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Episode Description

In this episode of the Podcast, Julia continues the exploration of leadership lessons from sacred texts. Joined by Juliette from Judaism, Hatoon and Amany from Islam, and Ani from Buddhism, this discussion delves into the lives of remarkable women whose stories inspire modern leadership.
Juliette discusses Sarah and Ruth from the Hebrew Bible, emphasising Sarah’s prophetic leadership and Ruth’s determination in making brave decisions. Hatoon shares the inspiring story of Hajar from Islamic tradition, highlighting her resilience, ingenuity, and ability to lead in adversity. Amany reflects on Khadija, the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, as a model of inclusivity and social impact, known for her wisdom, wealth, and leadership during hardships. Ani delves into the Buddhist perspective, exploring the compassion embodied by Arya Tara, the feminine Buddha, and how kindness and emotional strength define powerful leadership.

This episode reminds us of the universal qualities of leading: courage, determination, inclusivity, and compassion drawing wisdom from ancient stories that continue to inspire leaders today.

About the Guests

Hatoon AlFassi

Dr. Hatoon al-Fassi is a Saudi historian and Associate Professor specializing in pre-Islamic Arabian History and Women’s History. She is an Honorary Fellow at Manchester University and has taught for over 30 years at King Saud University and Qatar University. A prominent columnist for 27 years, Dr. al-Fassi’s research focuses on the Nabataean civilization and women’s history in Arabia. Her notable works include Women in Pre-Islamic Arabia: Nabataea (2007) and Annals of Saudi Women (2018). Dr. al-Fassi received the Academic Freedom Award from MESA in 2018 and was decorated as a “Knight” in the Order of National Merit by the French President in 2012. She publishes in both Arabic and English.

Amany Lubis

Prof. Amany Burhanuddin Umar Lubis is an Indonesian Muslim scholar and the first woman to serve as rector of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta. Appointed in 2019, she made history at Indonesia’s largest Islamic university. With a focus on Islamic studies and gender issues, she previously chaired the Indonesian Ulema Council for Women, Youth, and Families. Prof. Lubis is known for her advocacy in women’s empowerment and her leadership in both academic and religious circles. Her contributions continue to inspire change in the field of Islamic thought.

Ani Choying Drolma

Ani Choying Drolma is a Nepalese Buddhist nun, humanitarian, and acclaimed musician. Renowned for her advocacy of women’s education, she founded the Arya Tara School in 2000 to empower young nuns with skills in literacy, science, medical training, and Buddhist philosophy, enabling them to serve their communities. Her autobiography, Singing for Freedom, is an international bestseller, and her music, blending traditional chants with modern influences, has captivated global audiences. Performing in multiple countries annually, Ani’s work supports her humanitarian efforts, uplifting underprivileged communities and promoting compassion worldwide.

Juliette Neuberge

Baroness Juliette Neuberge holds the unique distinction of being both a rabbi and a member of the House of Lords. After studying at Newnham College, Cambridge, she became the second woman ordained at Leo Baeck College, serving as rabbi of South London Liberal Synagogue and later as senior rabbi of the West London Synagogue until 2020. Her career spans academia, healthcare, and politics. She taught at Leo Baeck College for two decades, served as chancellor of the University of Ulster, and led the King’s Fund, a think tank for health charities. Elevated to Dame of the British Empire in 2003 and a Baroness in 2004, she played a key role in drafting legislation regulating human tissue and embryos and was the prime minister’s Champion of Volunteering.

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.