Key topics

• Different leadership styles and their impact
• The role of empathy and moral clarity in leadership
• Historical examples of community-led leadership and activism
• Redefining Leadership: From Dominance to Empathy
• The Power of Steadiness and Care in Leadership
• "Leadership is also about letting go."
• "You can't lead everywhere all the time."
• "Assume good faith in those who lead."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alternative Leadership Styles

06:39 Leading Diverse Groups of Leaders

12:38 The Role of Care in Leadership

15:30 Navigating Power Dynamics in Policy

19:00 The Disconnect Between Leadership and Public Desire

21:41 Lessons from Historical Leadership Movements

26:03 Gendered Leadership Dynamics

32:29 Grassroots Leadership and Community Organizing

35:01 The Importance of Knowing When to Step Back

41:35 Concluding Thoughts on Compassionate Leadership

Resources

• Jennifer Piscopo's Book: The Women's Rights Era
• Claudia Scheinbaum's Leadership Style Analysis
• Hamnet Movie by Chloe Zhao
• Justin Wei's PhD Research on Black and Asian Solidarity

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Halliki Voolma and Seetha Tan to explore the complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the importance of gender equality policies, the role of storytelling in leadership, and the necessity of balancing short-term responses with long-term goals. The conversation emphasises the power of words, the significance of cultural change, and the value of collective leadership and community action. Both guests share personal insights into their leadership journeys, highlighting the importance of openness, listening, and staying true to one's values amidst chaos.

Takeaways

1. The only constant in life is change.
2. Effective leadership requires a long-term vision amidst chaos.
3. Policymaking and storytelling share similar skills.
4. Contradiction is a key aspect of leadership.
5. Words and language have significant power in policy.
6. Crisis management often overshadows long-term goals.
7. Cultural change is essential for policy progress.
8. Collective leadership fosters community resilience.
9. Personal stories shape leadership identity.
10. Staying true to values is crucial in turbulent times.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Change in a Chaotic World

02:48 Gender Equality and Policy Initiatives

06:07 Contradictions in Leadership

09:04 The Role of Storytelling in Leadership

11:51 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals

15:02 The Power of Words and Language

18:08 Crisis Management and Gender-Based Violence

20:59 Cultural Change and Policy Progress

23:50 Collective Leadership and Community Action

27:02 Personal Stories and Leadership Identity

29:52 Openness and Listening in Leadership

32:57 The Importance of Values in Leadership

36:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Action

Reham and Amy explore with host Catherine Galloway the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and social media, emphasising the importance of community empowerment, ethical practices and the role of creatives in shaping a better future. The conversation, the first in a series of five episodes focused on leadership, highlights the need for transparency, human dignity and the potential for technology to serve the underrepresented, while also addressing the complexities of moderation and resistance in digital spaces.

Amy Zhang [2011] and Reham Hosny [also known as Reham Aboud - 2025] debate ethical leadership in the context of rapidly evolving technology and argue that we must prioritise human dignity and rights in technology development, including exploring alternative social media platforms.

Takeaways

1. Ethical leadership is crucial in today's global disorder.
2. AI can empower underrepresented communities.
3. Community engagement is essential for ethical moderation.
4. Social media platforms are evolving with new opportunities.
5. Creatives play a vital role in envisioning a better future.
6. We must prioritize human dignity and transparency in technology.
7. Resistance can take many forms, including creative expression.
8. We have agency in our use of social media platforms.
9. Supporting ethical leaders is necessary for positive change.
10. The future of technology depends on inclusive and ethical practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethical Leadership

05:53 Defining Ethical Leadership in Technology

12:07 AI as a Tool for Empowerment

18:10 Social Media: Opportunities and Challenges

24:01 Moderation and Community Engagement

30:11 The Role of Creatives in Ethical Leadership

34:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Takeaways

• For the first time in history, there are more grandparents than grandchildren.
• Quality of life is more important than just living longer.
• Assistive technology can help elderly people live fuller lives.
• AI has the potential to enhance elderly care and support.
• Lifelong learning is essential for older adults to adapt to changing job markets.
• There is a significant inequality in dementia diagnosis and treatment globally.
• Technology should be designed with accessibility in mind for all ages.
• Elderly wisdom can guide younger generations in personal and professional life.
• Education can reduce inequality and improve career prospects for older adults.
• Aging should be approached with a holistic view, considering emotional and social aspects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ageing and Its Challenges

09:46 Quality of Life in Ageing

20:10 The Role of Technology in Aging

30:09 AI and Its Impact on Elderly Care

38:11 Lessons from the Elderly and Closing Thoughts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gender Equality Challenges

