Exploring diverse leadership styles, the importance of empathy, and how leaders can balance strength with compassion in today's complex world. Featuring insights from political scientist Jennifer Piscopo and historian Justin Way, this episode challenges traditional notions of leadership and offers fresh perspectives on leading with steadiness and care.

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 Way's PhD Research on Black and Asian Solidarity

Guest links

• Twitter
• Twitter

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

In episode one of season three of So, now what? two Gates Cambridge Scholars debate how to lead ethically in unethical times.

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