Interviews & Podcasts

Serenity in Leadership

Scilla Elworthy’s views and wisdom on leadership.

Through years of meeting and working with prominent figures around the world, Scilla has learnt a great deal about leadership. Thom Dennis and Jessica Ball, had the privilege of interviewing Scilla on our Serenity in Leadership podcast. Here we share the key points she raised on the attributes of great leaders.

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership 

This year International Women’s Day recognises the contribution of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge to build a more sustainable future for all. In this blog, CISL fellow Zoe Arden celebrates the breadth, depth and diversity of the women in CISL’s ecosystem.

Inner Peace Podcast

Scilla Elworthy is a three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of Peace Direct, which supports local action against conflict. She helped set up The Elders initiative as an adviser to Sir Richard Branson, Peter Gabriel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Scilla is a long-term friend of Inner Peace Network and true advocate for helping people live a non-violent life.

40 for Tea
Interview by: Rach Allan

3 times Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Scilla Elworthy has tea with Rach to talk practical ways to influence peace for us all.   How we can affect and overcome conflict in the the world, in communities, relationships and within.  We hear of the Mighty Heart in Action, her new book guiding practical action that can transform lives & leadership everywhere.

Change your pension investment, the magic 4 words to resolve conflict anywhere, the power of listening and finding your purpose.  The Elders, Desmond Tutu & Nelson Mandela and how to find a haven of peace and tap into your inner power.

Not to be missed, go grab a cuppa!

Inner Peace Network
First Published: May 2021

In this recording for the Inner Peace Network 2021, Scilla Elworthy shares a heart-warming secret that helps you awaken to a peaceful state of mind.  It has something to do with what’s beating in your chest right now…

Dream Awake with a Mighty Heart
When we tap into the compassionate nature of the heart, we learn how to resolve conflicts within ourselves and our surroundings.

Scilla Elworthy teaches you how to grow a Mighty Heart, through several ways of healing, by connecting our skills with our passions, and by opening up our hearts to each other and the world.

With the power of the Mighty Heart we can wake ourselves up, we can become present, and we can create space to Dream Awake. Click on the link below to watch a 12 min session that Scilla recorded especially for participants to get ready for the Inner Peace Conference 2021.

For more information about the Mighty Heart courses, go to the Mighty Heart website.

A World from Scratch
Interviewed by: Tamar Guttmann
First Broadcast: December 2020

Scilla Elworthy was a guest in the podcast ‘A World From Scratch‘, in which every episode Tamar Guttmann invites her speaker to imagine the system of their field from scratch.

In Building Peace From Scratch, Tamar and Scilla talk about what upholds the system of war and violence, how global peace is attainable in our lifetimes, and which personal skills are critical to helping build a peaceful world – from active listening, to working with our anger, our inner critic, and our shadow.

eShe Magazine
Interviewed by: Aekta Kapoor
First Published: January 2021

On Dr Scilla Elworthy’s work desk at her home in Oxford, UK, there stands a framed photo of Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion, or the Chinese adaptation of the Sanskrit Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, who embodies the compassion of all the Buddhas.

As a goddess, Guan Yin is the pinnacle of mercy, kindness and love, and as a Bodhisattva, she represents one who has earned moksha (release from the cycles of birth and death) and is destined to become a Buddha, but has forgone the bliss of nirvana and instead takes birth time and again with a vow to lead all the rest of humanity to the Truth.

Click on the link to read the full article.

Peace Podcast
Interviewed by: Barbara Gaughen-Muller
First Published: September 2020

Dr. Scilla Elworthy is a model of the new leadership, inspiring us to imagine a different, kinder world and the ways to bring it into being through informed, dynamic action.

How do we go from competition to cooperation in stressful situations and what are the benefits? She challenges us to pay attention and asks, “ What will it take for us to wake up to the fact that we’re now in a global situation, demanding the most urgent action? Scilla suggests that drawing on the feminine in all of us is vital to a world in which peace, equity, and justice can prevail.

She models the lessons in her book, Pioneering The Possible, Awakened Leadership for a World that Works. This book and podcast are a must for those who want to be part of the solution to our most pressing problems today.

Radio Evolve
Interviewed by: Thomas Steininger
First Broadcast: September 2020

Conflict resolution may be one of the most pressing challenges that we face. How do we bridge deep divides? How do we bring together competing interests? Scilla Elworthy points to one, perhaps surprising, element that has the capacity to transform conflict. She calls it the mighty heart. What she means is very practical and down to earth. In her new book and online course, she describes what she has learned in decades of deep engagement with some of the most intense conflicts on our shared planet.

