So, now what?
So, now what?

So, now what?

Gates Cambridge

Overview
Episodes

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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.

Recent Episodes

How do you lead for the longer term in a world of rapid change?
FEB 24, 2026
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.TakeawaysThe 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.Chapters00:00 Navigating Change in a Chaotic World02:48 Gender Equality and Policy Initiatives06:07 Contradictions in Leadership09:04 The Role of Storytelling in Leadership11:51 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals15:02 The Power of Words and Language18:08 Crisis Management and Gender-Based Violence20:59 Cultural Change and Policy Progress23:50 Collective Leadership and Community Action27:02 Personal Stories and Leadership Identity29:52 Openness and Listening in Leadership32:57 The Importance of Values in Leadership36:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Action
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47 MIN
How do you lead ethically in unethical times?
JAN 27, 2026
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.TakeawaysEthical 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ethical Leadership05:53 Defining Ethical Leadership in Technology12:07 AI as a Tool for Empowerment18:10 Social Media: Opportunities and Challenges24:01 Moderation and Community Engagement30:11 The Role of Creatives in Ethical Leadership34:00 Conclusion and Call to Action
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35 MIN
How do we address the challenges of an ageing world?
AUG 27, 2025
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39 MIN