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Episode Description

In this episode of the Podcast, Julia is joined by Meera and Terri, who share their perspectives on leadership inspired by women from sacred texts. Meera, drawing from Hinduism, highlights the stories of Madhavi, the “Forest Woman,” and Gargi, a philosopher from the Upanishads. Madhavi’s powerful lesson of saying “no” emphasizes the importance of making choices free of societal pressures, while Gargi inspires us to lead by questioning and seeking deeper truths.
Terri, approaching from a Christian lens, explores the leadership of Deborah, a prophet and judge who embodied unapologetic confidence, and Mary, whose perseverance and quiet strength demonstrate the power of vision and faith.
“The need to say no. The need to ask questions. The need to sit under your own tree. The need to never lose sight of the vision.”
Thus, encapsulating the key themes of authenticity, questioning, and steadfast vision makes this episode a breakthrough. It celebrates the timeless wisdom of women leaders in sacred texts, urging us to embrace authenticity, ask profound questions, and hold steadfast to our visions, even amidst challenges. A thought-provoking reminder of the diverse and impactful forms leadership can take.

About the Guests

Meera Baindur

Dr. Meera Baindur is an educator, researcher, and writer in philosophy and environmental humanities. She is the author of Nature in Indian Philosophy and Cultural Traditions and has contributed to several academic volumes. Formerly an associate professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, she now collaborates with Globalethics.net as an ethics expert and leads the philosophy platform barefootphilosophers.org as Chief Editor.
A global thinker with deep roots in Indian philosophy, Meera has lived and worked with Himalayan communities, exploring sustainability and ecological practices. Her work bridges Indian philosophical concepts, environmental ethics, gender studies, and spirituality. She is currently focused on cyber ethics and the phenomenon of “ecofear,” examining the intersections of humanity, technology, and the natural world.

Terri Hord Owens

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens is the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada, making history as the first Black woman to lead a mainline Christian denomination in North America. A Harvard graduate and former corporate leader, she transitioned to ministry and earned her Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she later served as Dean of Students.
Rev. Hord Owens is a sought-after speaker and preacher, passionate about reconciliation, cultural intelligence, and inclusive leadership. She has guided her denomination through significant milestones, including the COVID-19 pandemic and fostering ecumenical partnerships.

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.