214. Choosing to Lead with Love, Energy, Hope and Enthusiasm

In this special episode, recorded on her birthday, Julia takes the hotseat while Folawe interviews her. They reflect on how Julia’s understanding of leading has evolved and what feels more important now than ever. Julia speaks about becoming clearer over time that leading must be done in your own way, and with a combination of love, energy, hope, and enthusiasm, even when the world feels uncertain and the work feels difficult. The conversation challenges many of the assumptions often associated with leadership. Julia questions the language that surrounds it, particularly words that are widely used but rarely examined, and reflects on the importance of going beyond labels to understand what leading actually looks and feels like in practice. A central theme in the episode is the realisation that many women have been leading for far longer than they recognise. Through her work with Women Emerging, Julia has seen women shift from hesitation to ownership, recognising that leading is not something they need to become, but something they are already doing. She also speaks candidly about the reality of leading. It is not always rewarding, and it is rarely easy. It involves mistakes, self-doubt, and moments of getting things wrong and learning to continue regardless. The conversation explores how Julia’s thinking has deepened over time, from relying primarily on intellect to recognising the importance of instinct, the body, and the rhythms of nature in shaping how we lead. The episode closes with a powerful reflection: women are often conditioned to believe they are not enough. But leading begins when that narrative is challenged, when we recognise that we are already enough to begin, even if we are not perfect. About the Guest Folawe Omikunle is a social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in education, international development, non-profit leadership, and sustainability. A Tutu Fellow and finalist for the Africa Education Medal, she has been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most inspiring women. Folawe serves on multiple boards and is deeply committed to unlocking Africa’s potential through investments in human capital.