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.

Takeaways

1. Ethical leadership is crucial in today's global disorder.
2. AI can empower underrepresented communities.
3. Community engagement is essential for ethical moderation.
4. Social media platforms are evolving with new opportunities.
5. Creatives play a vital role in envisioning a better future.
6. We must prioritize human dignity and transparency in technology.
7. Resistance can take many forms, including creative expression.
8. We have agency in our use of social media platforms.
9. Supporting ethical leaders is necessary for positive change.
10. The future of technology depends on inclusive and ethical practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethical Leadership

05:53 Defining Ethical Leadership in Technology

12:07 AI as a Tool for Empowerment

18:10 Social Media: Opportunities and Challenges

24:01 Moderation and Community Engagement

30:11 The Role of Creatives in Ethical Leadership

34:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

This episode of 'So Now What' explores the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing, focusing on the importance of quality of life, the role of technology and AI in elderly care, and the lessons learned from the elderly. The conversation features insights from Gates Cambridge scholars who are working on innovative solutions to improve the lives of older adults, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to ageing that includes medical, social, and emotional support.

Takeaways

• For the first time in history, there are more grandparents than grandchildren.
• Quality of life is more important than just living longer.
• Assistive technology can help elderly people live fuller lives.
• AI has the potential to enhance elderly care and support.
• Lifelong learning is essential for older adults to adapt to changing job markets.
• There is a significant inequality in dementia diagnosis and treatment globally.
• Technology should be designed with accessibility in mind for all ages.
• Elderly wisdom can guide younger generations in personal and professional life.
• Education can reduce inequality and improve career prospects for older adults.
• Aging should be approached with a holistic view, considering emotional and social aspects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ageing and Its Challenges

09:46 Quality of Life in Ageing

20:10 The Role of Technology in Aging

30:09 AI and Its Impact on Elderly Care

38:11 Lessons from the Elderly and Closing Thoughts

This episode of 'So Now What' explores the multifaceted challenges of gender equality, focusing on personal stories, the impact of climate change, and the implications of technology on women's rights. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for reproductive freedom, the importance of storytelling, and the need for proactive engagement from men in the fight for gender equality. The guests share their insights on the current backlash against women's rights and the necessity of protecting spaces for dialogue and dissent.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gender Equality Challenges

04:08 Personal Stories and Experiences

08:07 The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn

12:18 Climate Change and Early Marriage

16:43 Backlash Against Gender Equality

19:59 Engaging Men in Gender Equality

24:13 The Role of Technology in Gender Issues

28:55 Understanding the Danger for Women and Girls

34:06 Confronting and Comforting in Conversations

37:18 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Julie Pham, Chris Tooley, and Robin Scott to explore the nuances of leadership in turbulent times. The conversation delves into the importance of moral leadership, the opportunities presented by crises like COVID-19, and the significance of self-leadership and community building. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to lead effectively, emphasising curiosity, respect, and the power of local action.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about bringing people with you, not telling them what to do.
• Curiosity can transform workplace dynamics and leadership styles.
• Crisis often creates opportunities for innovation and transformation.
• Moral leadership is crucial in times of flux and uncertainty.
• Local leadership is essential for meaningful change.
• Self-leadership involves being open to learning from others.
• Community building can counteract polarization and division.
• Radical honesty in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Cultural forms of leadership can have transformative potential.
• Leadership should be shaped by lived experience and engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Turbulent Times

09:50 The Role of Moral Leadership

20:05 Crisis as Opportunity: Leadership During COVID-19

30:09 Self-Leadership and Community Building

In this episode of So, Now What host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Paulo Savaget Nascimento, Sandile Mtetwa, and Uche Ogechukwu to explore innovative business models that address wicked problems such as energy poverty and community empowerment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unconventional approaches, allyship, co-creation, and interdisciplinary thinking in fostering sustainable solutions for the common good. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to leverage existing resources, engage marginalized communities, and promote inclusivity in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• We are living in complex times with pressing problems.
• Innovative approaches can address energy poverty effectively.
• Allyship involves co-creating solutions with communities.
• Workarounds can provide unconventional solutions to challenges.
• Inclusivity is crucial in energy solutions for marginalized groups.
• Interdisciplinary thinking enhances social enterprise effectiveness.
• Diversity and adaptation are essential for tackling wicked problems.
• Community ownership leads to sustainable outcomes.
• Starting small and scrappy can lead to significant impact.
• Humanizing innovation is key to successful implementation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and New Business Models

