In this episode, I talk with Julia Middleton, founder of Women Emerging, about how women everywhere are redefining what it means to lead. Julia shares how her global “expeditions” help women discover their own authentic way of leading and introduces her Four E’s framework — Essence, Elements, Expression, and Energy. 

We explore why traditional models of leadership don’t always fit women, how to lead in alignment with who you are, and the courage it takes to lead your way in systems not designed for you. 

💡 We talk about: 

• Why many women don’t relate to traditional leadership 
• The Four E’s of authentic leadership 
• How to find and lead from your true essence 
• The power of energy in leadership 
• How to trust yourself and lead your way 

This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder. 

About Julia Middleton: 

Founder Women Emerging 

Julia Middleton is a best-selling author of “If that’s leading, I’m in”, "Leading beyond Authority" and "Cultural Intelligence" and the host of the Women Emerging podcast. 

She is deeply committed to helping people from all backgrounds to lead and speaks regularly about leadership to audiences around the world.  

In 2022, Julia launched an expedition of 24 women to find 'an approach to leading that resonated with women'. In 2024 she then founded Women Emerging. She now leads expeditions with women across the world using the 4Es methodology, discovered on the first expedition.  

Prior to this Julia was Founder and Chief Executive of Common Purpose, which she grew to become one of the biggest leadership development organisations in the world.  

Julia is also an Ambassador for the Aurora Prize based in Armenia, on the advisory councils of AUB in Lebanon, Fundação Dom Cabral in Brazil and Synapse in Pakistan. She is also a board member of Equality Now globally. 

Born in London and brought up in New York and Geneva, Julia was educated at French Lycées and graduated from the London School of Economics. She is married, with five children and seven grandchildren. 

LISTEN TO JULIA’S TED TALK ON CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE 

Julia’s books can be found here: 

1. If that’s leading, I’m in 

2. Beyond Authority: Leadership in a changing world 

3. Cultural Intelligence: The competitive edge for leaders crossing boundaries: 

CONNECT WITH JULIA ON LINKEDIN 

Work with Carla: 

• Impactful Teams Scorecard – Discover how your team measures up and how you can grow your team’s impact. 
• 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get support to help you get your voice heard at work and develop your career. Book a discovery call 

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