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Power & Purpose explores the human side of global leadership. Hosted by Amanda Sloat and Nathalie Tocci – former advisors to the US President and EU High Representative turned professors – this podcast features candid conversations with senior government officials, offering an inside look at how power, values, and purpose intersect in public life. These conversations go beyond the headlines to offer a personal window into leadership at the highest levels. Guests reflect on pivotal moments, difficult decisions, and lessons learned when the stakes were high. They speak openly about their proudest achievements and missed opportunities, how they managed pressure, and what it takes to lead through complexity and uncertainty. Drawing on their own experience in government and academia on both sides of the Atlantic, Amanda and Nathalie bring insider perspectives to conversations that are as personal as they are political. You'll hear the stories that don't make it into official briefings. Whether you're deeply engaged in foreign policy or simply curious about how leaders navigate impossible choices, these conversations reveal what leadership actually looks and feels like. In an era of political cynicism, Power & Purpose offers something rare: honest reflections from people who have chosen to serve and proof that purpose-driven leadership is still possible. Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in International Relations in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Most recently, she served as Special Assistant to President Biden and Senior Director for Europe in the National Security Council. She also worked in the State Department and House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Political Theory from James Madison College at Michigan State University.Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. She is also Director of the Instituto Affari Internazionali. She previously served as Special Advisor to EU High Representatives Federica Mogherini and Josep Borrell. She has a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Oxford.

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Check latest episodes from Power & Purpose podcast

Noeleen Heyzer on Harnessing the Power of Multilateralism

2026/09/28

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.

Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard on Taking Technology Seriously

2026/09/14

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.

Franziska Brantner on Building a Greener, Stronger Europe

2026/08/31

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.

Season One Wrap-Up: What Have We Learned?

2026/07/27

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.

Frans Timmermans on Europe's Climate Leadership and Energy Future

2026/07/13

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.

Kersti Kaljulaid on Estonia's Lessons on Hybrid Threats and Democratic Resilience

2026/06/29

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

2026/06/15

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

2026/06/01

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

2026/05/18

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

2026/05/05

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

2026/04/20

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

2026/04/06

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

2026/03/23

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

2026/03/09

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

2026/02/23

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.