05:00 Innovative Approaches to Energy and Community Empowerment

09:56 The Role of Allyship and Co-Creation in Sustainable Solutions

14:54 Workarounds: Unconventional Solutions to Complex Problems

19:54 The Importance of Inclusivity in Energy Solutions

24:59 Interdisciplinary Thinking and Its Impact on Social Enterprise

29:51 So, Now What: Scaling for the Common Good

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Luis Welbanks, Rebecca Charbonneau, and Yinuo Han to discuss the current state of astronomy, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the implications of commercial interests in space exploration. The conversation explores themes of hope and concern in the scientific community, the importance of historical context in understanding current challenges, and the role of narratives in shaping public perception of science. The scholars share their insights on the future of astronomy and the need for collaboration in addressing the wicked problems facing humanity.

takeaways

• Space exploration is entering a new era with significant discoveries.
• Hope and concern coexist in the current state of science.
• The search for extraterrestrial life is more promising than ever.
• Historical context can inform our understanding of current challenges.
• Astronomy has a social role in shaping public discourse.
• Commercial interests in space raise questions about future conflicts.
• Public narratives about science influence funding and support.
• Collaboration is essential for success in space exploration.
• The emotional journey of scientists is part of the discovery process.
• Engaging with science is crucial for future generations.

Chapters

00:00

Exploring the Cosmos: A New Era of Discovery

04:16

Hope and Concerns in Astronomy

10:46

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

11:45

Lessons from the Past: The Space Race

14:29

The Importance of Astronomy in Society

18:57

The Role of Narratives in Science

24:34

Commercial Interests and Space Warfare

28:06

Future Aspirations in Astronomy

30:47

A Call to Action: Engaging with Science

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars to discuss the pressing issues surrounding biodiversity and conservation. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, the challenges posed by climate change, and the innovative solutions being implemented to promote sustainability. The guests share their experiences and insights on policy-making, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining optimism in the face of overwhelming environmental challenges. They emphasize the need for evidence-based strategies and practical steps that individuals can take to contribute to conservation efforts.

takeaways

· Biodiversity loss is a critical issue that affects all life on Earth.

· The 30 by 30 initiative aims to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030.

· Innovative solutions are needed to balance economic development and conservation.

· Community engagement is essential for effective conservation strategies.

· Monitoring and research are crucial for understanding biodiversity and its challenges.

· Optimism and collaboration among diverse stakeholders can drive positive change.

· Trade-offs in conservation require careful consideration of ecological and social factors.

· Conscious consumerism can significantly impact biodiversity preservation.

· Small actions, like creating space for nature in our gardens, can lead to larger ecological benefits.

· Evidence-based approaches are necessary for effective conservation policies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

03:53 Innovative Solutions for Biodiversity

10:03 The Role of Policy and Research in Conservation

18:47 Maintaining Optimism in Conservation Efforts

30:00 Making Trade-offs in Conservation

35:27 Practical Steps for Immediate Impact

In this episode of 'So Now What', host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Jakub Szomalec, Raggenhilde Fregdaler, and Jansu Karabiak to explore how creative methods can address wicked problems in society. The conversation delves into the importance of arts in academia, the role of entertainment in cultural activism, and the power of personal stories in engaging audiences. The guests share their unique experiences and insights on how to effectively communicate complex issues in an increasingly noisy world, emphasizing the need for emotional connection and community engagement.

Takeaways

Creative methods can effectively address wicked problems.

Arts and academia should be funded for their impact.

Comedy can relay serious messages in engaging ways.

Stories are essential for activating empathy.

Entertainment can serve as a platform for activism.

Immersive experiences can change audience perceptions.

Adapting messaging is crucial for short attention spans.

Understanding technology is a parental responsibility.

Engaging with diverse communities enriches perspectives.

Real conversations foster better understanding and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and Creative Solutions

05:25 The Role of Arts in Academia

10:05 Entertainment as a Tool for Cultural Activism

13:30 Personal Stories and Vulnerability in Creative Work

18:38 Engaging Audiences Through Immersive Experiences

22:25 Adapting Messaging for Short Attention Spans

28:13 The Responsibility of Understanding Technology

32:23 Takeaways for Action and Engagement

Cansu Karabiyik received her PhD in medical science in 2021. Since then she has spent her days as a neuroscientist developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and her evenings as a standup comedian performing in clubs in New York City.

Jakub Szamalek award winning novelist and video game writer, who co-created international bestsellers such as "The Witcher 3" and "Cyberpunk 2077", currently Narrative Director at Rebel Wolves, a game development studio he co-founded. Doctor of classical archaeology educated at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and a Cambridge Gates Scholar. His most recent book, "Inner Space", will come out in English in July 2025.

Ragnhild Freng Dale is a social anthropologist and senior researcher at the Western Norway Research Institute. Her research interests include energy imaginaries, justice in climate transitions and impacts of energy infrastructure on local and indigenous communities. She thrives working on projects that are multimodal and experimental, especially in collaboration with the performing arts field.