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Episode Description

In this episode, Julia Middleton explores the intersection of leadership and youth, focusing on how teenagers develop leadership skills and navigate their evolving roles in society. As the Women Emerging Expedition progresses, this discussion highlights the importance of fostering leadership from an early age, setting the foundation for a future where leadership resonates with women globally.

Julia is joined by young leaders and mentors who share their experiences of stepping into leadership roles as teenagers. They discuss the challenges of being taken seriously, the strategies they use to build confidence, and the impact of mentorship in shaping their journeys. Through candid reflections, they reveal the resilience, adaptability, and vision required to lead, even at a young age.

“The key to leadership isn’t just about experience; it’s about perspective, courage, and the willingness to step forward before the world is ready to listen.”

Together, their stories weave a narrative of growth, determination, and the power of youth-driven leadership. From grassroots initiatives to school-based activism, they showcase how teenagers are already influencing change and redefining leadership on their own terms.

Listen to this episode to explore the themes of mentorship, self-belief, and the evolving nature of leadership, offering a fresh perspective on how the next generation is shaping the future.

About the Guests

Marya Zulfiqar

Marya Zulfiqar is an A-Level student at Nixor College in Karachi, Pakistan. She is actively involved in extracurricular activities, including debate and the performing arts. Marya participated as a trainee adjudicator at the ZUDC 2025 debate tournament, reflecting her engagement in the academic community. Additionally, she is associated with Nixor Productions, a platform that fosters student talent in performance and media.

Lalaimah Giselle Khan

Lailamah Giselle Khan is a London-born Pakistani climate journalist, published author, and emerging voice in environmental advocacy. Currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and Business Management at Queen Mary University of London, she brings a unique blend of scientific insight and policy awareness to her work. A former student of Nixor College and alumna of the Oxford Scholastica Academy, Lailamah continues to inspire as a speaker and mentor, engaging in dialogues on youth leadership, climate justice, and ethical sustainability.
Her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities reflect a commitment to fostering positive change through education and collaboration.

Eshal Fatima Haque

Eshal Fatima Haque is a student at Nixor College in Karachi, Pakistan, with a keen interest in environmental science and youth leadership.
As an emerging voice in environmental discourse, Eshal continues to explore opportunities that align with her vision of a more sustainable and equitable future.

Rijah Ali Khan

Rija Ali Khan is a student at Habib University in Karachi, Pakistan, where she is pursuing her undergraduate studies. She serves as a Debate Coach at Nixor College, contributing to the development of students’ critical thinking and public speaking skills. With a strong foundation in education and extracurricular involvement, Rija continues to inspire as a mentor and advocate for youth empowerment and effective communication.

Aymen Taimur

Aymen Taimur is a student at the Institute of Business Management in Karachi, Pakistan. Aymen is passionate about community engagement and sustainability, actively participating in initiatives that promote social impact. Her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities reflect a commitment to fostering positive change through education and collaboration.As an emerging voice in youth leadership, Aymen continues to explore opportunities that align with her vision of a more sustainable and equitable future.

Wayna Ahmed

Wayna Ahmed is a student at Nixor College in Karachi, Pakistan, and an emerging voice in youth leadership. She is affiliated with the Women Emerging platform, which connects young women leaders globally. Wayna is passionate about community engagement and sustainability, actively participating in initiatives that promote social impact. As an emerging voice in youth leadership, Wayna continues to explore opportunities that align with her vision of a more sustainable and equitable future.

Rania Mumtaz

Rania Mumtaz is an A Level student at Karachi Grammar School in Pakistan and an emerging voice in youth leadership. Her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities reflect a commitment to fostering positive change through education and collaboration. With a growing interest in leadership and equity, Rania is committed to using her voice to advocate for inclusive progress and meaningful change in her community.

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.