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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia is joined by Paula Alvarez for an exploration of what it means to lead as a rebel. Paula, a producer, scriptwriter and founder of Pinball London, shares how she has navigated the film and media industry for over 30 years, challenging norms and embracing imperfection along the way.

With sharp honesty and humility, Paula reflects on perfectionism, misogyny and the courage it takes to demand due credit. She discusses the uncertain future of leadership and why true rebellion is not about breaking rules for the sake of it, but about standing firm in the face of resistance and trying again, even after setbacks.

This episode is a call to those who have ever felt like outsiders, showing that leading with authenticity and defiance can create real change.

About the Guests

Paula Alvarez Vaccaro

Paula Alvarez is the founder of Pinball London, an award winning production company that challenges traditional storytelling in film and media. With over three decades in the industry, she is known for her bold approach to leadership, pushing boundaries and amplifying diverse voices through her work.

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.