Best Aspen UK Podcasts (2024)

1
Voices from a Broken System: Session 3 - Report Launch 56:31

17d ago56:31

56:31

This episode explores the new report launched by the Commission on the Integration of Refugees in March 2024. A week after the launch, we discussed the key findings and policy recommendations with our expert panel of academics, community representatives and people with lived experience. How can we better support the integration of refugees in the U…

1
“The Nelson Mandela University” with Amb. Nozipho January-Bardill in South Africa 1:14:42

1d ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Vulnerability is the new leadership superpower. Gone are the days when leadership meant winning at all cost. The great Nelson Mandela himself valued vulnerability, and he modeled it in his own leadership. Today’s guest, Amb. Nozipho January-Bardill strives to live by Mandela’s example as she leads the very organization that bears his name. She the …

1
“A World On Climate Red Alert” with Dr. Richard Munang in Kenya, Africa 1:18:08

22d ago1:18:08

1:18:08

The youth is our greatest untapped weapon to help solve the ongoing climate crisis. With the right tools and inspiration, we can leverage the youth to take unprecedented climate action that impacts not only the planet but also their own economic betterment. Dr. Richard Munang has been involved in this initiative in the past few decades, empowering …

1
Climate Conversations: Young Professionals in Climate 33:35

1M ago33:35

33:35

In this Rising Leaders Fellowship podcast takeover, we explore leadership in the context of young professionals working in the climate space. From career transitions to extraordinary opportunities, what does it take to build a career in climate? Who should we learn from? And, what advice would our guests give to those starting out in their climate …

1
“Apartheid’s Public Enemy No. 1” with UK Parliament's Lord Peter Hain 1:09:04

1M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Nelson Mandela was the most iconic figure in South African history because of his heroic struggle against apartheid and racism, but he wouldn’t have done what he had done if not for the brave leaders who also took the stand against the oppressive establishment in their own ways. Decades before being a Lord in the UK Parliament, Peter Hain was one o…

1
“DEI – Adapt, Transform, or a Rigged Monopoly?” with former JSE Director Zeona Jacobs in Switzerland 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

Can you imagine what it must have been like in South African corporate board rooms when apartheid was lifted and a new political order started to rule over the country? Diversity, inclusion, and equity didn’t come about as if by magic. Brave, and sometimes unwilling activists have to take active steps to make it happen. Zeona Jacobs has seen her fa…

1
“ESG: How to Sustain Sustainability” with Board Director, Tech Entrepreneur, and Investor Mr. Ryan McManus in the USA 1:04:21

3M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Gone are the days when sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ESG are just nice concepts to have as a company. In this digital age, ESG is intrinsically tied to corporate success. In this episode, tech entrepreneur and board director Ryan McManus eloquently discusses the place of ESG in the evolving digital economy and how companies c…

1
Leadership Insights – Collective Action 21:09

3M ago21:09

21:09

How can leaders foster a collective vision amongst their team members? How can we empower groups to stand up for what they believe in? And, what are the opportunities to drive collective action to tackle difficult problems? Join Aspen UK as we dive into these questions with two Rising Leaders: Flynn Devine and Katie Hutchinson. Find out more about …

1
Leadership Insights - Conflict & Crisis 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

Can leaders make the wrong decisions? How can we lead the way even in difficult situations? And, what can conflict teach us about strong leadership? In this episode, Penny delves into these questions with two Aspen UK Rising Leaders: Maria Romanenko and Godefroy Harito. Find out more about the Aspen UK community of leaders: https://www.aspenuk.org/…

1
“Africa is Too Rich to Be Poor” with Leading Businessman and Academic Mr. Frik Landman in South Africa 1:14:54

4M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

What must it take so Africa can fulfill her true potential? Embark on a transformative journey with Anne Pratt on Leading Boldly into the Future as she welcomes Mr. Frik Landman, a distinguished figure from the southern tip of Africa. In this episode, Mr. Landman, a seasoned businessman and academic, passionately shares insights on why Africa is to…

1
Leadership Insights - Team Triumphs 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

Teamwork is a key part of excellent leadership. Achieving success depends on the collective efforts of the entire team, whether you’re launching a comms campaign or performing in a ballet show. But how should we be leading our teams? Why should we work towards a possibility mindset? And, how should we really define success? Join Penny Richards as s…

1
Critical Conversations 6: Incentivising Investment 1:00:03

4M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Climate finance has huge potential, but it represents a departure from traditional approaches to investment. We need a new approach to how we invest our money, supporting more sustainable business models and implementing net-zero solutions. In the final episode of our 'Critical Conversations' series with Mars Wrigley UK, we look at the most effecti…

1
Leadership Insights - AI & Accessibility 18:20

4M ago18:20

18:20

From making travel more accessible to investing in artificial intelligence, leaders are paving the way for a better future. But what should we expect from leaders this year? What do recent examples of opportunistic leadership teach us? And how can leaders lean on experts to improve their decision-making? In our first episode of 2024, Penny Richards…

