So, now what?

Gates Cambridge

Fed up with bad news story after bad news story? So, now what? is the podcast from Gates Cambridge, a cutting-edge scholarship programme for international postgraduates at the University of Cambridge. The podcast is for anyone looking for ideas, vision and optimism about how we can practically tackle some of the world's most complex and challenging problems. Scholars from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines will share the actions they are taking to change the world for the better.

  1. 5d ago

    How do we lead with hope in challenging times

    Discover how Gates Cambridge scholars Usama Mirza and Ana Rojo Fierro redefine hope in today's world. Learn actionable strategies for fostering hope amidst adversity. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by challenges—environmentally, socially, politically, and financially—how do we maintain hope? This question is at the heart of discussions among thought leaders and scholars dedicated to making a difference. In this episode, we delve into insights shared by Gates Cambridge scholars Usama Mirza and Ana Rojo Fierro, who explore the essence of hope as a survival trait and its crucial role in social action. As we navigate these trying times, the insights from Usama and Ana remind us that hope is not just a passive feeling but an active practice that requires engagement and commitment. By fostering hope—through education, personal responsibility, and collective action—we can create a better future even in the face of adversity. Key Takeaways - Hope is essential for social action and change. - Balancing personal responsibilities with global awareness is critical for sustainable hope. - Education and representation can empower individuals and communities, fostering a sense of agency and optimism. -Hope as a survival trait and its importance in challenging times -The role of community and collective action in fostering hope -Personal stories of resilience and hope from Gaza, Mexico, and Pakistan Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hope in Trying Times 01:54 Personal Journeys: Balancing Family and Global Issues 05:32 The Case for Hope: A Foundation for Action 10:53 Cultural Perspectives on Hope and Responsibility 14:31 Hope in Community Actions: Lessons from Mexico 19:14 Navigating Personal Limits in Activism 23:58 The Palestine Educational Opportunity Initiative: A Collective Effort 27:39 Mentorship and Human Connection: Building Hope 30:26 The Cost of Hope: Embracing Vulnerability 34:23 Common Threads in Collective Action Across Cultures 40:37 Closing Thoughts: Small Actions, Big Impact

    45 min

  2. Apr 28

    How to lead in a 24/7 media environment?

    This episode features scholars Stephen Lezak and Ben Weissenbach discussing their work on climate change storytelling, the evolving media landscape, and how to effectively communicate environmental issues. They explore long-form journalism, the importance of trust and moral authority in media, and practices to reconnect with nature amidst a fast-changing world. Key topics The role of storytelling in climate change communication Challenges and opportunities in long-form journalism The importance of trust and moral authority in media Practices for reconnecting with nature and grounding stories The impact of media environment on climate storytelling Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Modern Media Landscape 02:49 Personal Stories and Climate Change 05:57 The Shift in Storytelling 08:53 The Need for Diverse Narratives 11:59 Challenges in Long-Form Journalism 15:14 The Role of Technology in Storytelling 17:54 Finding Authenticity in Media 21:07 Reconnecting with Nature 24:11 The Importance of Craft in Storytelling 26:54 The Future of Journalism 30:06 Voices of Trust in Media 33:01 Ground Truth and Connection 36:13 Celebrating Beauty in Storytelling

    44 min

  3. Mar 31

    How do you lead a bunch of leaders?

    Exploring diverse leadership styles, the importance of empathy, and how leaders can balance strength with compassion in today's complex world. Featuring insights from political scientist Jennifer Piscopo and historian Justin Wei, this episode challenges traditional notions of leadership and offers fresh perspectives on leading with steadiness and care. Key topics Different leadership styles and their impactThe role of empathy and moral clarity in leadershipHistorical examples of community-led leadership and activismRedefining Leadership: From Dominance to EmpathyThe Power of Steadiness and Care in Leadership"Leadership is also about letting go.""You can't lead everywhere all the time.""Assume good faith in those who lead." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alternative Leadership Styles 06:39 Leading Diverse Groups of Leaders 12:38 The Role of Care in Leadership 15:30 Navigating Power Dynamics in Policy 19:00 The Disconnect Between Leadership and Public Desire 21:41 Lessons from Historical Leadership Movements 26:03 Gendered Leadership Dynamics 32:29 Grassroots Leadership and Community Organizing 35:01 The Importance of Knowing When to Step Back 41:35 Concluding Thoughts on Compassionate Leadership ResourcesJennifer Piscopo's Book: The Women's Rights EraClaudia Scheinbaum's Leadership Style AnalysisHamnet Movie by Chloe ZhaoJustin Wei's PhD Research on Black and Asian Solidarity

    47 min

  4. Feb 24

    How do you lead for the longer term in a world of rapid change?

    In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Halliki Voolma and Seetha Tan to explore the complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the importance of gender equality policies, the role of storytelling in leadership, and the necessity of balancing short-term responses with long-term goals. The conversation emphasises the power of words, the significance of cultural change, and the value of collective leadership and community action. Both guests share personal insights into their leadership journeys, highlighting the importance of openness, listening, and staying true to one's values amidst chaos. Takeaways The only constant in life is change.Effective leadership requires a long-term vision amidst chaos.Policymaking and storytelling share similar skills.Contradiction is a key aspect of leadership.Words and language have significant power in policy.Crisis management often overshadows long-term goals.Cultural change is essential for policy progress.Collective leadership fosters community resilience.Personal stories shape leadership identity.Staying true to values is crucial in turbulent times. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Change in a Chaotic World 02:48 Gender Equality and Policy Initiatives 06:07 Contradictions in Leadership 09:04 The Role of Storytelling in Leadership 11:51 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals 15:02 The Power of Words and Language 18:08 Crisis Management and Gender-Based Violence 20:59 Cultural Change and Policy Progress 23:50 Collective Leadership and Community Action 27:02 Personal Stories and Leadership Identity 29:52 Openness and Listening in Leadership 32:57 The Importance of Values in Leadership 36:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Action

    47 min

  5. Jan 27

    How do you lead ethically in unethical times?

