Christina Paxson, 19th President of Brown University, on what it means for a university to be a community, why small-minded self-serving interests make her angry, and what brings her joy.

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Originally published on: 1 November 2023

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone unpacks her leadership journey, daily mantra, and reveals the hardest decision she's ever had to make as a leader.

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Originally published: 30 August 2023

In the first episode of the Leadership Lab series, Susanna explores the complexities of leadership and its multifaceted nature with François Ortalo-Magné, former Dean of London Business School, who is steadfast in his commitment to inclusion and diversity.

François is one of the few Deans at a top-class business school to lead for a second term of office. Committed to improving inclusion and diversity at LBS, he is a long-time friend and partner of the Laidlaw Foundation.

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Originally published: 7 July 2023

Chhavi Sharma - Laidlaw Scholar from the University of Hong Kong - discusses her research into the way augmented reality can be used for complex data visualization, and her project Change The Code, which aims to improve the gender ratio in STEM industries by encouraging more female students to take up science and technology-related fields.

Roma Agrawal - structural engineer, diversity campaigner, and author of Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures, discusses how structures can be oppressive (and inclusive!), the gender gap in STEM professions, and facing discrimination in the workplace.

Sir David Carter shares his recipe for successful multi-academy trust leadership, such as the 5 things to focus on when turning around a failing school, the 4 most important aptitudes of a trust CEO, and how to effectively transfer best practice between schools.

Durham University Laidlaw Scholarship alumna Beth Davenport discusses her research into plant genetic engineering, climate grief, and white privilege in a global crisis.

Composer, academic, and cultural activist Dr Shirley J. Thompson discusses the importance of constantly questioning the status quo, transforming established narratives, and how music can change the world.

You can find the references, further reading suggestions and the transcript of the episode, on the Laidlaw Scholars Network.

University of Toronto Laidlaw Scholar Sanjna Ullal discusses her investigation into the double-marginalisation of dalit women in urban India, the role of personal identity in research, and her podcast, Women Advocating for Change - a space that simultaneously recognizes the struggles many women go through, and highlights their ability to effect change in dynamic ways.