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Episode Description

In the part 2 episode of ‘How Young Women Think about Leadership’, Julia explores leadership through the voices of three young women, each offering a unique perspective shaped by their personal journeys. Esther, Dimple, and Inez discuss the different ways they approach leading which includes challenging traditional notions and reshaping what leadership means for their generation.
Esther, drawing from her experiences as an activist, describes what it means to be a “radical leader” and how her direct, action-driven approach resists waiting for change. Dimple reflects on the integration of spirituality into leadership, considering how self-awareness and inner exploration guide her decision-making. Inez shares how authenticity and vulnerability in leadership build trust and foster deeper connections, lessons rooted in her team dynamics. Together, they bring a tapestry of ideas, from the urgency of action to the power of self-reflection, and remind us why leadership is a journey, not a destination. This episode offers listeners a glimpse into how young leaders are combining decisive action, introspection, and openness to redefine leadership in today’s changing landscape.

About the Guests

Esther B R Fornah

Esther B R Fornah is a passionate mass communication student, combining her academic journey with her commitment to driving change within her community and beyond. As a student at the University of Makeni, she has developed a keen interest in exploring innovative and radical approaches to leadership, aligning with her belief in taking decisive action to create a meaningful impact. Esther’s perspective on leadership is rooted in her understanding of activism’s transformative power, and her insights resonate strongly with emerging young leaders aiming to make a difference.

Dimple Bharwani

Dimple Bharwani is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health, social justice, and workplace dynamics. Her doctoral research focuses on advancing social justice for the Hijra community, highlighting her commitment to inclusion and equity. With experience in both academia and professional practice, Dimple brings a unique perspective on integrating human psychology and organizational leadership. Her work emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and action in leadership, particularly in navigating complex challenges in diverse environments.

Inés Palacios

Inés Palacios brings a wealth of experience in gender-focused policymaking and feminist strategy, rooted in her tenure as Chief of Staff at the Gender Institute of Buenos Aires Province. Her initiatives have redefined gender policy by tackling systemic inequalities in economic, reproductive, and political spheres. Inés remains dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership and empowering marginalized groups, ensuring her advocacy impacts both policy and grassroots initiatives.

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.