Power & Purpose

Episod

• Kersti Kaljulaid on Estonia's Lessons on Hybrid Threats and Democratic Resilience 29.06.2026 44min

  As Europe adapts to a new security landscape, what can other countries learn from Estonia’s experiences on the Eastern flank. The country’s former President Kersti Kaljulaid discusses cyber resilience, European defense, and the importance of standing firm in the face of Russian aggression. She also shares her unconventional path to the presidency, the challenges of leading as a woman, and why credibility is a leader's most valuable asset.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.
• Utaara Mootu on Land, Next Gen Leadership, and Finding Her Voice 15.06.2026 50min

  Utaara Mootu joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss Namibia's struggle for historical justice, the lasting impact of colonialism, and what is means to represent a new generation in politics. She reflects on her journey to becoming one of Namibia's youngest parliamentarians, sharing lessons on what it means to lead in the social media age.Utaara Mootu is a Member of Namibian Parliament for the Landless People's Movement. 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.
• Cecilia Malmström on Trade Wars and Global Turbulence 01.06.2026 40min

  How should Europe navigate a world of trade wars and growing geopolitical uncertainty? Cecilia Malmström reflects on trade, migration and the transatlantic rift. She also shares the lessons she learned on her journey to becoming EU Trade Commissioner and Home Affairs Commissioner.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.
• Věra Jourová on Digital Power and Europe’s Global Role 18.05.2026 35min

  Věra Jourová joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on her time at the forefront of EU policymaking on technology, disinformation, and media freedom. She discusses the challenges of regulating Big Tech, promoting innovation while protecting citizens’ rights, and addressing the digital challenges facing democracies today. She also shares her personal journey, including how growing up under communist rule shaped her commitment to democracy.Věra Jourová is the former Vice President of the European Commission.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.
• Dina Kawar on the Human Cost of Middle East Conflict 05.05.2026 34min

  How are overlapping crises shaping diplomacy in the Middle East? Dina Kawar, Jordan's Ambassador to the United States, joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore the ripple effects of war and the realities of regional interdependence. She reflects on her diplomatic career, the barriers women face in public service, and the mindset needed to lead under pressure.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.
• Gabriela Ramos on Mexico, Multilateralism, and the Fight for Gender Equality 20.04.2026 41min

  Gabriela Ramos joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on Mexico’s changing relationship with the United States, the weakening of the multilateral system, and the effort needed to sustain international cooperation. She discusses parental expectations, professional trade-offs to sustain family life, and the purpose that sustained her through achievement and failure.Gabriela Ramos is the co-chair of the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TSIFD), leading the development of a framework for financial transparency and social impact. Previously, she held the role of Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO (2020-2025), Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20 of the OECD (2006-2020), and she was a member of Mexico’s Foreign Service. In 2025, she was Mexican Candidate for Director General of UNESCO.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.
• Priyanka Chaturvedi on India, Empowerment, and Persistence 06.04.2026 41min

  How does the world look from India today? Priyanka Chaturvedi joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore India’s evolving global role, its relationships with Europe and the United States, and the challenges of regulating technology in a democracy. She reflects on her journey from media to politics, the challenges women face in political life, and why persistence matters in public service.Priyanka Chaturvedi is an Indian politician who served as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, and is a former Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena (UBT).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.
• Julie Smith on NATO, Trust, and the Importance of Public Service 23.03.2026 50min

  Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julie Smith joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the alliance’s future at a moment of deep uncertainty. From a growing transatlantic trust deficit to Europe’s push for greater security autonomy, she explores what lies ahead for NATO. Julie reflects on her experience navigating the alliance during the war in Ukraine, what it means to be a woman in the security field, and the importance of keeping faith in public service.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.
• Arancha González on Agency, Activism, and Empowerment 09.03.2026 37min

  What does it take for Europe to stay open, democratic, and competitive in a world driven by power? Arancha González joins Power and Purpose for a hopeful conversation about Europe’s resilience. Together with Amanda Sloat and Nathalie Tocci, she explores why Europeans should focus on wellbeing as much as GDP, how to respond to Trump without projecting weakness, and why activism must override optimism or pessimism in politics.Arancha González is the third Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) at Sciences Po and the first woman to lead the world's third school for Politics and International Studies. Prior to joining PSIA, Ms. González served as Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (2020-2021).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.
• Oleksandra Matviichuk on Justice, Dignity, and the Power of Ordinary People 23.02.2026 39min

  What does justice look like in the midst of war? On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the realities facing Ukraine today - from a cold winter and fragile ceasefire talks to the systematic documentation of war crimes. She explores why dignity - not victimhood - must shape the future of her country's democracy and the power of ordinary people in extraordinary times.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.
• Hiba Husseini on Staying the Course in the Pursuit of Peace 09.02.2026 33min

  Peace is rarely linear and often pursued under the most difficult conditions. Drawing on decades of legal and negotiating experience, Palestinian lawyer Hiba Husseini sits down with Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the current realities in the Middle East, the limits of diplomatic processes, and the importance of legal frameworks in moments of crisis. She highlights the importance of hope and explains why walking away has never been an option.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.
• Laura Chinchilla on Leading with Passion, Empathy, and Integrity 29.01.2026 41min

  As democratic norms feel increasingly fragile, Laura Chinchilla argues that political leadership can still be a force for good. The former president of Costa Rica speaks to Amanda and Nathalie about recent events in Venezuela while offering a hopeful lens on the broader multilateral system. She reflects on the pride and challenges of being Costa Rica’s first woman president, the importance of holding the line against disinformation, and why public service can still be a source of purpose and integrity.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.
• Naomi Chazan on Democracy, Division, and the Work That Never Ends 12.01.2026 33min

  What does it take to sustain democracy in times of crisis? Naomi Chazan joins Amanda and Nathalie to remind us that democratic systems, like gardens, must be constantly tended. From Israel’s internal divisions to the global erosion of democratic norms, she explores the role of civil society, women’s leadership, and the never-ending work of keeping democracy alive.Naomi Chazan is Professor Emerita of Political Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and senior research fellow at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute.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.
• Rory Stewart on Curiosity, Courage, and Conviction 15.12.2025 48min

  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.
• Sylvie Goulard on Success, Failure, and Resilience 01.12.2025 35min

  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.Sylvie Goulard is the former Deputy Governor of the Banque de France and French Minister of the Armed Forces.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.
• Sigrid Kaag on Straddling Divides and Withstanding Political Violence 17.11.2025 42min

  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.
• Bridget Brink on Leading in a War Zone & the Importance of Diplomacy 03.11.2025 38min

  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.
• Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Belarus, Ukraine, and the Cost of Freedom 20.10.2025 41min

  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 on How to Fix Multilateralism 06.10.2025 43min

  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.
• Wendy Sherman on Hard Conversations in Hard Places 22.09.2025 43min

  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.