    In episode one of season three of So, now what? two Gates Cambridge Scholars debate how to lead ethically in unethical times. Reham and Amy explore with host Catherine Galloway the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and social media, emphasising the importance of community empowerment, ethical practices and the role of creatives in shaping a better future. The conversation, the first in a series of five episodes focused on leadership, highlights the need for transparency, human dignity and the potential for technology to serve the underrepresented, while also addressing the complexities of moderation and resistance in digital spaces. Amy Zhang [2011] and Reham Hosny [also known as Reham Aboud - 2025] debate ethical leadership in the context of rapidly evolving technology and argue that we must prioritise human dignity and rights in technology development, including exploring alternative social media platforms. Takeaways Ethical leadership is crucial in today's global disorder.AI can empower underrepresented communities.Community engagement is essential for ethical moderation.Social media platforms are evolving with new opportunities.Creatives play a vital role in envisioning a better future.We must prioritize human dignity and transparency in technology.Resistance can take many forms, including creative expression.We have agency in our use of social media platforms.Supporting ethical leaders is necessary for positive change.The future of technology depends on inclusive and ethical practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ethical Leadership 05:53 Defining Ethical Leadership in Technology 12:07 AI as a Tool for Empowerment 18:10 Social Media: Opportunities and Challenges 24:01 Moderation and Community Engagement 30:11 The Role of Creatives in Ethical Leadership 34:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

    36 min

  6. 08/27/2025

    How do we address the challenges of an ageing world?

    This episode of 'So Now What' explores the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing, focusing on the importance of quality of life, the role of technology and AI in elderly care, and the lessons learned from the elderly. The conversation features insights from Gates Cambridge scholars who are working on innovative solutions to improve the lives of older adults, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to ageing that includes medical, social, and emotional support. Takeaways For the first time in history, there are more grandparents than grandchildren.Quality of life is more important than just living longer.Assistive technology can help elderly people live fuller lives.AI has the potential to enhance elderly care and support.Lifelong learning is essential for older adults to adapt to changing job markets.There is a significant inequality in dementia diagnosis and treatment globally.Technology should be designed with accessibility in mind for all ages.Elderly wisdom can guide younger generations in personal and professional life.Education can reduce inequality and improve career prospects for older adults.Aging should be approached with a holistic view, considering emotional and social aspects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ageing and Its Challenges 09:46 Quality of Life in Ageing 20:10 The Role of Technology in Aging 30:09 AI and Its Impact on Elderly Care 38:11 Lessons from the Elderly and Closing Thoughts

    40 min

  7. 07/29/2025

    Is gender equality going backwards?

    This episode of 'So Now What' explores the multifaceted challenges of gender equality, focusing on personal stories, the impact of climate change, and the implications of technology on women's rights. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for reproductive freedom, the importance of storytelling, and the need for proactive engagement from men in the fight for gender equality. The guests share their insights on the current backlash against women's rights and the necessity of protecting spaces for dialogue and dissent. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gender Equality Challenges 04:08 Personal Stories and Experiences 08:07 The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn 12:18 Climate Change and Early Marriage 16:43 Backlash Against Gender Equality 19:59 Engaging Men in Gender Equality 24:13 The Role of Technology in Gender Issues 28:55 Understanding the Danger for Women and Girls 34:06 Confronting and Comforting in Conversations 37:18 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

    45 min

  8. 06/24/2025

    Moral leadership in a time of crisis

    In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Julie Pham, Chris Tooley, and Robin Scott to explore the nuances of leadership in turbulent times. The conversation delves into the importance of moral leadership, the opportunities presented by crises like COVID-19, and the significance of self-leadership and community building. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to lead effectively, emphasising curiosity, respect, and the power of local action. Takeaways Leadership is about bringing people with you, not telling them what to do.Curiosity can transform workplace dynamics and leadership styles.Crisis often creates opportunities for innovation and transformation.Moral leadership is crucial in times of flux and uncertainty.Local leadership is essential for meaningful change.Self-leadership involves being open to learning from others.Community building can counteract polarization and division.Radical honesty in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.Cultural forms of leadership can have transformative potential.Leadership should be shaped by lived experience and engagement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Turbulent Times 09:50 The Role of Moral Leadership 20:05 Crisis as Opportunity: Leadership During COVID-19 30:09 Self-Leadership and Community Building

    37 min
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About

Fed up with bad news story after bad news story? So, now what? is the podcast from Gates Cambridge, a cutting-edge scholarship programme for international postgraduates at the University of Cambridge. The podcast is for anyone looking for ideas, vision and optimism about how we can practically tackle some of the world's most complex and challenging problems. Scholars from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines will share the actions they are taking to change the world for the better.

Information

  • Creator
    Gates Cambridge
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Gates Cambridge
  • Show Website
    So, now what?