04:08 Personal Stories and Experiences

08:07 The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn

12:18 Climate Change and Early Marriage

16:43 Backlash Against Gender Equality

19:59 Engaging Men in Gender Equality

24:13 The Role of Technology in Gender Issues

28:55 Understanding the Danger for Women and Girls

34:06 Confronting and Comforting in Conversations

37:18 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

Takeaways

• Leadership is about bringing people with you, not telling them what to do.
• Curiosity can transform workplace dynamics and leadership styles.
• Crisis often creates opportunities for innovation and transformation.
• Moral leadership is crucial in times of flux and uncertainty.
• Local leadership is essential for meaningful change.
• Self-leadership involves being open to learning from others.
• Community building can counteract polarization and division.
• Radical honesty in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Cultural forms of leadership can have transformative potential.
• Leadership should be shaped by lived experience and engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Turbulent Times

09:50 The Role of Moral Leadership

20:05 Crisis as Opportunity: Leadership During COVID-19

30:09 Self-Leadership and Community Building

Takeaways

• We are living in complex times with pressing problems.
• Innovative approaches can address energy poverty effectively.
• Allyship involves co-creating solutions with communities.
• Workarounds can provide unconventional solutions to challenges.
• Inclusivity is crucial in energy solutions for marginalized groups.
• Interdisciplinary thinking enhances social enterprise effectiveness.
• Diversity and adaptation are essential for tackling wicked problems.
• Community ownership leads to sustainable outcomes.
• Starting small and scrappy can lead to significant impact.
• Humanizing innovation is key to successful implementation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and New Business Models

05:00 Innovative Approaches to Energy and Community Empowerment

09:56 The Role of Allyship and Co-Creation in Sustainable Solutions

14:54 Workarounds: Unconventional Solutions to Complex Problems

19:54 The Importance of Inclusivity in Energy Solutions

24:59 Interdisciplinary Thinking and Its Impact on Social Enterprise

29:51 So, Now What: Scaling for the Common Good

takeaways

• Space exploration is entering a new era with significant discoveries.
• Hope and concern coexist in the current state of science.
• The search for extraterrestrial life is more promising than ever.
• Historical context can inform our understanding of current challenges.
• Astronomy has a social role in shaping public discourse.
• Commercial interests in space raise questions about future conflicts.
• Public narratives about science influence funding and support.
• Collaboration is essential for success in space exploration.
• The emotional journey of scientists is part of the discovery process.
• Engaging with science is crucial for future generations.

Chapters

00:00

Exploring the Cosmos: A New Era of Discovery

04:16

Hope and Concerns in Astronomy

10:46

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

11:45

Lessons from the Past: The Space Race

14:29

The Importance of Astronomy in Society

18:57

The Role of Narratives in Science

24:34

Commercial Interests and Space Warfare

28:06

Future Aspirations in Astronomy

30:47

A Call to Action: Engaging with Science

takeaways

·         Biodiversity loss is a critical issue that affects all life on Earth.

·         The 30 by 30 initiative aims to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030.

·         Innovative solutions are needed to balance economic development and conservation.

·         Community engagement is essential for effective conservation strategies.

·         Monitoring and research are crucial for understanding biodiversity and its challenges.

·         Optimism and collaboration among diverse stakeholders can drive positive change.

·         Trade-offs in conservation require careful consideration of ecological and social factors.

·         Conscious consumerism can significantly impact biodiversity preservation.

·         Small actions, like creating space for nature in our gardens, can lead to larger ecological benefits.

·         Evidence-based approaches are necessary for effective conservation policies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

03:53 Innovative Solutions for Biodiversity

10:03 The Role of Policy and Research in Conservation

18:47 Maintaining Optimism in Conservation Efforts

30:00 Making Trade-offs in Conservation

35:27 Practical Steps for Immediate Impact

Takeaways

Creative methods can effectively address wicked problems.

Arts and academia should be funded for their impact.

Comedy can relay serious messages in engaging ways.

Stories are essential for activating empathy.

Entertainment can serve as a platform for activism.

Immersive experiences can change audience perceptions.

Adapting messaging is crucial for short attention spans.

Understanding technology is a parental responsibility.

Engaging with diverse communities enriches perspectives.

