Power & Purpose
Power & Purpose explores the human side of global leadership. Hosted by Amanda Sloat and Nathalie Tocci – former advisors to the US President and EU High Representative turned professors – this podcast features candid conversations with senior government officials, offering an inside look at how power, values, and purpose intersect in public life. These conversations go beyond the headlines to offer a personal window into leadership at the highest levels. Guests reflect on pivotal moments, difficult decisions, and lessons learned when the stakes were high. They speak openly about their proudest achievements and missed opportunities, how they managed pressure, and what it takes to lead through complexity and uncertainty.
Episodes
Yuriko Backes on European Defense and the Voice of Small States
What does European defense look like from a small state’s perspective? Yuriko Backes discusses Luxembourg’s growing capabilities, its commitment to NATO, and why all member states need a voice in decisions about European security. She reflects on growing up between Japan and Luxembourg, her commitment to diplomacy, and her contributions to European security and women’s rights, including establishi
Noeleen Heyzer on Harnessing the Power of Multilateralism
Can the United Nations remain relevant in a fractured world? As the UN gears up to appoint its next secretary general, which for the first time may be a woman, Noeleen Heyzer, Former Director of UNIFEM, joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the future of multilateralism, the importance of women’s leadership, and her efforts to transform international institutions from the ground up.She also describ
Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard on Taking Technology Seriously
Tech companies wield more power than many states in the world today. Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard explains why Denmark pioneered tech diplomacy and what governments can achieve by engaging directly with the industry. She also shares lessons from becoming Denmark’s youngest-ever ambassador, her move into the private sector, and the importance of following passion rather than a fixed career plan.Ann
Franziska Brantner on Building a Greener, Stronger Europe
How can Europe strengthen its security and defend its democratic values while sustaining the green transition?Franziska Brantner, co-leader of Germany’s Alliance 90/The Greens, joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss Germany’s changing political landscape, Europe’s ruptured security order, and the challenges facing green politics.She also reflects on the experiences that shaped her commitment to publ
Season One Wrap-Up: What Have We Learned?
As Power and Purpose wraps up its first season, hosts Amanda and Nathalie reflect on their most memorable conversations. From war and democracy to failure and resilience, they revisit the lessons shared by their guests, and the personal moments that revealed the people behind the politics. They also discuss what they've learned as hosts, what surprised them most, and why purpose remains the thread
Frans Timmermans on Europe's Climate Leadership and Energy Future
How can Europe pursue ambitious climate action while remaining competitive and secure? Frans Timmermans reflects on the origins of the EU's Green Deal and its quest to manage energy transition and security amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a transatlantic rupture, and the China challenge. Drawing on decades in diplomacy and politics, he shares lessons on the continued importance of negotia
Kersti Kaljulaid on Estonia's Lessons on Hybrid Threats and Democratic Resilience
As Europe adapts to a new security landscape, what can other countries learn from Estonia’s experiences on the Eastern flank. The country’s former President Kersti Kaljulaid discusses cyber resilience, European defense, and the importance of standing firm in the face of Russian aggression. She also shares her unconventional path to the presidency, the challenges of leading as a woman, and why cred
Utaara Mootu on Land, Next Gen Leadership, and Finding Her Voice
Utaara Mootu joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss Namibia's struggle for historical justice, the lasting impact of colonialism, and what is means to represent a new generation in politics. She reflects on her journey to becoming one of Namibia's youngest parliamentarians, sharing lessons on what it means to lead in the social media age.Utaara Mootu is a Member of Namibian Parliament for the Landle
Cecilia Malmström on Trade Wars and Global Turbulence
How should Europe navigate a world of trade wars and growing geopolitical uncertainty? Cecilia Malmström reflects on trade, migration and the transatlantic rift. She also shares the lessons she learned on her journey to becoming EU Trade Commissioner and Home Affairs Commissioner.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in M
Věra Jourová on Digital Power and Europe’s Global Role
Věra Jourová joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on her time at the forefront of EU policymaking on technology, disinformation, and media freedom. She discusses the challenges of regulating Big Tech, promoting innovation while protecting citizens’ rights, and addressing the digital challenges facing democracies today. She also shares her personal journey, including how growing up under communist
Dina Kawar on the Human Cost of Middle East Conflict
How are overlapping crises shaping diplomacy in the Middle East? Dina Kawar, Jordan's Ambassador to the United States, joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore the ripple effects of war and the realities of regional interdependence. She reflects on her diplomatic career, the barriers women face in public service, and the mindset needed to lead under pressure.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in
Gabriela Ramos on Mexico, Multilateralism, and the Fight for Gender Equality
Gabriela Ramos joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on Mexico’s changing relationship with the United States, the weakening of the multilateral system, and the effort needed to sustain international cooperation. She discusses parental expectations, professional trade-offs to sustain family life, and the purpose that sustained her through achievement and failure.Gabriela Ramos is the co-chair of th
Priyanka Chaturvedi on India, Empowerment, and Persistence
How does the world look from India today? Priyanka Chaturvedi joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore India’s evolving global role, its relationships with Europe and the United States, and the challenges of regulating technology in a democracy. She reflects on her journey from media to politics, the challenges women face in political life, and why persistence matters in public service.Priyanka Chatur
