Annie Lööf entered Swedish politics young. At 23 she was elected to parliament, and at 28 she became the youngest party leader in modern Swedish history when she took over the Centre Party. Over more than a decade in leadership, she helped reposition the party, navigated coalition negotiations in a fragmented political landscape, and became known for her firm defense of liberal democracy.

In this episode, host Lisa Witter speaks with Annie about how she first got involved in politics—starting with a small youth association in her hometown—and how experiences from sports, community life, and local organizing shaped her leadership style. They discuss the role political parties play in democratic systems, why joining a party is still one of the most direct ways to influence legislation, and what it takes to lead in an era of polarization.

Annie also reflects on the realities of public service: the long hours, the responsibility of representing voters, and the personal pressures that come with political life. After more than ten years as party leader, she chose to step away from elected office following a period marked by threats and security concerns. Looking back, she shares what she learned about leadership, resilience, and why democracy ultimately depends on citizens who choose to participate.

External resources:

• Political Leadership Impact Path

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Mu Sochua spent most of her life organizing for democracy in Cambodia, both inside and outside the country.

She served as a member of parliament and as minister for women’s and veterans affairs before leaving the government over corruption and later joining the political opposition. After her party was dissolved, she was banned from politics and sentenced to 47 years in prison. She now lives in exile in the United States.

In this episode, Mu talks about what it means to continue political work from outside her native Cambodia. As president of the Khmer Movement for Democracy, Mu has traveled around the world to meet with Cambodian communities across the diaspora, staying in people’s homes, organizing in kitchens, and helping communities build leadership and structure where they live. Her approach to political organizing is practical: listen first, identify local leaders, share resources, negotiate differences, and organize.

She also reflects on returning to Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge, working with women at the grassroots level, and the decision to leave government when staying no longer made sense. The conversation looks closely at power, exile, and what democracy requires when formal institutions are closed off.

At the center is a simple idea: exile does not mean stepping away from politics. It means finding another way to do it.

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In this episode, Lisa Witter is joined by Jo Swinson, former UK Member of Parliament and leader of the Liberal Democrats.

They explore Jo's journey into politics, beginning with her early interest in activism inspired by the Body Shop's commitment to social issues. Jo reflects on her experiences as the youngest MP and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated environment, particularly during her leadership amidst the Brexit turmoil.

The discussion delves into the complexities of power dynamics in politics, the importance of human connections, and the need for long-term thinking in governance. Jo emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the role of individuals in shaping a better political landscape, advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to leadership.

External resources:

1. Article: Hard Hope Is a Practice — Start with 1%
2. Book: Equal Power: And How You Can Make It Happen, by Jo Swinson

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website to stay up to date with our latest news. Subscribe to the Better (Political) Leadership Substack and sign up to our bi-weekly briefing for insights and inspiration on how to build better politics.