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Episode Description

In this episode, host Julia Middleton engages with Polish leaders Martyna Pastuszka and Anna Kuk to explore the nuances of leadership within the orchestral and broader musical landscape.

Martyna Pastuszka, a distinguished violinist and conductor, shares her experiences of leading from the front. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being a visible figurehead, emphasising the importance of embodying leadership physically and emotionally to inspire her orchestra. Martyna highlights how a conductor’s energy and commitment can motivate musicians to contribute wholeheartedly, blending technical skill with deep passion.

Complementing this perspective, Anna Kuk, an accomplished cultural manager and producer, offers insights into leading from within the ensemble. She illustrates how effective leadership doesn’t always require being at the forefront; instead, it involves fostering collaboration, supporting colleagues, and ensuring that each member’s contributions are recognised and valued. Anna’s approach demonstrates that visibility in leadership can be achieved through influence and presence within the group dynamic.

This episode delves into the parallels between conducting an orchestra and leading in various professional contexts, underscoring the significance of adaptability, empathy, and the ability to inspire collective effort. Listeners gain valuable lessons on how different leadership styles can be effectively employed to navigate the complexities of guiding diverse teams toward a harmonious and unified goal.

About the Guests

Martyna Pastuszka

Martyna Pastuszka is a celebrated violinist and conductor, as well as the founder and artistic director of {oh!} Orkiestra Historyczna, a leading ensemble dedicated to historically informed performances. Her dynamic and expressive leadership has made her a defining figure in Poland’s classical music scene.

Anna Kuk

Anna Kuk is an artist, poet, vilonist and composer, committed to promoting the arts and supporting artistic collaborations. She has played a key role in shaping Poland’s cultural landscape by creating platforms for musicians and fostering artistic excellence.

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.