In this week’s Radio evolve, Thomas Steininger speaks with Scilla Elworthy about ‘courageous conversations,’ anger as a fuel for transformation, and the role of inner Presence in the face of raging conflict.

Bridging Foundations for a Liveable Future
Interviewed by: Sebastián Gaggero
First Published: July 2020

We are happy to share with you this Insightful Conversation between Professor Muhammad Yunus and Scilla Elworthy, hosted by Sebastián Gaggero, co-founder of Liveable Future. Bridging Foundations for a LiveAble Future is a worldwide campaign of inspiring conversations bringing together the greatest thinkers of humanity to inspire a different future.

Inside Influence Podcast
Inteviewed by: Julie Masters
First Published: May 2020

NEW EPISODE: How do you deal with a bully without becoming a thug? Is there a centered, calm and fiercely powerful way to meet aggression – without resorting to force? These are questions I have carried with me, and tried to explore, for years. And although it has become easier with age, I still wish there were a roadmap. One I could have accessed far earlier in my life and career.

Today’s #insideinfluencepodcast conversation answers that wish. Dr Scilla Elworthy.  We talk about self intervention. Why nonviolent communication starts with self-enquiry. How to take a stand clearly, calmly and powerfully – without losing your nerve. And why cultivating certainty as a leader – rather than confidence – is more important now than ever before. Tune in at the usual podcast places #itunes #spotify

Happiness
Interviewed by: Duncan CJ
First Broadcast: August 2020

In this interview Scilla discusses how important it is to talk with your enemies if you want peace; and not only your external enemies, but the enemies inside you too – your inner critic.  By doing inner work you can become far more effective in the world and be more fully present at the time of conflict and unhindered by your own fears.  She also discusses the importance of involving women in peace keeping agreements because they bring the human issues of war to the table and unless these issues are dealt with in the peace agreement the cycle of war will continue.  Listen to the full podcast by clicking the link below.

CMRubinWorld
The Global Search for Education: Creating a World Without Violence
Interviewed by: Cathy Rubin
First published: January 2020

How can we give people the skills they need to prevent conflicts from escalating and teach them that collaboration works best? We cannot hope for sustainable development without peace. How can learning institutions create effective education models aimed at significantly reducing all forms of violence?

In this interview Scilla answers questions about where she thinks the youth-driven movements will take the world in the next few years and if she believes world peace is a realistic goal or does she think war will always be a part of our world in one form or another.

Reconsidering leadership: unlearning and yielding for a more equitable emerging future.
Humanity Rising Day 47, Ubiquity University
Facilitated by: Jim Garrison
First published: July 2020

Many of us are questioning basic assumptions of how we relate to one another and the natural world. As we strive to address complex problems in our communities, nations and globally, how can we show up as more open and self-aware leaders that better recognise the lived experiences of others and builds bridges for a more peaceful and regenerative future?

Scilla was involved in a 2 hour conversation on leadership and the future with a panel of speakers including Paul Polman (Imagine), Henri van Eeghen (Synergos), Susan Davis (author, adjunct professor), Mark Gerzon (Mediators Foundation) and  Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin (King’s College London).

Conscious Media Movement
Inner Peace World Peace
Interviewed by: Sylvia Binsfeld
First Published: July 2020

This a time of great change. 9 influential speakers of various spiritual backgrounds share incredible insights, showing us how to use this time to make changes of our own that will greatly improve the quality of our personal lives, as well as that of the planet.

Scilla discusses why the path of spiritual awareness so vital right now. To listen to the interview please click on the link below.

The Last Word with Scilla Elworthy and Sheva Carr
Interviewed by: Carly Newfeld
First aired: February 2020

Sheva Carr, founder of the HeartMath’s HeartMastery Program and Dr Scilla Elworthy were interviewed by Carly Newfeld live on Santa Fe Public Radio in February.  They answered questions such as: How do you build a world without war? How do you incorporate love into your peacebuilding?and How do you blend peace and love?

Listen to the broadcast by clicking the link below.

Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat
Dr. Scilla Elworthy on the Way to World Peace
Interviewed by: Mo Gawdat
First Published: May 2020

“In this deeply personal episode, I speak with my friend and tireless force for good, Dr. Scilla Elworthy. Scilla is nothing short of inspiring, and to listen to her discuss her work and life story is to hear a clear example of a human being who found and is living their purpose. I say it multiple times in our discussion, but the world needs more Scillas, more people saying “peace is possible.”

Click on the link below to listen to the full podcast.

Spiritual Wildfire Summit
Interviewed by: Joan D’Argo
First Published: February 2020

The Spiritual Wildfire Summit, held from 2-7 February 2020,  offers inspirational healing and practical tools to help each one of us create the world our heart longs for.  Dr Scilla Elworthy was one of 24 amazing wisdom keepers, paradigm shifters, and visionaries who gave inspirational talks online at the Summit.  Listen to her interview “Its Time to Awaken Our Fierce Feminine Intelligence” by clicking the link below.