Julie Smith on NATO, Trust, and the Importance of Public Service
Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julie Smith joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the alliance’s future at a moment of deep uncertainty. From a growing transatlantic trust deficit to Europe’s push for greater security autonomy, she explores what lies ahead for NATO. Julie reflects on her experience navigating the alliance during the war in Ukraine, what it means to be a woman in the security field,
Arancha González on Agency, Activism, and Empowerment
What does it take for Europe to stay open, democratic, and competitive in a world driven by power? Arancha González joins Power and Purpose for a hopeful conversation about Europe’s resilience. Together with Amanda Sloat and Nathalie Tocci, she explores why Europeans should focus on wellbeing as much as GDP, how to respond to Trump without projecting weakness, and why activism must override optimi
Oleksandra Matviichuk on Justice, Dignity, and the Power of Ordinary People
What does justice look like in the midst of war? On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the realities facing Ukraine today - from a cold winter and fragile ceasefire talks to the systematic documentation of war crimes. She explores why dignity - not victimhood - must shap
Hiba Husseini on Staying the Course in the Pursuit of Peace
Peace is rarely linear and often pursued under the most difficult conditions. Drawing on decades of legal and negotiating experience, Palestinian lawyer Hiba Husseini sits down with Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the current realities in the Middle East, the limits of diplomatic processes, and the importance of legal frameworks in moments of crisis. She highlights the importance of hope and explai
Laura Chinchilla on Leading with Passion, Empathy, and Integrity
As democratic norms feel increasingly fragile, Laura Chinchilla argues that political leadership can still be a force for good. The former president of Costa Rica speaks to Amanda and Nathalie about recent events in Venezuela while offering a hopeful lens on the broader multilateral system. She reflects on the pride and challenges of being Costa Rica’s first woman president, the importance of hold
Naomi Chazan on Democracy, Division, and the Work That Never Ends
What does it take to sustain democracy in times of crisis? Naomi Chazan joins Amanda and Nathalie to remind us that democratic systems, like gardens, must be constantly tended. From Israel’s internal divisions to the global erosion of democratic norms, she explores the role of civil society, women’s leadership, and the never-ending work of keeping democracy alive.Naomi Chazan is Professor Emerita
Rory Stewart on Curiosity, Courage, and Conviction
What happens when political ideals collide with reality? Rory Stewart speaks to Amanda and Nathalie about the challenges confronting democracies on both sides of the Atlantic, and how social, technological, and political pressures are reshaping our world. He shares his personal reflections on finding your purpose, seeking new experiences, and maintaining integrity and perspective amid the demands
Sylvie Goulard on Success, Failure, and Resilience
What does resilience look like in public life? Sylvie Goulard joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore the political pressures, personal trials, and unexpected turns that have defined her career. From countering the rise of the far right to managing her own public setback, she reflects on the determination required to stay true to one’s values.Sylvie Goulard is the former Deputy Governor of the Banque
Sigrid Kaag on Straddling Divides and Withstanding Political Violence
Reflecting on her experience in diplomacy and government, Sigrid Kaag discusses the leadership skills, values, and resilience she employed across her career. From confronting populism at home in the Netherlands to navigating the complexities of the Middle East, she offers an insight into principled decision-making under pressure. Sigrid delves into the demands of public service, the importance of
Bridget Brink on Leading in a War Zone & the Importance of Diplomacy
Drawing on nearly three decades in diplomacy, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on principle, resilience, and hope in the pursuit of peace and the protection of democracy. She recounts running to bomb shelters during her years in Kyiv, her decision to resign in protest of U.S. policy, and what it means to lead through crisis. From navigating life
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Belarus, Ukraine, and the Cost of Freedom
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, widely acknowledged as the winner of the August 2020 election, joins Amanda and Nathalie for a conversation on democracy, courage, and the cost of freedom. She reflects on her unexpected path from teacher to political leader, the intertwined struggles of Belarus and Ukraine, and what it means to keep hope alive in exile. From fear and r
Susana Malcorra on How to Fix Multilateralism
Susana Malcorra reflects on the challenges facing the UN, the threats to democracy, and why women’s leadership matters for global governance. From failures and reinvention to courage and joy, she explores what it takes to build new systems for the 21st century.Susana Malcorra is the President and Co-Founder of GWL Voices. She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina from 2015
Wendy Sherman on Hard Conversations in Hard Places
Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman reflects on the risks behind diplomacy as she pulls back the curtain on negotiating the Iranian nuclear deal. She shares candid lessons on authenticity, leadership, and how to earn respect without losing compassion.Extra Reading: Not for the Faint of Heart: Lessons in Courage, Power & Persistence by Wendy ShermanDr Amanda Sloat is Professor o
Federica Mogherini on Trump, Iran, and When to Step Away
Amanda and Nathalie welcome their first guest, former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, for a candid conversation on Europe’s security awakening and the making of the EU Global Strategy. She reflects on the impact of the first Trump administration, the undoing of the Iran nuclear deal, and why defense cannot be the only instrument used in foreign policy. The trio discuss the challenges of
An Introduction to Power & Purpose
Power & Purpose kicks off with hosts Amanda and Nathalie laying out the show’s mission and swapping origin stories. Touching on their respective stints in Washington and Brussels, they reflect on burnout and balance (think yoga and kung fu), and touch on the perks and pitfalls of public service.Extra ReadingIE Center for Health and Well-BeingUnlocking the Power of Intuition in High-Stress Jobs
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