Power & Purpose

Can the United Nations remain relevant in a fractured world? As the UN gears up to appoint its next secretary general, which for the first time may be a woman, Noeleen Heyzer, Former Director of UNIFEM, joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the future of multilateralism, the importance of women’s leadership, and her efforts to transform international institutions from the ground up.

She also describes the difficult childhood experiences that shaped her commitment to solidarity, social justice, and the creation of a global sisterhood.

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.

Tech companies wield more power than many states in the world today. Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard explains why Denmark pioneered tech diplomacy and what governments can achieve by engaging directly with the industry. She also shares lessons from becoming Denmark’s youngest-ever ambassador, her move into the private sector, and the importance of following passion rather than a fixed career plan.

Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard is the Former Tech Ambassador of Denmark and is now the Chief Commercial Officer of Sparrow Quantum.

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.

How can Europe strengthen its security and defend its democratic values while sustaining the green transition?
Franziska Brantner, co-leader of Germany’s Alliance 90/The Greens, joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss Germany’s changing political landscape, Europe’s ruptured security order, and the challenges facing green politics.
She also reflects on the experiences that shaped her commitment to public service and shares lessons from her career, from helping to stop Nord Stream 2 to balancing politics and parenthood.

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.

As Power and Purpose wraps up its first season, hosts Amanda and Nathalie reflect on their most memorable conversations. From war and democracy to failure and resilience, they revisit the lessons shared by their guests, and the personal moments that revealed the people behind the politics. They also discuss what they've learned as hosts, what surprised them most, and why purpose remains the thread connecting every conversation.

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.

How can Europe pursue ambitious climate action while remaining competitive and secure? Frans Timmermans reflects on the origins of the EU's Green Deal and its quest to manage energy transition and security amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a transatlantic rupture, and the China challenge. Drawing on decades in diplomacy and politics, he shares lessons on the continued importance of negotiation, resilience, and principled leadership despite the pressures of public life. 

Frans Timmermans was Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal and European Commissioner for Climate Action.

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.