1
Religion, Peace, and Justice: ‘I Hear Your Cry’ – with recent UCC Global President Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer in the USA 57:56

4M ago57:56

57:56

For a significant part of human history, religion has always served to unify communities in a shared set of values and beliefs. But it has also been an instrument for othering and division. In these polarizing times, religion has to make a stance either for division or unity. Today’s bold leader believes that religion can be used as a catalyst for …

1
Leadership Insights - Unexpected Leaders 21:32

4M ago21:32

21:32

From sports to STEM, where can we find unexpected leaders – and what impact do they have? What is servant leadership? And, what can we learn about leadership from our local community? In this episode, Penny delves into these questions with two Aspen UK Rising Leaders: Scott Forsyth and Alex Bulat. Find out more about the Aspen UK community of leade…

1
Leadership Insights - Climate Challenges 23:39

5M ago23:39

23:39

How can leaders deal with failure? What can we learn from young people about leadership? And, with the growing impact of climate change being felt by communities globally, how are leaders paving the way for action? Join Penny Richards as she delves into these questions with Aspen UK Rising Leader, Alexander Urwin and Beatrice Graupner, Aspen Young …

1
Our Generational Challenge: Raising the Nation 58:35

5M ago58:35

58:35

How can leaders support future generations to flourish? Why do we need to invest in young people’s future? And, can we shape policy to ensure the future strength of our communities, environment, economy and society as a whole? In this discussion, we explored the role of youth empowerment in building a better society. Paul Lindley, author of ‘Raisin…

1
Critical Conversations 5: Buildings vs Biodiversity 58:37

5M ago58:37

58:37

More and more people are living in our cities and as urban populations grow, so does the need to provide housing. Yet, building homes is often perceived to come at a high price: the destruction of natural landscapes and biodiversity. What are the innovative solutions in this space? And, is there political will to help promote these projects? In thi…

1
“The FIGHT To Save America” with John Della Volpe in the USA 50:48

5M ago50:48

50:48

The Gen Z are no longer kids. As we speak, they are now set to determine the course of American and world history, especially now that democracy hangs on the balance. Is Gen Z our secret weapon in the fight to save America? Our guest, John Della Volpe, deeply believes this to be the case. John is a pollster, an advisor to President Joe Biden’s admi…

1
The 100 Trillion Dollar Wealth Transfer 59:17

6M ago59:17

59:17

Join a Boomer, Millennial, and Gen Zer as they discuss the possible consequences of the unprecedented biggest wealth transfer in history, certain to have a seismic impact on the future of capitalism and society. Our panel features Ken Costa, a boomer, and two Aspen UK Rising Leaders, a Millennial working in investment management, and a Gen Z-er who…

1
‘Swimming Upstream and Rugged Resilience” with Prof. Shirley Zinn in South Africa 1:16:38

6M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” Prof. Shirley Zinn not only conquered her fear, but she managed to get back up repeatedly with rugged resilience as she swims upstream on her path to success, impact, and significance. In this conversation, she shares more about her personal and profes…

1
Critical Conversations 4: The Future of Food Systems 59:57

6M ago59:57

59:57

Climate change and a growing population are putting an increased strain on our food systems – will bananas and beef burgers become a thing of the past? The speed at which we are adapting is a long way off, but there are promising solutions available. This discussion convened expert speakers to discuss these solutions. We were joined by Catherine Ch…

1
“HOT Politics and Peaceful Elections” with Patricia Luhanga in Zambia 1:01:49

6M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

If you live in a country where peaceful elections are the norm, count yourself lucky. Such is not the case in much of the world. Globally, the challenge of protecting our democracies from powers that seek to undermine them is a huge undertaking. Patricia Luhanga did a lot more than her share in making sure that the electoral process goes smoothly i…

1
Critical Conversations 3: The Sustainability Story 59:25

7M ago59:25

59:25

In recent years, the way we talk about climate change has shifted significantly, influenced both by an increased public awareness of the issue and the imminent need for urgent action. In this discussion, we look at the meaningful ways the stories across our media landscape can drive climate action. The panel discusses innovative methods to weave su…

1
“Money, Crisis, Success, Corporations, and You” with South Africa’s Ben Kodisang 1:08:55

7M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

There is no denying how many mountains money can move, but it doesn’t have to be all self-serving. Otherwise, you’ll fall as fast as you rise. For Ben Kodisang, capital returns and social returns are not mutually exclusive: you can make good money while also doing good. In this episode, he joins Anne Pratt to talk about how, in this world of money,…

1
“I said ‘No’ to the President and Got Decorated” with Ecuador’s Former Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Luis Gallegos 50:53

