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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia Middleton is joined by Anna Kuk to explore the unique resonance of women’s leadership. Anna, a professional violinist and interdisciplinary workshop leader, draws parallels between music and leadership, highlighting how each leader’s ‘instrument’ contributes to the harmony of a team.

She discusses the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in leadership, emphasising how understanding one’s own ‘sound’ can enhance collaboration and effectiveness. Anna also shares insights from her experiences leading workshops that blend artistic sensitivity with leadership development, illustrating how creative approaches can foster inclusive and dynamic team environments.

This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership styles and consider how embracing individuality can contribute to a more resonant and impactful leadership presence.

About the Guests

Anna Kuk

Anna Kuk is a violinist, poet, and interdisciplinary workshop leader who combines artistic sensitivity with leadership development. She has been involved in the Europe101 leadership programme, serving as an ambassador for the musicians’ section. Anna is also the author of SEE.LISTEN.PLAY, a book that draws from the dynamics of an orchestra to offer unique perspectives on teamwork and self-awareness.

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.