Real conversations foster better understanding and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and Creative Solutions

05:25 The Role of Arts in Academia

10:05 Entertainment as a Tool for Cultural Activism

13:30 Personal Stories and Vulnerability in Creative Work

18:38 Engaging Audiences Through Immersive Experiences

22:25 Adapting Messaging for Short Attention Spans

28:13 The Responsibility of Understanding Technology

32:23 Takeaways for Action and Engagement

Cansu Karabiyik received her PhD in medical science in 2021. Since then she has spent her days as a neuroscientist developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and her evenings as a standup comedian performing in clubs in New York City. 

Jakub Szamalek award winning novelist and video game writer, who co-created international bestsellers such as "The Witcher 3" and "Cyberpunk 2077", currently Narrative Director at Rebel Wolves, a game development studio he co-founded. Doctor of classical archaeology educated at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and a Cambridge Gates Scholar. His most recent book, "Inner Space", will come out in English in July 2025.

Ragnhild Freng Dale is a social anthropologist and senior researcher at the Western Norway Research Institute. Her research interests include energy imaginaries, justice in climate transitions and impacts of energy infrastructure on local and indigenous communities. She thrives working on projects that are multimodal and experimental, especially in collaboration with the performing arts field.

Takeaways

• Young people are powerful agents of change.
• Community support is crucial for youth development.
• Mental health should be prioritized in education.
• Adversity can have cumulative negative effects on health.
• Empowering youth requires systemic change in institutions.
• Resilience should be reframed to focus on support, not just endurance.
• Education should promote exploration and self-discovery.
• Youth voices must be included in decision-making processes.
• Creating supportive environments can buffer against adversity.
• A visionary approach is needed to reimagine society for young people.

00:00

Introduction to youth empowerment and impact

02:58

Harnessing the energy of young people

06:07

The role of community and culture in youth development

08:54

Exploring opportunities for young people

12:03

The importance of mental health in education

15:04

Creating supportive environments for adolescents

18:12

Reimagining education for young people

20:58

The need for systemic change

23:55

Resilience vs. hustling: a new perspective

27:01

Global perspectives on youth challenges

29:56

Visioning a better future for young people

Kevin Beckford [2011] is the co-founder and a board member of The Hustlers Guild, a non-profit that uses hip hop to expand access and opportunity to Black and Latinx youth in the innovation space. He is also Senior Associate, Parnerships and Engagement at the Pretrial Justice Institute. From 2020 to 2022 he was an Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity from 2020 to 2022 and from 2014-2016, Kevin worked in the White House Presidential Correspondence Office. He also served as a special advisor to Secretary Julian Castro at the US Department of Housing and Development. 

Blanca Piera Pi-Sunyer [2021] is a final year PhD student at the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge working on social inequalities and socioemotional difficulties during adolescence. 

Emma Soneson [2018] is a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry. She maintains a broad research profile within the field of child and adolescent mental health but is especially interested in the intersections between mental health and education.

Takeaways

• Investing in women's health is not only a medical and humanitarian imperative but also makes economic, social, political, and climate sense.
• AI has the potential to improve healthcare by assisting carers, providing reminders for medication, and democratizing information, but caution is needed to ensure safety and quality.
• Equitable access to drug treatments requires public health approaches, government action, and citizen engagement to hold corporations accountable.
• Improving healthcare for all requires addressing social norms, investing in grassroots organizations, and challenging economic policies that perpetuate inequality.
• Asking critical questions, such as why rich countries are rich and why pre-industrial variables continue to cause inequality, is essential for driving change.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Setting the Context

05:31

Gender Inequality in Healthcare

08:26

The Potential of AI in Healthcare

22:11

Equitable Access to Drug Treatments

25:44

Investing in Women's Health

28:28

AI and Grassroots Organizations

32:20

Challenging Economic Policies

34:17

Asking Critical Questions

35:42

So, now what? And Season Wrap-up

Takeaways

• Culture plays a crucial role in peacebuilding and can challenge narratives of conflict and division.
• Empathy, healing, and resilience are essential in creating cultures of peace.
• Education systems should promote peace, inclusion, and critical thinking to challenge oppressive narratives.
• It is important to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and provide spaces for dialogue and understanding.
• Dismantling oppressive narratives and supporting cultural workers are key steps in creating a more peaceful world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:17 The impact of conflict on culture

11:31 Witnessing violence and building peace

16:39 Challenging conflict-based worldviews

20:59 Weaponisation of culture and fighting back

24:47 Erasure of culture and missing voices

27:14 Measuring success in peacebuilding

31:28 Creating cultures of empathy and Ubuntu

36:39 Reforming education for peace and inclusion

38:55 Dismantling oppressive narratives

41:43 Amplifying marginalised voices

44:32 Supporting cultural workers

45:27 Conclusion

Takeaways

• Tolerance requires face-to-face interactions, trust, and cooperation.
• Technology and social media can both promote and hinder tolerance.
• Music, arts, and creativity can be used as tools for fostering tolerance and empathy.
• Volunteering, challenging personal narratives, and imagining a better future are ways to promote tolerance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and background