8M ago50:53

50:53

Our world is at a tipping point. We face unprecedented and life-threatening challenges for humanity, from artificial intelligence to quantum computing, climate change, and the looming specter of nuclear war. How do we, as individuals and as a global community, confront this uncertain, perilous future? Luis Gallegos, a former Foreign Affairs Ministe…

1
"USA Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s Leadership Way" 1:02:34

8M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

The United States of America was once the global gold standard for democracy. Why would the America of today not respond well to a message of unity? As perplexing as it sounds, it is what we are seeing today, not only in America but on global scale. Is there any way to fix this? What role will leadership play to bring unity back to the mainstream? …

1
"Courageously Call People In, Not Out" to Heal Conflictual Divides with United World College (UWC) USA President Dr. Victoria Mora 54:25

9M ago54:25

54:25

In a deeply polarized world, the quest for truth, reconciliation, and uniting humanity takes center stage. In this powerful episode, Anne Pratt engages in a heartfelt and authentic conversation with Dr. Victoria Mora, President of United World College U.S.A. and a member of the prestigious International Women's Forum. The topic explores conflict re…

1
Critical Conversations 2: On the cutting edge of food technology 1:00:39

9M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

The food system is responsible for one third of global emissions and it is estimated that livestock farming alone makes up 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions – that’s almost as much as the entire transport sector. But, with technology continuing to advance, will we be able to eat meat sustainably in the future? In this webinar, we explored the …

1
“A Global Trailblazer” with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Dr. Ngozi in Switzerland 30:32

10M ago30:32

30:32

When we look at trailblazers, it can be intimidating to imagine how much work it took to be where they are. However, for our amazing guest in this episode, becoming a global trailblazer is a natural outcome of doing what she loves and courageously taking considered risks. We have the privilege of welcoming Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director Gene…

1
War and Human Nature | Ukrainian Dialogue by Aspen Institute Kyiv 1:02:10

10M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Thinkers, intellectuals, diplomats, and human rights activists from Ukraine, other European countries, and the United States discussed the challenges of war and a new global architecture of peace. Elliott Gerson, Executive Vice President of The Aspen Institute (USA), and Natalie Jaresko, Chairperson of the Aspen Institute Kyiv Supervisory Board, ad…

1
Voices from a Broken System: Session 2 - How do you achieve safe passage for refugees arriving in the UK? 56:41

10M ago56:41

56:41

Both the government and the refugee advocacy sector are calling for more safe routes for people seeking asylum to enter the UK. But tens of thousands of refugees continue to arrive by unsafe means every year because they are unable to access safe passage. For this conversation in our series ‘Voices from a broken system: Rethinking refugee integrati…

1
“Weaponizing Education to Change the World” with Rehmah Kasule in Uganda 47:51

11M ago47:51

47:51

It takes a global village to change the world in a powerful way, and education is the single most effective weapon we can use to make that happen. Coming from the rural village of Goma in the landlocked African country of Uganda, Rehmah Kasule used education to shape her own destiny as an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and global leader. As a youth…

1
Critical Conversations Episode 1: Scaling Up Innovative Solutions 57:21

11M ago57:21

57:21

Solar and wind energy used to be considered speculative, prototype ideas of no-carbon energy solutions. Yet the enormous growth seen in these two forms of renewable energy over the last decade has soared past pessimistic predictions. Off the back of this success, the question for other promising innovations is how can they do the same? How can we a…

1
“Leading with Dignity” with Harvard’s Dr. Donna Hicks in the USA 1:04:34

11M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

We may be different and unequal in positions of power, but we are all equal in dignity. Dignity consciousness or what international expert on conflict resolution, Dr. Donna Hicks, calls “Mandela Consciousness,” ensures that nobody can take away your dignity. Dignity is your inherent value or worth. You're born with it. It is different to respect, w…

1
Designing for Diversity: Session 6 – Activism 58:12

11M ago58:12

58:12

In recent years, there has been an increased visibility of social justice movements as a result of social media and global connectivity. But, as the work of social change movements builds momentum, what role can it play in encouraging intercultural diversity. How do social justice actors build more interculturally diverse communities? And how can i…

1
The Future of Air Travel: flying green or staying grounded? 58:58

12M ago58:58

58:58

Tackling climate change requires urgent action and the race to reach net zero is on. One single flight from London to New York produces roughly 986 kilograms of carbon dioxide, that’s more than most people in Africa, Asia or South America produce in an entire year. But with everybody’s love for travel and the need for international mobility, how ca…

1
“Stage 3 Gastric Cancer – Going for Cure" Special Message from Anne Pratt in the USA 8:31

12M ago8:31

8:31

It’s official. Anne Pratt has been diagnosed with stage 3 gastric cancer. She remains hopeful for the best possible outcome, and she has gathered the best team around her to work tirelessly to find the best possible cure. But what would this mean for the Leading Boldly into the Future podcast? Tune in for this special announcement. Love the show? S…

