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Episode Description

In this episode of the Women Emerging Podcast, Julia discusses how to lead a fight, not just an organisation or a campaign, but a true fight. She is joined by two distinguished guests, Leila Toplic and Julienne Lusenge, who share their experiences and insights on leading challenging initiatives.

Leila Toplic delves into the importance of choosing your battles wisely and the role of hope in sustaining momentum. She emphasises the necessity of aligning personal values with the causes one champions and shares strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of adversity.

Julienne Lusenge discusses the significance of staying connected with the communities one fights for. She highlights the importance of understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations to keep the fire burning and ensure that leadership efforts remain grounded and impactful.

Throughout their conversation, Julia, Leila, and Julienne explore the complexities of leading a fight, addressing aspects such as self-care, managing raw anger, and the emotional toll involved. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of leading a cause with passion and purpose.

About the Guests

Leila Toplic

Leila Toplic is the Head of the Emerging Technologies Initiative at NetHope, focusing on the responsible and inclusive adoption of emerging technologies in the humanitarian and conservation sectors. She is dedicated to leveraging technology for social good and has extensive experience in leading cross-sector collaborations.

Julienne Lusenge

Julienne Lusenge is a Congolese human rights activist and the Director of the Fund for Congolese Women (FFC). She has been instrumental in advocating for women’s rights and providing support to survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones. Her work has earned her international recognition for her unwavering commitment to justice 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 led 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 the 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.