In this final episode of the Changemakers series, Julia speaks with Lily and Melati, co-founders and co-leaders of their organisation, about what it really means to lead side by side. 

The two reflect on the months they’ve just spent on the Women Emerging Expedition, realising again and again how rare and valuable it is to have a partner in leadership when so many peers are walking a lonely road. They talk about the power of being “the same but different” similar enough to share a wavelength, different enough to bring out each other’s strengths. 

Lily and Melati also explore the challenges of co-leading: how a close friendship can fuel vision, stamina, and creativity, but also complicate leading others, setting boundaries, and making hard calls. They share glimpses of their day-to-day rhythm from long hours in Bali to impromptu walks through new cities and how that rhythm builds a kind of “leadership soulmate” energy that keeps their mission alive. 

Listen to this episode to hear how friendship can make co-leading extraordinary and what it takes to keep that friendship strong while leading others. 

About the guests: 

Melati is a 24-year-old full-time changemaker and movement builder, and the founder of YOUTHTOPIA and Bye Bye Plastic Bags. She founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags at the age of 12, since then, Melati has spoken on world stages such as TED and the UN, she recently co-chaired the World Economic Forum GPAP committee, sat on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize, and has had her film, Bigger Than Us, premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival 2021. Today, Melati launched her new company, YOUTHTOPIA, focusing on youth empowerment through short, meaningful peer to peer programs and providing them the tools they need to be changemakers. Her vision is to make YOUTHTOPIA the go-to platform for young changemakers.   

Lily is a 22-year-old Singaporean-Iranian changemaker and one of the Co-Founders of YOUTHTOPIA. Since its launch in 2020, YOUTHTOPIA has focused on youth empowerment through peer-to-peer programmes, providing students with the tools they need to be changemakers. Currently, Lily is also a senior at Yale-NUS College studying Global Affairs and Environmental Studies. In line with the values of YOUTHTOPIA, Lily is an active changemaker in her community who leads the Moulmein-Cairnhill Mentoring and Tutoring Programme for disadvantaged students in Singapore, and is heavily involved in grassroots voluntary work. Lily is also the youngest ever elected PAP Policy Forum Council member, and is a vocal advocate for youth-centric policies within the government.