Why Lead?

Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a renowned pediatric leader and former WHO Chief Scientist. They explore the interconnected relationship between health and climate change and the role of transformative leadership in addressing these complex challenges.

The conversation explores the need for innovative thinking, diversity of thought, and collaboration to tackle these issues. Dr. Swaminathan shares insights from her career, stressing the importance of humility, empathy, and listening to affected communities in transformative leadership. She also addresses the challenges of misinformation and the necessity of public health communication.

Ben Owden speaks with Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira, Managing Director and Health Systems District Leader for Philips East Africa. They explore the transformative impact of AI on healthcare, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equity. Dr. Ntonjira shares her journey from a medical officer to a leader in health tech, highlighting the importance of diverse data sets in AI development and the critical role of women in decision-making positions. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of male allyship to foster a supportive environment for women in tech.

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Ben Owden talks with Dr. Samu Dube, the Executive Director of FP2030. 

Dr. Dube shares her insights on the intrinsic potential within everyone to be extraordinary, highlighting the importance of intentionality and continuous improvement. She recounts her personal journey, drawing inspiration from her grandmother and stressing the significance of being uncomfortable with comfort to drive progress.

The discussion explores the systemic issues of diversity and inclusion, with Dr. Dube underscoring the necessity of building agency among women leaders and creating supportive environments. She also addresses the superficiality of tokenism in diversity efforts and advocates for meaningful inclusion through policy changes and quotas.

Abosede Alimi (George-Ogan), the founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network. Abosede shares her journey of inspiring gender-balanced leadership across various sectors, emphasizing the transformative outcomes when women take the lead. The discussion explores the importance of confidence, overcoming internalized biases, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in advancing women in leadership, particularly in healthcare

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Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Charles and Dr. Githinji Gitahi. They discuss the importance of social justice and equality as fundamental human rights. Dr. Gitahi highlights the need for awareness of male privilege and the importance of allyship in creating a level playing field for women. He calls for urgent policy changes to remove barriers and promote equity, advocating for a holistic approach to leadership that values empathy and inclusivity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Charles, who has spearheaded initiatives to eradicate malaria and fostered significant partnerships at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, shares insights on integrating systemic thinking into leadership. He stresses the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and the necessity of breaking social norms to pave the way for women and youth in leadership roles.

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Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, who has a rich background in UNICEF and humanitarian response, and Amie Batson, President of Women Lift Health, to explore the evolving nature of leadership and share insights on the universal aspects of leadership—empathy, respect, and a commitment to impactful change. The discussion also covers creating inclusive environments that encourage open dialogue and respect for various viewpoints, essential for navigating complex issues like public health crises. Amie challenges the assumption that experience or qualifications automatically lead to effective leadership. She emphasizes the need for intentional and inclusive leadership styles that embrace diversity. Sharing real-world examples, Amie highlights how diverse perspectives can drive better decision-making and innovation.

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Ben Owden explores the challenges women face in gaining visibility and leadership roles with guests Rachel Ombaka and Liz Ntonjira of WomenLift Health. The discussion transitions to overcoming these barriers through continuous learning, authenticity, and mentorship, highlighting strategies for "doing it afraid" and building confidence. The guests share personal stories and advocate for increased representation of women in healthcare and media, underscoring the need for supportive networks and inclusive leadership.

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Dive into a journey of transformation with Barbara Oakley, from struggling with basic math to becoming a renowned engineering professor, and discover the secrets to mastering any skill. This episode isn't just a story; it's a blueprint for turning your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths. Barbara shares groundbreaking insights on the neuroscience of learning, the power of habits, and the crucial role of sleep in mastering new skills. Whether you're looking to overhaul your learning strategy, enhance your leadership skills, or simply find more meaning in your daily tasks, Barbara's insights will guide you to a more enlightened path. Don't miss the chance to unlock the genius within you. Tune in and transform the way you think, learn, and lead.

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Connect with Barbara's 
*Barbara Oakley's Website
*Barbara Oakley's Books
*Barbara's Coursera Course

Join host Ben Owden on a transformative journey through the art of conversation with communication scientist, educator, and author Haesun Moon. In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the healing power of dialogue and discover how intentional communication can lead to profound changes in our personal and professional lives. Haesun shares her insights on the significance of celebrating progress, the importance of listening over speaking, and the transformative potential of adopting a 'suppose, not impose' approach to our interactions.

Through personal stories and professional experiences, Haesun illuminates the path to curating curative narratives that empower and uplift. Prepare to be inspired by the life-changing impact of words well-spoken and learn how to wield the power of conversation to heal, motivate, and connect deeply with those around you.

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Morra, with her rich background in leadership and mental health advocacy, shares groundbreaking insights into how we can reframe our relationship with anxiety. From the gripping tales of leaders who've harnessed their inner turmoil to achieve greatness, to practical advice on managing the day-to-day challenges of anxiety, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to find peace in the chaos.

Discover why anxiety doesn't have to be the villain in your story, how vulnerability can be a powerful tool in leadership, and why embracing your anxious tendencies might just be the secret to unlocking your potential. Whether you're a high-flying CEO or just starting your journey, Morra's candid sharing and actionable strategies will inspire you to view your anxiety through a new lens.

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Morra's Website

The Anxious Achiever Book

The Anxious Achiever Podcast

Ben Owden engages with Paul Loomans to explore the intersection of calmness and productivity. Loomans offers profound insights into the detrimental effects of sustained stress and the importance of embracing calmness in everyday life. They discuss strategies for managing interruptions, focusing on one task at a time, and transforming limiting beliefs that hinder productivity. Through anecdotes and practical advice, they highlight the power of acceptance and self-awareness in achieving optimal performance and well-being. This episode serves as a guiding beacon for those seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity, purpose, and tranquility.

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Paul Lomans's Book
Paul Looman's Website

Ben Owden engages in a profound conversation with Oliver Burkeman, the insightful author of the New York Times bestselling book, Four Thousand Weeks. A book Adam Grant called, the most important time management book of all time.

The discussion delves into the societal glorification of busyness, exploring the ironic guilt associated with idleness. Oliver addresses the discomfort of slowing down and the necessity of embracing the poignancy of life's trade-offs. The conversation extends to the joy of missing out (JoMo) and the empowering act of closing doors to focus on what truly matters. Oliver shares wisdom from his book, drawing from diverse perspectives, including Aristotle and modern productivity insights. The episode concludes with reflections on cultivating habits that prioritize intuition over obligation and the enduring value of empathy in navigating the human experience.

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Oliver's Book - Four Thousand Weeks
Oliver's Email Newsletter