concept of “Boto,” a philosophy of humility, selflessness, and shared responsibility. Meanwhile, Kelly stresses the importance of maintaining individuality within the collective, urging women to unapologetically pursue their dreams and assert their identity as leaders. All of these women prove their own saying true: “Motho ke motho ka batho,” which means “I am because you are.”

Listen to this episode to absorb the powerful and grounded leadership ethos of Botswana, where women draw on their caregiving and nurturing strengths, blending them with resilience and a deep connection to their roots.

About the Guests

Rebecca Binns

Rebecca Binns is an accomplished author, academic, and educator with a rich background in art and design. She is the author of Gee Vaucher: Beyond Punk, Feminism and the Avant-Garde (Manchester University Press, 2022), a work that emerged from her Ph.D. research at the London College of Communication. Rebecca has contributed to numerous academic journals and cultural magazines, including The Quietus, Aesthetica, and Source Photographic Review, where she explores intersections of art, culture, and society. Currently, she lectures on critical theory for design and illustration students at UAL and the University of the West of England, Bristol. With a foundation in art, set design, and construction, Rebecca combines her creative expertise with a scholarly lens, making her a distinctive voice in the fields of art, feminism, and avant-garde culture.

Priyanka Handa Ram

Priyanka Handa Ram is an award-winning educator, social entrepreneur, and children’s author from Botswana. With over a decade of teaching experience, she founded Raising Education Within Africa (REWA), a multi-faceted organization dedicated to early childhood education and literacy. A graduate of King’s College London and the London School of Economics, Priyanka also holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Oxford. Recognized as a Change Maker of Botswana, she is a Global Leader in Early Childhood through the World Forum and a qualified Health Coach. Her mission is to empower children and their caregivers through holistic wellness, literacy development, and a strong educational foundation.

Tebogo Matenge

Tebogo Matenge is a seasoned hospitality consultant and entrepreneur based in Gaborone, Botswana. As the Head Consultant at MuscleWood Consult, she provides innovative solutions to the hospitality industry, including customer service training and menu development. With over two decades of experience, Tebogo has a diverse background that includes managing S’gotti, a catering and event coordination business, and operating Sgotti Cocktail Bar & Lounge for 10 years. A graduate of Cape Peninsula University of Technology with an HND in Hospitality Management, Tebogo’s expertise spans culinary arts, event planning, and business consulting.

Rosalind Kwinje

Rosalind Kwinje is the Editor-in-Chief of Woman to Woman magazine, a leading publication based in Gaborone, Botswana. Under her leadership, the magazine has become a platform for empowering women, sharing their stories, and fostering conversations around issues that matter most to women in Botswana and beyond. Her work at Woman to Woman reflects her dedication to celebrating women’s achievements and addressing the challenges they face in society today.

Kelly Ramputswa

Kelly Ramputswa-Tlale is an accomplished media professional and former Station Manager at Yarona FM, where she significantly contributed to the growth of the local music industry. During her tenure from 2016 to 2022, she championed the station’s motto, “Live The Music,” and advocated for an Arts Council to protect the industry. With a Bachelor of Social Science in Politics and Law from Rhodes University, Kelly has also led Aramex Botswana as its first Station Manager. Currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Botswana, she is dedicated to advancing her leadership skills and fostering growth in both the business and arts sectors.

Sharifa Noor

Sharifa Noor is the Managing Director and a founding partner at Kgori Capital, bringing 21 years of industry experience. She has held senior roles, including Unit Trust Manager at BIFM Unit Trusts and Operations Manager at Investec Asset Management Botswana (now Ninety-One). Sharifa has been a key figure in establishing Unit Trust investments in Botswana, playing a pivotal role in setting up Unit Trust structures with multiple asset management firms. She holds an MBA from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Botswana.

Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi

Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is the 8th Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation of Botswana, having taken office in 2014. With over 40 years of experience in public service, she specializes in Public Service Management and Administrative Systems. Dr. Venson-Moitoi holds a Master of Science in Administration and an honorary doctorate in Social Development. She has held various Cabinet roles in Works, Transport, Trade, Environment, Science, and Education. A long-time member of the Botswana Democratic Party, she has been a Member of Parliament since 1999, with extensive experience across Africa.

Joyce Wema Isa-Molwane

Joyce Wema Isa-Molwane is the Director of Legal, Compliance & Board Secretary at the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). With extensive experience in legal services, she has held significant positions in Botswana Telecommunications Corporation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, and the Law Society of Botswana. Joyce specializes in contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and legal advisory in areas such as telecommunications and civil aviation. She holds an LLB from the University of Botswana. Joyce is known for her principled approach, expertise in legal matters, and her dedication to advancing the communications sector in Botswana.

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.