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 of public life.Rory Stewart is the author of Politics on the Edge and co-host of The Rest is Politics podcast.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 embracing non-linear paths, and how to find inner strength amid public scrutiny. Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 in a war zone to running for Congress, Bridget shares candid insights on the power of perseverance.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 resilience to the power of women’s leadership, Sviatlana offers a unique view of what it means to fight for a country’s future.Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 to 2017 and was Chief of Staff to the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 life in public service, the importance of setting boundaries, and knowing when to step away. Extra reading:The EU Global Strategy overseen by Federica Mogherini.The Making of the EU Global Strategy by Nathalie Tocci© IE Insights.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.
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 - Listen to Amanda discussing balance in high-stress jobsMy Path to Becoming - Nathalie’s Kung-Fu book*Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in International Relations in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Most recently, she served as Special Assistant to President Biden and Senior Director for Europe in the National Security Council. She also worked in the State Department and House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Political Theory from James Madison College at Michigan State University. *Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. She is also Director of the Instituto Affari Internazionali. She previously served as Special Advisor to EU High Representatives Federica Mogherini and Josep Borrell. She has a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Oxford.Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.