START AN EXPEDITION

Episode Description

In this episode, Julia is joined by Anne Onwusiri to explore the leadership lessons learned from rugby. As the host of Black Girls Ruck, Anne reflects on the power of teamwork, the importance of diversity and the skill of knowing when to pass the mic and when to claim space for yourself.

The conversation delves into how sport mirrors leadership—how to silence self doubt, uplift others and build resilience in high pressure environments. Drawing from her experiences on and off the pitch, Anne shares insights on collaboration, confidence and the ways in which rugby has shaped her approach to leading.

An inspiring discussion about finding your voice, embracing challenges and leading with both strength and humility.

About the Guests

Anne Onwusiri

Anne Onwusiri is a rugby player, podcast host and advocate for diversity in sport and leadership. As the founder of Black Girls Ruck, she creates space for Black women in rugby to share their stories and experiences. Passionate about leadership and empowerment, Anne uses her platform to inspire others to step up, speak out and lead with confidence.

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.