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Episode Description

In part 1 of the episodes The Context in Which We Lead, Julia brings the focus of the conversation on understanding the broader context shaping leadership today. She is joined by Francesca and Twila as they share their perspectives on leadership in the context of climate change. Francesca, through her work reframing the climate narrative, highlights the importance of envisioning a sustainable future where resources are distributed equitably rather than accumulated. Twila focuses on the challenges of addressing climate change amidst global divisions, emphasizing the need for collaboration across governments, businesses, and communities.
“What if we start focusing on resources that are abundant, naturally abundant, and we put the effort not in the accumulation of scarce resources, but on the distribution of abundant resources?” Francesca points out how shifting the narrative from scarcity to abundance has shaped her approach to leading with vision and purpose, while Twila underscores the urgency of inclusive action in the face of a rapidly closing window for impactful change.
This episode invites listeners to reflect on how they can lead with clarity and courage while navigating the complexities of a changing world, capturing perspectives on reframing leadership around equity and sustainability.

About the Guests

Francesca Cavallo

Francesca Cavallo is an Italian author and entrepreneur renowned for her groundbreaking work in children’s literature and storytelling. She co-created the globally celebrated Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series. Francesca’s journey began in theater, where she managed a theater company before co-founding Timbuktu Labs in 2011. At Timbuktu Labs, she co-developed the award-winning Timbuktu iPad magazine, the first of its kind for children, blending vibrant visuals and interactive storytelling. As an activist, Francesca champions gender equality and inclusive storytelling, reflected in her works like I Am a Rebel Girl: A Journal to Start Revolutions and her Italian children’s novel, Elfi al Quinto Piano. Her achievements have been widely recognized, including being named a PW Star Watch 2018 Superstar. Francesca continues to inspire through her writing and entrepreneurial ventures, leaving a lasting impact on children’s literature worldwide.

Dr. Twila Moon

Dr. Twila Moon is a renowned climate scientist specializing in the Greenland Ice Sheet and Arctic systems. Her work explores the connections between ice, climate, oceans, and ecosystems, with a focus on ice loss and its global impacts, including sea level rise. With a Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Dr. Moon has advanced critical research at NSIDC and engages in public communication and policy advising, contributing to the Arctic Report Card and testifying before the U.S. Congress. A trusted voice in polar science, she bridges the gap between research and action on climate change.

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.