In this episode of the Women Emerging Podcast, Julia Middleton sits down with Ema to look back at a leading journey that began when she was just 12 years old. Together, they explore what Ema now knows about leading across generations, staying true to herself and beginning before she felt entirely ready.

Ema reflects on what it was like to lead adults while still being seen as a child. She shares how she once believed that being respected meant appearing older and more experienced, before recognising that her creativity, passion and willingness to see things differently were not weaknesses she needed to outgrow. They were an important part of what she brought to leading.

The conversation also explores what the ocean has taught Ema: how to remain calm through storms, respond to forces beyond her control and look beneath the surface to recognise what may be hidden within other people. She and Julia discuss why leading sometimes asks us to move beyond shyness, build connections and create spaces where people of different ages and experiences can contribute to a shared purpose.

This is a conversation about cross-generational leading, self-doubt, finding your voice and resisting the pressure to become someone else before you begin. As Ema reminds her 12-year-old self, the timing will never be perfect and you may never feel completely ready. Sometimes, you simply have to throw yourself into it.