So, now what?

How do you lead for the longer term in a world of rapid change?

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.TakeawaysThe only constant in life is change.Effective leadership requires a long-term vision amidst chaos.Policymaking and storytelling share similar skills.Contradiction is a key aspect of leadership.Words and language have significant power in policy.Crisis management often overshadows long-term goals.Cultural change is essential for policy progress.Collective leadership fosters community resilience.Personal stories shape leadership identity.Staying true to values is crucial in turbulent times.Chapters00:00 Navigating Change in a Chaotic World02:48 Gender Equality and Policy Initiatives06:07 Contradictions in Leadership09:04 The Role of Storytelling in Leadership11:51 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals15:02 The Power of Words and Language18:08 Crisis Management and Gender-Based Violence20:59 Cultural Change and Policy Progress23:50 Collective Leadership and Community Action27:02 Personal Stories and Leadership Identity29:52 Openness and Listening in Leadership32:57 The Importance of Values in Leadership36:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Action

How do you lead ethically in unethical times?

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.TakeawaysEthical leadership is crucial in today's global disorder.AI can empower underrepresented communities.Community engagement is essential for ethical moderation.Social media platforms are evolving with new opportunities.Creatives play a vital role in envisioning a better future.We must prioritize human dignity and transparency in technology.Resistance can take many forms, including creative expression.We have agency in our use of social media platforms.Supporting ethical leaders is necessary for positive change.The future of technology depends on inclusive and ethical practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ethical Leadership05:53 Defining Ethical Leadership in Technology12:07 AI as a Tool for Empowerment18:10 Social Media: Opportunities and Challenges24:01 Moderation and Community Engagement30:11 The Role of Creatives in Ethical Leadership34:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

How do we address the challenges of an ageing world?

This episode of 'So Now What' explores the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing, focusing on the importance of quality of life, the role of technology and AI in elderly care, and the lessons learned from the elderly. The conversation features insights from Gates Cambridge scholars who are working on innovative solutions to improve the lives of older adults, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to ageing that includes medical, social, and emotional support.TakeawaysFor 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ageing and Its Challenges09:46 Quality of Life in Ageing20:10 The Role of Technology in Aging30:09 AI and Its Impact on Elderly Care38:11 Lessons from the Elderly and Closing Thoughts

Is gender equality going backwards?

This episode of 'So Now What' explores the multifaceted challenges of gender equality, focusing on personal stories, the impact of climate change, and the implications of technology on women's rights. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for reproductive freedom, the importance of storytelling, and the need for proactive engagement from men in the fight for gender equality. The guests share their insights on the current backlash against women's rights and the necessity of protecting spaces for dialogue and dissent.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gender Equality Challenges04:08 Personal Stories and Experiences08:07 The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn12:18 Climate Change and Early Marriage16:43 Backlash Against Gender Equality19:59 Engaging Men in Gender Equality24:13 The Role of Technology in Gender Issues28:55 Understanding the Danger for Women and Girls34:06 Confronting and Comforting in Conversations37:18 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

Moral leadership in a time of crisis

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Julie Pham, Chris Tooley, and Robin Scott to explore the nuances of leadership in turbulent times. The conversation delves into the importance of moral leadership, the opportunities presented by crises like COVID-19, and the significance of self-leadership and community building. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to lead effectively, emphasising curiosity, respect, and the power of local action.TakeawaysLeadership 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Turbulent Times09:50 The Role of Moral Leadership20:05 Crisis as Opportunity: Leadership During COVID-1930:09 Self-Leadership and Community Building