06:06 Building tolerance: face-to-face interactions and cooperation

10:25 The role of technology in promoting tolerance

13:13 Using music and arts to foster tolerance and empathy

25:12 Conclusion and call to action

Takeaways

• Political legitimacy is not just a sociological or political issue, but also has psychological and cognitive components.
• Polarization poses challenges to journalism, and it is important to support news organizations that provide reliable information.
• Engaging with people on the ground and encountering different perspectives can lead to a better understanding of political legitimacy.
• Flexible thinking is crucial in navigating a polarized world and reevaluating our own dogmas.
• Practical actions include supporting reliable news organizations, encountering different cultures through literature and media, and rethinking our own biases.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction: The Challenge of Political Legitimacy in a Polarized World

05:04

Understanding the Psychological and Cognitive Components of Political Legitimacy

11:16

The Impact of Polarization on Journalism and the Media Environment

15:59

Engaging with People on the Ground to Understand Political Legitimacy

29:48

Practical Actions to Strengthen Political Legitimacy

Keywords

artificial intelligence, AI ethics, bias, misinformation, environmental impact, academia, big tech, public awareness, transparency, regulation

Takeaways

·         The urgency of addressing concerns about artificial intelligence and the need for ethical considerations

·         Challenges of bias, misinformation, and the environmental impact of AI

·         The role of academia, big tech, and the public in shaping the future of AI

·         Importance of transparency, regulation, and public awareness in navigating the complexities of AI

Chapters

00:00 The Urgency of AI Ethics

10:13 Challenges and Considerations in AI Development

30:30 Transparency, Regulation, and Public Awareness in AI

The speakers highlight the importance of connecting research to real-world impacts and the need for collective action. They discuss the devastating losses of climate disasters, the challenges of adaptation and the power of nature. They also emphasise the importance of empowering marginalised communities and amplifying their voices in climate action. 

In addition, the episode explores innovations in policy, including capacity building, local action and storytelling - getting local communities affected by climate change to tell their stories. 

We conclude by encouraging listeners to ask questions, take climate action, and connect to local initiatives.

Takeaways

• Extreme weather events have devastating consequences, including the loss of traditions, cultures, and intangible heritage.
• Collective action and collective intelligence are crucial in addressing climate change and its impacts.
• Youth empowerment and inner well-being are essential for building resilience and creating a sustainable future.
• Data, responsible AI, and storytelling play a significant role in tackling misinformation and driving climate action.
• Innovations in climate policy include capacity building, community empowerment, and inclusive decision-making.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Climate Reality

01:19

Experiences in Extreme Environments

04:01

Impact of Extreme Weather Events

05:56

Bringing People and Voices into Climate Action

06:26

Unseen Consequences of Extreme Weather

09:49

Loss of Traditions and Indigenous Knowledge

10:12

Finding Balance and Adapting to Extreme Weather

12:36

Challenges in Super Tanker Countries

13:31

Proving the Urgency of Collective Action

14:59

Leveraging Data and Responsible AI

16:27

Innovation in Climate Policy

20:33

Recognizing the Importance of Nature

22:46

Inner Development Goals and Wisdom

25:11

Tackling Misinformation and Polarization

27:31

Innovation in Policy and Climate Action

32:46

Taking Action and Asking Questions

Bios:

Dr Ramit Debnath @RamitDebnath is a university assistant professor and an academic director at the University of Cambridge. He is a fellow of Churchill College and Cambridge Zero and has visiting role at Caltech. Ramit sits on the steering committee of Cambridge's new Centre for Human-Inspired AI (CHIA). With a background in electrical engineering and computational social sciences, Ramit designs collective intelligence approaches to provide a data-driven, complex system-level understanding of barriers to climate action in the Anthropocene, their interactions, and how these translate to leverage points for policy and behavioural interventions at scale.

