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Episode Description

In this episode of the Women Emerging Expedition Podcast, host Julia Middleton explores a unique perspective on leadership with Yvette, a fellow expedition member whose leadership spans the military, government, and energy sectors, with two distinguished guests: Antonia Belcher and Jacqui Gavin. Both guests transitioned from being male leaders to female leaders, offering a rare lens into the evolving dynamics of leadership through their journeys.
“My authenticity is powerful. It has power. And I began to realize that that power was there because of the reaction of others to me.” Antonia, a leader in the construction and property industry, discusses the “power of authenticity” and how embracing her true self not only bolstered her confidence but also reshaped her leadership style to emphasize empathy and collaboration. She reflects on navigating societal expectations. Jacqui shares her journey of finding strength in vulnerability and authenticity as a transformed identity. She highlights how transitioning allowed her to engage more honestly and passionately with her teams.
Together, their stories reveal profound lessons on authenticity, empathy, and the evolving nature of leadership, making this episode a compelling exploration of how transitioning shapes not just personal identity but also professional impact. This thought-provoking episode is for leaders striving to create inclusive, empathetic, and effective workplaces.

About the Guests

Yvette Hopkins

Yvette Hopkins is a former US Military Officer, Commercial Space Executive, and current Board Chair and Director for several Scottish companies. With expertise in strategy, national security, and leadership, she has driven innovation and excellence in cutting-edge organizations. Yvette holds degrees in Political Science, Strategy, and National Security and has earned prestigious honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star. Now based in the Shetland Islands, she continues to inspire as a leader and advocate for global collaboration and innovation.

Antonia Belcher

Antonia Belcher OBE is a pioneering leader in the construction and property industries, with 46 years of experience. Transitioning between 2000 and 2003, she championed LGBT+ inclusion in a male-dominated sector. Antonia co-founded a successful business in 2007, retired in 2021, and continues to drive equality as a Board Director for organizations like the Terrence Higgins Trust and Queer Britain. Recognized for her impact, she was shortlisted for the Gay Times Entrepreneurship Award, nominated for the NatWest British LGBT Awards, and celebrated by RICS during their 150th anniversary. In 2022, she received an OBE for her services to equality in business, cementing her legacy as an advocate for inclusion and diversity.

Jacqui Gavin

Jacqui Gavin is a leading transgender activist, public speaker, and Diversity & Inclusion Lead at the Department for International Trade. Active since 1983, she has been pivotal in advancing transgender equality within HM Government, including her roles as Chair and Vice Chair of a: gender. With a background as Head of Service Delivery in the private sector, Jacqui joined the Civil Service in 2009, where she continues to bridge gaps between government and industry, championing workplace inclusion and equality.

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.