Shape Your Day – The World Beyond COVID-19
Interviewed by Fritz Lensch
First Published: March 2020

Fritz Lensch, a Facilitator, Leadership Advisor and Peacebuilder, spoke with Dr. Scilla Elworthy about her vision for the world after Coronavirus and what we can all do today to realise it.

In the podcast they chat about:

• What Scilla is currently doing with her time and how you can use yours effectively;
• How to calm your mind and heart and cope with the news;
• Practical advice for what to practise today to shape tomorrow.

Dr Julie Show
Interviewed by Dr Julie Krull
First Broadcast: March 2020

Many people feel powerless in the face of what they see on TV or read in the news – a world in crisis, with wars and violence taking place across the globe. Do you want to step out of the helplessness and apply your personal skills to do something meaningful about the challenges now facing us? Humanity now has the experience, knowledge and tools to prevent and resolve conflict. Scilla Elworthy offers the Business Plan for Peace, an ambitious, long-term solution that challenge the status quo.

Daily Good: News That Inspires
Interviewed by Aryae Coopersmith, Awakin Call Editors
First Published: February 2019

Dr. Scilla Elworthy was interviewed by Aryae Coppersmith from Awakin Call to discuss her latest book, “The Business Plan for Peace: Building a World without War.” In it, she points out that while 1,686 billion dollars is spent on militarization every year, it would only cost two billion dollars to put into action methodologies that are known to work to prevent war and armed conflict worldwide. Go to the Daily Good website to see the edited transcript or listen to the full recording here.

Byline Times
Author: Dr Scilla Elworthy & Dr Esra Oszuer
First Published: December 2019

Scilla visited Greece and Turkey in November 2019 where she observed some remarkable work with Syrian refugees, both with the Refugee Trauma Initiative in Thessaloniki, and the Maya Vakfi Foundation work in many schools in and around Istanbul.

The children’s life is harrowing – having done nothing wrong, they’ve been bombed, chased out of the ruins of their homes, marched from one desolate camp to another worse, abused and terrified.

Humans cannot live like this.

We in UK, whose government were complicit in what happened, seem to have no idea what’s going on.

Read the full article by clicking the link below.

One Young World
Interviewed by Marisa Drew
First Published: November 2019

Scilla Elworthy gave an inspiring talk to the One Young World Ambassadors gathered in Westminster, London on 25 October.  Here she shares her tips for effective and connected leadership in the wake of the One Young World 2019 Summit.

Awakin Calls
Interviewed by Pavi Mehta
First Published: August 2018

Scilla enjoyed an interview with Pavi Mehta from Awakin Calls where she answered questions about what makes her come alive, pivotal turning points in her life, acts of kindness and bucket lists. Click on the link below to read and listen to the interview.

The Ahimsa Project
Interviewed by Red Elephant
First Published: June 2019

An interview conducted by Red Elephant that looks at what inspired Scilla to get into peace work, what inspired the peace model outlined in The Business Plan for Peace, and what backlash Scilla has received from the work she does.

Byline Times
Interviewed by Stephen Colegrave
First Published: June 2019

Scilla was interviewed by Stephen Colegrave ahead of the July 2019 BY-LINE Festival.  The article captures the essence of decades of work on peace-building and outlines the key strategies put forward in The Business Plan for Peace.  It also highlights the importance of utilising the power of women in conflict prevention and the creation of peace.

The Moon Magazine
Interviewed by Leslee Goodman
First Published: May 2019

Scilla was the featured interview of the month, for the May 2019 edition of Moon Magazine.  She was interviewed by Leslee Goodman who asked pertinent questions around how gender influences the type of power we see prevalent in the world today, as well as discussing what Scilla describes as “inner power” – a power that has integrity and is immune from corruption.

Femme-Summit, Chile
First Published: June 2018

Scilla spoke about the tools for peace and conflict mediation at the Femme Summit in Majadas de Pirque, Chile in January 2018.  She was also interviewed with questions such as “What’s the most important conversation you’ve ever had?” and “How important is your ability to collaborate?”  Click below link to hear the short interview.

Global Ecovillage Network
Interviewed by Robin Alfred
First Published: February 2019

Robin Alfred from the Global Ecovillage Network did a lively interview with Scilla for the “Power of Community Summit” to help raise collective consciousness in a climate-changing world.

The whole Summit took place from February 1-10, 2019 and there were amazing speakers in three conversations per day shared live and discussed worldwide on multiple platforms.

