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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia explores the diverse group of women embarking on the leadership expedition and talks to Yvette and Anna. Representing various countries, industries, specialisms and backgrounds, Julia highlights how this group has been carefully chosen for their openness, curiosity, and willingness to challenge traditional notions of leadership.
Yvette shares her reflections on the complexities of leadership. She emphasises the need for inclusive leadership styles and the value of diverse perspectives in shaping a better understanding of what leadership can be. Anna reflects on leadership lessons drawn from her experience in orchestras, including the concept of “leading from the back” and fostering collective participation.
This episode offers a glimpse of the remarkable women on the expedition It also invites its listeners to join the journey to explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and discover leadership that resonates with women worldwide.

About the Guests

Yvette Hopkins

Yvette Hopkins is a former Colonel with nearly 30 years of military service, known for her expertise in intelligence and counterterrorism. She recently contributed to the UK’s space industry as Executive Vice President at SaxaVord Spaceport. Yvette is a keynote speaker and board member for several women-led organizations, focusing on leadership and innovation. Based in the Shetland Islands, she enjoys exploring global cultures and tackling issues of inequality.

Anna Kuk

Anna Kuk is director of Son Organique and the Artistic Director of the ReVerb Ensemble Anna Kuk, a violinist educated at Karol Szymanowski Music Academy and Guildhall School of Music, has performed with leading orchestras and at prominent festivals. She is also a skilled facilitator and author, using music to bridge art and leadership. Founder of the ReVerb Ensemble, Anna speaks five languages fluently and recently published See, Listen, Play.

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.