1
The Future of European Diplomacy with Baroness Catherine Ashton 1:00:10

1y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

In recent years, international cooperation has become more important than ever. From coordinating a global strategy to combat COVID-19, to uniting in response to the conflict in Ukraine and collaborating on the road to net zero, the crucial role of diplomacy is clear. But what’s it really like to be an international diplomat and what lessons can we…

1
“Adaptive Leadership” with Harvard Kennedy School Fellow Mercy Atieno Odongo in Dubai 50:51

1y ago50:51

50:51

Most of us would have heard “adapt or die.” The past few years have shown us just how true that saying rings, especially when it comes to leadership. Why is adaptive leadership so critical in the world? Joining Anne Pratt from Dubai is Mercy Atieno Odongo, a Harvard Kennedy School Edward Mason fellow and Obama Foundation, Africa Emerging Leader, an…

1
“African Leadership University (ALU) Ranked in Global Top 50 Most Innovative Companies” with Provost Dr. Nhlanhla Thwala 1:01:28

1y ago1:01:28

1:01:28

The African Leadership University has started a revolution in higher education. It’s more than just another brick in the wall. It is transforming higher learning in Africa to produce its future leaders. For its work, it was named one of the Global Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in 2019. To talk to us about this extraordinary achievement and how i…

1
Designing for Diversity: Session 5 – The Arts 1:00:06

1y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Art is often seen as a medium for self-expression, a place for artists and creatives to share their personal experiences, and so offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. Yet, as we live in increasingly multi-cultural societies, artistic influences and sources are becoming more various and plural – so the urgent question is how do we navig…

1
“Don’t Choose Extinction” with United Nations Boaz Paldi in the USA 1:04:03

1y ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Planet Earth is on Red Alert, and there is no Planet B. If there is one thing that will unify humanity and keeps us all awake at night, it is the climate emergency and its’ existential threat to the human species. #DontChooseExtinction is not just a compelling and catchy name for a climate action advertising campaign. It is the message that Boaz Pa…

1
“Africa's Food Glorious Food” with Amandla Ooko-Ombaka in Kenya 1:00:01

1y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Africa is the perfect place to do well and to do good. Think about it. It’s an underestimated continent with 54 countries, 1.4 billion people, a treasure chest of investment opportunities and a market valued at more than $3.1 trillion US and an estimated $430 million empty bellies. There is a tremendous opportunity for agriculture corporations to s…

1
Voices from a Broken System: Session 1 - Shared Stories 56:46

1y ago56:46

56:46

This is the first conversation in our series 'Voices from a broken system: Rethinking refugee integration in the UK' in partnership with the Woolf Institute and the independent Commission on the Integration of Refugees. The discussion will focus on the UK refugee experience. Bringing together refugees from different countries to speak about their e…

1
"A Builder of Modern Bulgaria" with former Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Nadezhda Neynsky 55:40

1y ago55:40

55:40

At a young age, H.E. Nadezhda Neynsky was exposed to a world that taught her that it was not enough to be capable, talented, hardworking, and ambitious to have a bright future. You need to be a part of the system, piercing through the structures and changing it from the inside. This led her to enter the world of politics, where she is putting herse…

1
Designing for Diversity: Session 4 – The Media 58:35

1y ago58:35

58:35

Despite more content being shared through media outlets than ever before, the issue of whose stories are being told or highlighted in the news remains persistent. There is an ongoing shift towards increased diversity both in the newsroom and in the way we tell news stories, in an attempt to better reflect the society the industry reports. Is there …

1
The American Schism with Best-Selling Author Seth Radwell in the USA 58:44

1y ago58:44

58:44

These days, it seems like it is better to keep our opinions to ourselves for fear of offending others. We see this not only among individuals but also corporations. There is a tendency to just put our heads in the sand to avoid any engagement. Observing this, Seth David Radwell describes a collapse of political dialogue in the country. And he has w…

1
'Growing Up I Wanted to be White’ with MTN Group Exec. Yolanda Cuba in South Africa 52:38

1y ago52:38

52:38

How do we develop a growth mindset, one of teachability that says, "I make mistakes and grow," one of adaptability that says, "I transform and change," and one of possibility that says, "I can be more, do more, and achieve the impossible"? This is what we learn from the story of Yolanda Cuba, who went from wanting to be a white person when she grew…

1
A Refugee is a Refugee’ with Dean Dr. Maja (Maya) Zelihic in the USA 54:20

1y ago54:20

54:20

No matter where we come from or what challenges we face, we can all make a positive impact in the world and overcome adversity. As refugees, we are not defined by our past, but by the strength and resilience we exhibit in the face of adversity. In this episode, we have Dr. Maja Zelihic, who shares her powerful story as a refugee. Growing up in Yugo…

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