Voices of Meltingpot: Scilla Elworthy
First Published: January 2018

Whilst in the Czech Republic during the summer 2018, Scilla was interviewed by the brilliant people who organised the MELTINGPOT Festival in Ostrava.  In this interview Scilla explains the essence of Business Plan for Peace in 4 minutes.

The Interdependent: Quantum Creatives
Interview with Jenny Elissen
First Published: November 2018

Worldwide FM
First Broadcast: 21 September 2018

Felix Buxton is a composer, music producer and a member of Grammy and Brit Award winning dance act Basement Jaxx.

Felix celebrates International Peace Day with guests including actress Juliet Rylance, Peace Builder Dr Scilla Elworthy and a live phone-in from Ahmad Fawzi, former Communication Adviser and Chief Spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Refugees.

Virgin Unite
Interview with Madeleine Lewis
First Published: October 2014

Scilla chats to Virgin Unite about peace, possibility and power. And what happened when Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel called her up… Read the full interview with Virgin Unite here.

Deutsche Welle
First Published: June 2015

In her book “Pioneering the Possible,” Scilla Elworthy seeks to empower readers to be agents of change. Elworthy, a keynote speaker at the Global Media Forum, talks to Deutsche Welle about consciousness, inner power and values.

Iran Review
Interview with Kourosh Ziabari
First Published: July 2015

“On the final day of the Global Media Forum 2015 and while I had only a couple of hours to pack my luggage and depart from Bonn to Frankfurt and catch my return flight to Tehran, I got the chance to talk to a leading British peace-worker and women rights activist for a 15-minute interview for Iran Review.” Read the full interview here.

International Public Policy Review
First Published: January 2016

After her lecture at UCL in December 2015, Scilla made time for an interview with International Public Policy Review.  Scilla and Alex spoke about social entrepreneurship, the power of social media and the relevance of autheticity and real stories to be heard. Read the full interview here.

Paula Magazine, Chile
First Published: December 2017

Kindsight 101: What Nuclear Weapons Negotiations Taught Dr. Scilla Elworthy about Bullying in Schools
Interview with Morgane Michael
First Published: October 2018

Laura Storm Podcast: Cracks of Light – Leadership for a Thriving World

Is peace really possible? Is there a business plan for peace? How can we all help reduce conflict in our workplace, community, home and even inside ourselves? What is the role of our ego in conflict-situations and arguments? How can I find my true path in life and reconnect with my own inner guidance system? These are some of the questions we will answer in Episode 5 with three-times Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Dr. Scilla Elworthy.

The Peace Building Postcast Ep. 031
Interview by Susan Coleman
Published: June 2018

“Voices of Faith” in the Vatican, Rome
Filmed: March 2017

Dr Scilla Elworthy, Founder of Peace Direct and Rising Women, Rising World, speaks about the challenges faced by humanity and the importance of fostering feminine intelligence to bring peace to the world.

WorldsApaRT
Filmed: October 2017

An old Latin adage goes that if you want peace, prepare for war. Deterring or countering aggression through the use of force is part of human instinct, the one that, when indulged righteously, often leads to barbaric waste of humanity. What will it take for the world to adopt the prepare-for-peace instead of prepare-for-war approach? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Scilla Elworthy, Founder of the Oxford Research Group.

University of Oxford
Recorded: September 2015

Global Social Change Summit 2017 – the comprehensive practical guide for women citizens in 2017.
Filmed: February 2017

The – Go – To – Place for Societal Change 2017. Compilation of expertise, ideas and practical know how on how to move from Inner Purpose-to Outer Impact-to Social Change.  Leading experts and change makers from the area of human evolution, consciousness and societal transformation.

Talkworks Films
Filmed: May 2010

Leading experts and policymakers talk about the global effort to free the world of nuclear threats in the 21st century.  Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in conversation with Niwano Peace Prize laureate Dr Scilla Elworthy about nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament and trust.

Conscious TV: Interview with Iain McNay
Scilla Elworthy: My Life – Transformation Through Listening
Filmed: March 2013

The Shift Network Production: Bridging the Personal and the Political
Interview with Andrew Harvey
Filmed: March 2015

Peace as the Business of the Future
First Published: 21 June 2018

Sawssan Abou-Zahr is a Lebanese journalist, editor and consultant. Sawssan is Peace Direct’s Local Peacebuilding Expert in Lebanon.  Below is a link to a blog she has written on The Business Plan for Peace – Building a World Without War.

With Felix Buxton (Basement Jaxx) with Jeremy Gilley, Dr. Scilla Elworthy, Rainer Nolvak and Arrey Obenson
First broadcast: 22 March 2018