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Episode Description

In this final episode of the three-part series, Julia Middleton and Priyanka Handa Ram conclude their exploration of the lessons leadership can draw from the simple yet profound insights of children. Priyanka reflects on the themes that have emerged throughout her conversations with her nine-year-old—curiosity, honesty, resilience, and the power of asking “why.”

She shares how these dialogues have deepened her perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, adaptability, and embracing uncertainty. Priyanka also explores the role of play in fostering creativity and problem-solving, making a case for why leaders should nurture a childlike sense of wonder in their decision-making.

This conversation serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable leadership lessons come from the most unexpected places—encouraging listeners to stay open, listen deeply, and lead with authenticity.

About the Guests

Priyanka Handa Ram

Priyanka Handa Ram is the Founder and Director of Learn To Play – Ithute Go Tshameka, an organization dedicated to transforming childhoods and uplifting African communities by pioneering accessible, high-impact early childhood development solutions. Her work emphasizes mindful play, nurturing care, and social impact, reflecting her passion for play, nature, and literacy.

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.