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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia is joined by Dr Stellah Wairimu Bosire for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, identity and resilience. Through five significant objects—a chair, a tattoo, a photo of her mother, her glasses and her red nails—Stellah reflects on the defining moments that have shaped her journey.

She speaks about the power of representation, the lessons passed down through generations and the quiet but unwavering strength it takes to lead with conviction. This episode explores how leadership is not just about strategy or influence, but about the symbols and stories that shape who we are and how we show up in the world.

An inspiring conversation for anyone seeking to lead with courage and authenticity.

About the Guests

Dr. Stellah Wairimu Bosire

Dr Stellah Wairimu Bosire is a medical doctor, human rights advocate and gender equality champion. With a career spanning health policy, activism and leadership, she works to advance access to healthcare and justice for marginalised communities. Her work is rooted in challenging societal norms and advocating for inclusive, equitable leadership.

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.