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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia is joined by Melissa Kwee to rethink crime and explore the power of networks. Melissa challenges conventional views by suggesting that crime is not simply about breaking laws, but about a violent refusal to love and be loved. She shares compelling stories from a Restoration Prison in Brazil, where inmates are called Recuperators—individuals on a journey to rediscover purpose and connection.

The conversation also delves into the importance of networking—not just for personal growth but as a force for systemic change. Melissa highlights how “it takes a network to fight a network”, making the case for strong relationships as the key to transformation in any system, whether tackling crime, leadership or social change.

An insightful episode on leadership, connection and the role of love in justice and reform.

About the Guests

Melissa Kwee

Melissa Kwee is a social activist, leadership advocate and the former CEO of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre in Singapore. Passionate about social justice and community transformation, she has worked extensively in philanthropy, youth empowerment and leadership development.

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.