Creative women, leading change

Future By Design

A podcast celebrating visionary women at the intersection of creativity, comms and sustainability. Join hosts Mirjana Arlaud and Shea Karssing in conversation with creative changemakers who are boldly shaping a better world through innovative ideas, courageous leadership, and inspiring action. If you’re driven by purpose, creativity, and a desire to lead positive change, this podcast will leave you motivated and ready to make your own mark.

Episodes

  1. Always Question, Never Doubt: Rachel Kolbe Semhoun on Curiosity as a Force for Change

    Jun 3

    Always Question, Never Doubt: Rachel Kolbe Semhoun on Curiosity as a Force for Change

    What if the most important leadership skill today isn't expertise, but curiosity? In this episode, Rachel Kolbe Semhoun, Head of Sustainable Sourcing and Nature Initiatives at Kering, shares why meaningful change begins when we're willing to question assumptions, listen deeply, and remain open to different perspectives.

    47 min
  2. The Mother Who Wouldn’t Stay Silent: Christine Staple Ebanks on Making Disability Visible Through Creativity

    May 7

    The Mother Who Wouldn’t Stay Silent: Christine Staple Ebanks on Making Disability Visible Through Creativity

    In this emotional episode, Christine Staple Ebanks shares how her son Nathan’s cerebral palsy diagnosis transformed her from a corporate professional into a powerful advocate for disability inclusion. Through storytelling, creativity, and raw honesty, she reveals the realities of parenting a child with complex needs — and why visibility, empathy, and community matter so deeply. A moving conversation about motherhood, resilience, advocacy, and the courage to speak up for those too often overlooked.

    54 min
  3. Keeping a Child’s Heart: Marina Willer on Creativity Without Fear, Filters, or Formulas

    Apr 8

    Keeping a Child’s Heart: Marina Willer on Creativity Without Fear, Filters, or Formulas

    We’re more connected than ever, so why is creativity becoming more predictable? In this powerful conversation, Marina Willer breaks down why originality is disappearing, what AI can’t replace, and how staying curious, playful, and human is your greatest edge. This is a timely reminder of what it really takes to make work that matters. If you create anything, this one’s for you.

    54 min
  4. “The First Day of My Life”: How Rose-May Lucotte’s Maternity Leave Trip Changed Everything

    Mar 4

    “The First Day of My Life”: How Rose-May Lucotte’s Maternity Leave Trip Changed Everything

    Can a maternity leave road trip change your life? In this episode, we speak with Rose-May Lucotte, co-founder of ChangeNOW, the world’s largest event of solutions for the planet. Discover how a 40-day road trip with a newborn baby led to a global gathering of 40,000 people, and why the secret to saving the planet lies in changing the way we talk about it.

    33 min
  5. Why People Protect What They Love: Hanli Prinsloo on Ocean Advocacy That Works

    Feb 5

    Why People Protect What They Love: Hanli Prinsloo on Ocean Advocacy That Works

    What if the key to protecting our world isn’t fear, but love? In this episode, we speak with Hanli Prinsloo, freediver, ocean conservationist, and founder of the I AM WATER Foundation. Hanli shares how freediving became a doorway to inner stillness, and how that stillness evolved into a powerful model for social and environmental change. From swimming with whales to introducing children to the ocean for the first time, she explains why connection creates compassion, and compassion drives action.

    43 min
  6. Once a Journalist, Always a Storyteller: Mercy Juma is Telling the Stories We Can’t Ignore

    12/08/2025

    Once a Journalist, Always a Storyteller: Mercy Juma is Telling the Stories We Can’t Ignore

    Award-winning journalist and global health storyteller Mercy Juma joins Mirjana and Shea to explore the courage, creativity, and conviction behind a life spent telling stories that matter. It’s an inspiring, deeply human conversation about narrative power, identity, empathy, and using your voice with intention.

    35 min
  7. The Art That Connects Us: Júlia Mota Albuquerque on Creativity, Community & Change

    11/26/2025

    The Art That Connects Us: Júlia Mota Albuquerque on Creativity, Community & Change

    What happens when beautiful illustration meets climate communication, diversity, and community? In this episode, we talk with Berlin- and Brazil-based artist Júlia Mota Albuquerque, whose public art and illustrations make global issues accessible, human, and hopeful. Learn how bold creative risks can shape a meaningful career — even in a world of AI.

    39 min
  8. Episode 3 - Cappuccinos and Carbon Footprints: Michelle Li Turns Climate Literacy into a Movement

    11/06/2025

    Episode 3 - Cappuccinos and Carbon Footprints: Michelle Li Turns Climate Literacy into a Movement

    We all want to live more sustainably, but where do we start? In this episode, we talk with Michelle Li, founder of Clever Carbon and Women and Climate, who’s making sustainability as relatable as your morning coffee order ☕. Discover how creativity, design, and community can turn climate action into something human, hopeful — and even a little bit fun.

    46 min
  9. Episode 2 - Greenhushing vs. Greenwashing: Charlotte Levitt on Speaking Truth with Courage

    10/13/2025

    Episode 2 - Greenhushing vs. Greenwashing: Charlotte Levitt on Speaking Truth with Courage

    From performing My Little Pony operas to leading global purpose communications, Charlotte Levitt’s creative journey has one constant: using stories to build empathy and understanding. In this episode, she joins hosts Mirjana Arlaud and Shea Karssing to explore why honest, human communication is the bravest kind of leadership—and how to talk about purpose without losing your authenticity.

    37 min
  10. Episode 1 - Intro - What is Creative women, leading change?

    Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Episode 1 - Intro - What is Creative women, leading change?

    Join hosts Mirjana Arlaud and Shea Karssing as they kick off 'Creative women, leading change' — a new podcast about women using creativity to lead, inspire, and make a difference. Discover bold stories, fresh perspectives, and practical ways to spark change.

    12 min

Trailer

About

A podcast celebrating visionary women at the intersection of creativity, comms and sustainability. Join hosts Mirjana Arlaud and Shea Karssing in conversation with creative changemakers who are boldly shaping a better world through innovative ideas, courageous leadership, and inspiring action. If you’re driven by purpose, creativity, and a desire to lead positive change, this podcast will leave you motivated and ready to make your own mark.

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