Songqiao Yao @songqiaoyao is the founder of WildBound, an innovative sustainability and education venture that empowers sustainability leadership through expeditions, advocacy and creative expressions. Prior to founding WildBound, Songqiao gained her interdisciplinary and cross-cultural experience as a researcher, activist and entrepreneur working on global issues such as food, water and climate change. She has worked on China-EU, China-US projects on climate change and has consulted for agriculture and private sector development in Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Victoria Herrmann @VSHerrmann is the managing director of The Arctic Institute, a National Geographic Explorer and Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service where her research focuses on Arctic cooperation and politics and climate change adaptation in the US and US Territories. Herrmann is also an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) IF/THEN Ambassador and works to empower girls and women in STEM. She has been named on Forbes 30 Under 30 list, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 40 under 40 list, a North American Young Leader by Friends of Europe and one of 100 Most Influential People in Climate Policy worldwide by Apolitical.

We explore their own perspectives and discuss their own powerful personal stories, highlighting the importance of diverse stories in education, the impact of education on women and gender and the power of education to challenge norms and beliefs. They also emphasise the role of education as a journey of self-discovery and unlearning, as well as a tool for social justice and empowerment. In addition, the episode discusses the need for curriculum reform and inclusivity, the role of technology in education and personal stories of overcoming educational challenges.

Takeaways

• Education as a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth.
• Education has the power to empower individuals, promote social justice, and transform communities.
• Listening to and learning from communities is crucial in developing effective educational practices.
• Small acts of support and encouragement can make a significant difference in education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:31 The purpose of education

01:13 Guest introductions

05:24 Education and gender

06:24 Education as empowerment

08:21 The value of questioning and doubt in education

10:10 Education as a tool for social justice

12:56 Education in disadvantaged communities

15:17 The importance of listening and learning from communities

19:19 Personal teachable moments

20:14 Motivation for education

23:05 The transformative power of education

25:59 Unlearning and overcoming challenges in education

29:30 Curriculum reform and empowerment

31:40 Moving forward: Taking action in education

37:12 So, now what? 

Bios

Tara Westover @tarawestover is a memoirist and historian. Her first book, Educated (2018), debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and was a finalist for a number of awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award, the LA Times Book Prize, and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. The American Booksellers Association named it the Nonfiction Book of the Year, and to date, the book has been translated into 47 languages. For her staggering impact, TIME magazine named Westover one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2019, and in 2023, she was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Biden. 

Thabo Msibi is the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning and a professor of Curriculum Studies in the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Msibi has published research in South African and international journals and books and is author of the book Hidden sexualities of South African Teachers: Black male educators and same-sex desire. He has also co-edited a book entitled Gender, Sexuality and Violence in South African Educational Spaces, with Deevia Bhana and Shakila Singh.

Aliya Khalid @khalidaliya1 is a Lecturer in Comparative and International Education in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, UK. She works on issues of educational equity with a focus on gender. Her areas of interest include the capability approach, negative capability, epistemic paradoxicality and justice, Southern epistemologies, politics of representation and knowledge production.

Takeaways

• Building back better after a crisis requires addressing climate justice and the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
• The costs of climate change, both economic and social, are substantial and require urgent action.
• Investment in clean energy and good jobs can drive economic growth and reduce carbon emissions.
• Leveraging people power and social media can help raise awareness and drive change.
• Green innovation and regulation are key to building a sustainable and equitable society.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:21 Expertise and perspectives

06:50 The challenge of building back better

10:10 Understanding the costs and risks of climate change

14:25 Building back better in the United States

17:15 Building back better in Africa

19:25 The Need for collaboration and connectivity. Who needs to be in the same room?

25:45 Leveraging people power and innovation. How can we talk about green innovation and change the narrative? What does a better society look like?

31:00. So, now what? Moving Forward: Political will and financing.

Bios

Kamiar Mohaddes @KamiarMohaddes is an Associate Professor in Economics & Policy at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. His main areas of research include climate change, economics of the Middle East, energy economics and applied macroeconomics.

Todd N. Tucker @toddntucker is a political scientist and director of Industrial Policy and Trade at the Roosevelt Institute, where he helps lead research on global governance, democracy, and the administrative state. A recognised expert on trade and political economy, Dr Tucker has testified before legislatures and expert committees around the world. 

Queen Chinyere Quinn is a Co-Founder and Partner at Kupanda Capital, an investment platform established to create, capitalise and scale pan-African companies. In this capacity, Queen has worked to provide tailored advice and support to entrepreneurs, project developers, fund managers and corporations operating in Africa.

Our guests are the scholars themselves - big thinkers from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines - who are out there finding solutions to some of our most wicked problems from the global economy and the environment, to technology, politics and universal healthcare.

They'll share their optimism and their experience, and give us a peek at their 'to do' lists too.  But they'll also be inviting the rest of us to join them - sharing 'So, now what?' actions that we can all apply today. 

 Available monthly on all your favourite podcast platforms.