Expedition for Global Changemakers
An expedition for Global Changemakers of Youthtopia’s Circle of Youth members leading movements and projects in communities across the world, helping them discover an approach to leading that resonates with them personally and is sustainable for impact.
Interviews
Explorers share what they have found about their individual approach to leading through the 4Es.
How I Use My Essence to Stimulate a Creative Culture with Maryam Rehman
Gender Equality Activist & Youthopia Circle of Youth Member
How my Essence Shows Up When Leading in a Hostile Environment with Navaal Rehman
Gender Equality Activist & Youthopia Circle of Youth Member
How my Essence Shapes the Way I Motivate Talents on my Team with Ines Yabar
Sustainability Activist & Co-Leader, L.O.O.P
Bringing My Essence into How I Lead a Strategy Session with Ines Yabar
Sustainability Activist & Co-Leader, L.O.O.P
Common Elements to Jettison or Reframe as Young Activists with Laetania Belai Djandam
Indigenous Climate & Environmental Activist
Hard-to-Combine Elements When Leading as an Environmental Activist with Ardine Gantari
Leader, Youth Conservation Indonesia & Youthopia Circle of Youth Member
Common pieces of Essence among Explorers on the expedition for Global Changemakers with Freya Nadezhda Hore
Educational Reformer and Youth Advocate
Common pieces of Essence among Explorers on the expedition for Global Changemakers with Zen Lim
Co-founder of Projek Waste & Founder of Nami
Podcast
Explorers join Julia Middleton to reflect on insights, breakthroughs, and the moments from the expedition that reshaped how they lead.
WE Explorer Ghina on Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Lead
WE Explorer Belai on Leading Without Words: Art, Rhythm, and Connection
WE Explorers Maryam and Nivaal on Combining Listening and Decision-Making
WE Explorers Lily & Melati on How Friendship Informs Co-leading
Silence Between The Notes
Explorers select a sound to describe their leadership approach discovered on the expedition and explain why it resonates with them
Essence Map For The Group
A visual map that captures how different pieces of Explorers’ Essence influence how they lead
Sharona’s Creative Mask
This mask shows two inner worlds in one face. On the left, a sun shines over a sprouting branch, in bright colours with the words hope and action, a space of growth, Energy, and forward movement. On the right, everything turns grey: a single eye, a broken heart, and rain clouds holding the words pressure, fear, and vision; a quieter space of weight, struggle, and uncertainty. Together, they reflect a a woman leading by holding light and heaviness at the same time, still moving between hope and pressure, becoming through both.
Melati Wijsen’s Mask
Melati’s mask represents the approach to leading which she wishes to embrace. One side reflects grounded calm, focus, and approachability. Words like collaborative, empowering, inviting, and great listener sweep across her face, while a mustache adorned with flowers adds a playful, personal touch.
The opposite side reveals the shadows that hold her back: anxiety, overthinking, and the weight of past hurt. She describes this as a visual “hamster wheel” spiralling from head to chin. These details make the mask deeply introspective, showing how her lived experience shapes her current challenges as she leads.
Ardine Gantari’s Mask
Ardine’s mask reflects a person who is discovering her why for leading. On the front, she names the qualities she aspires to: being confident, taking strong initiative, knowing what she’s doing, empowering others, and leading with creativity. At the back, she reveals what holds her back: self-doubt, fear of making mistakes, and a tendency to get distracted or lose interest. While her many interests allow her to move between different worlds; cultural, emotional, and creative; they can also create tension and lack of focus.
Vanessa Nakate’s Mask
Vanessa’s mask shows both how she wants to lead and what holds her back. She aspires to lead with kindness, courage, and action; being both results-driven and deeply human. Her leadership is rooted in belief, hope, and vision, allowing her to dream big and turn ideas into reality.
At the same time, her strong empathy can feel heavy as she carries others’ emotions. She also navigates social anxiety, fear of judgment, and difficulty saying no, which can lead to burnout. Her journey is about balancing compassion with boundaries, finding her voice, and leading boldly without losing herself.
Masks
Explorers use a creative medium to illustrate their aspirational leadership approach and the barriers holding them back.
Explore other expedition discoveries
Expeditions
An invitation to be a part of the global shift in leadership and influence generations to come.
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