Mid-Series Roundup: Navigating Hostile Environments
Have you ever played a game where the rules were never explained?
Where every time you thought you were getting the hang of it, either the goalposts would move, or the field itself might appear tilted, or you might just find the referee rooting for the opposition?
Unreal as it sounds, this mirrors the lived experience of countless women leading amidst resistance and systemic challenges. This is the heart of Navigating Hostile Environments, a podcast series of the Women Emerging Podcast.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other streaming platforms, this series explores the realities faced by women navigating unwelcoming and challenging environments spanning diverse professions, countries, and perspectives. From courtrooms in Pakistan to medical emergencies in Africa, these stories are diverse yet powerfully interconnected.
As we reach the halfway mark, here’s a look back at the incredible guests and the wisdom they’ve shared so far and a glimpse at what’s still to come.
Laughing in the Face of Hostility
Aaminah Qadir, a human rights lawyer in Pakistan, works in courtrooms where hostility feels institutionalised. In the episode Laughing in the Face of Hostility, she shares how she frequently encounters patronising remarks, often dismissed as “baby” (a child) or questioned for her foreign education. Despite this, Aaminah’s response is disarming, she meets hostility with laughter. “I’ve learned to laugh it off. It works for me, even if it doesn’t for them,” Aaminah shared.
Her humour doesn’t dilute her determination; instead, it strengthens her resolve. Through her organisation, She-her Pakistan, Aaminah advocates for gender-sensitive legal reforms and supports marginalised communities. Her story reminds us that even in the most challenging environments, self-worth can be preserved, and systemic change can be forged.
Women Up and Build a Bridge Over Glass Cliffs
Autumn Phillips, an editor in high-pressure British newsrooms, has faced the infamous “glass cliff” in her career. She describes being handed leadership roles in failing organisations but choosing to build a bridge rather than fall. “The glass cliff is real. But if they’re going to put me on it, I’m going to build a bridge instead of falling off,” Autumn reflected.
Rejecting the "man up" culture, she embraced authenticity, leading with empathy while fostering open communication and clear expectations within her teams. “I stopped trying to be someone I wasn’t. That’s when everything changed,” she noted. Autumn’s leadership style proves that authenticity and empathy are not just idealistic values but transformative strategies.
Jill Heinerth, a Canadian cave diver, ventures into literal hostile environments which are dark, silent spaces where mistakes can be fatal. Jill shares how fear, ever-present in her profession, has become her guide rather than her enemy. “Fear sharpens my focus. It’s not my enemy; it’s my guide,” Jill explained.
Beyond the physical risks, Jill emphasises open communication within her team—valuing every voice. Her story illustrates the power of collaboration and trust in high-stakes situations. She challenges us to rethink fear as a force that can be respected and harnessed.
Jamie Mittelman, founder of Flame Bearers, highlights the scarcity mindset in sports media in the fourth episode. She discusses the limited opportunities and recognition for women in the industry but refuses to let hostility define her narrative. “Don’t let hostility define you. Lead with empathy, and people will gravitate towards you,” Jamie advised.
Drawing inspiration from leaders like Becky Sauerbrunn, the former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Jamie’s work exemplifies the power of collaboration over competition and the belief that everyone can thrive.
Find a Way Out of the Traps of Power
Few environments are as inherently hostile as politics. Katrien Van Den Broeck, a Belgian leader and author, speaks candidly about the traps of isolation and perfectionism often faced by women in politics. She explains how physical barriers like security measures and relentless schedules can cut leaders off from the world, but self-imposed isolation can be equally damaging. “Isolation is a trap. Staying connected to the real world keeps you grounded,” Katrien shared.
Her solution? Build personal networks, seek trusted advisers, and let go of perfectionism. Katrien’s perspective underscores that leadership is as much about connection as it is about strategy.
Reframing Leading in Hostile Environments
These lived experiences span courtrooms, newsrooms, caves, and political halls, but their lessons resonate universally. We’ve all faced resistance and hostility in some form. These women teach us that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about transforming. It’s about standing firm in who you are and reshaping the spaces around you.
And the series isn’t over yet! Here’s a sneak peek at the next three episodes releasing on Wednesday each week.
Susana Lopez is a private equity professional with nearly 20 years of experience in fund formation, fundraising, and investments in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Passionate about combating climate change, she has led efforts to mobilise private capital at scale for sustainable projects, particularly across Latin America, focussing on innovative blended finance and impact-driven solutions.
Nora Madjar, an Associate Dean specialising in creativity and negotiation, explores in Navigating Hostile Environments in Higher Education how collaboration, creativity, and empathy can redefine success for women leaders facing resistance and criticism.
Dr. Mounia Amrani recounts her journey in Navigating Hostile Environments in Medical Emergencies. Operating in war zones and humanitarian crises, she highlights how compassion and humanity transform leadership amidst chaos.
Follow Women Emerging on social media and let’s continue the conversation about how we can reframe leading in hostile environments.