Smart Women, Smart Power

Episode: The Global Leadership Reset: AI, Allies, and a Transforming World

Host: Emily Harding (VP, Defense and Security, CSIS)
Guest: Michelle Hussain (Editor-at-Large, Bloomberg Weekend; Host, The Michelle Hussain Show)
Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with renowned journalist Michelle Hussain, known for her incisive interviews with global leaders. The discussion explores the current transformation in international affairs, shifts in global alliances, the rapid rise of AI, and the role of women in leadership and journalism. Michelle shares her approach to interviewing influential figures, her perspective on the instability of the world order, and the profound opportunities and dangers posed by artificial intelligence.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Turning the Tables: From Interviewer to Interviewee

• Michelle Hussain, usually the one asking questions, discusses her feelings about being on the other side of the microphone.
• Quote:
  • “Answering the questions is harder than asking them.” (Michelle Hussain, 00:58)

2. Career Arc and Approach to Interviewing

• Transition from covering international stories at BBC to domestic UK affairs and now back to the global stage with her Bloomberg podcast.
• Highlights her strategy: spending more time with guests, exploring their personal backgrounds, and “coloring in” the edges to reveal the human side beneath public personas.
• Quote:
  • "Now I feel I get to do the coloring in as part of the conversation." (Michelle Hussain, 04:04)

3. The Art of the Interview: Preparation and Spontaneity

• Each interview is tailored: different personalities require different preparation and approaches.
• Importance of finding relatable entry points—e.g., discussing AIDS funding and its resonance with Elon Musk’s South African background.
• Balancing preparation with the ability to respond to the unexpected.
• Quote:
  • “Somewhere between the preparation and the spontaneous moment is the sweet spot.” (Michelle Hussain, 05:26)

4. A World in Flux: Shifting Global Orders

• Mark Carney’s perspective: We are in “the midst of a rupture in the world order.” Countries like Canada must reimagine their trade routes and alliances, reflecting major global shifts.
• Michelle relates personally, drawing on her family’s experience with the end of Empire and partition: the “old order” never served everyone equally, and disruption can yield necessary reassessments.
• Quote:
  • “It's quite easy...for some of America's allies to say...we'd like the old order back. But, you know, that was not a place of universal peace and security where everyone felt heard.” (Michelle Hussain, 07:04)

5. Espionage and Realism in International Affairs

• Lessons from intelligence: Realpolitik means acknowledging that even Western nations engage in espionage.
• Quote:
  • "It's quite easy to be really worked up about countries like Russia and China spying...But...we are engaged in espionage too." (Michelle Hussain relaying Richard Moore, 09:25)

6. Formative Years, Family, and News

• Michelle’s early life as a member of the diaspora, thirst for news as connection, and being shaped by the experience of migration and empire.
• Her expatriate upbringing in the UAE, impact on her drive to enter international journalism.

7. AI and the Transformation of Work and Society

• AI’s growing influence, from personal convenience (meal planning) to societal risks (job displacement, relationships with technology).
• Insights from podcast guests Fei-Fei Li and Mustafa Suleiman: from categorization breakthroughs to envisioning AI “autonomous agents.”
• The challenge of political, regulatory, and ethical comprehension of AI among policymakers.
• Quote:
  • “I think there is so much loneliness and lack of companionship...if people are smart enough to turn to AI to talk some things through, good luck to them.” (Michelle Hussain, 18:06)

8. Risks and Inequality from AI Adoption

• Concerns about greater productivity leading to “abundance,” yet also creating or increasing inequalities, as AI development is led by the US and China.
• Historic struggles with redistribution of wealth in times of technological upheaval.

9. Leadership in Crisis: Great Man/Woman Theory

• Michelle’s view: People often rise to the occasion in times of crisis, citing both historical and personal dramatic moments (e.g., hosting BBC’s Today program).
• Emily shares a crucible moment leading an intelligence team during ISIS’s Mosul invasion.
• Dialogue on gender and leadership, reflecting on how women’s style can impact team resilience.
• Quote:
  • “Most of the great men or women we look at in history were faced with extreme times...and rose to the occasion.” (Michelle Hussain, 22:41)

10. Preparation, Books, and Interview Techniques

• Michelle’s meticulous preparation: bringing annotated books to interviews, using mind maps, and demonstrating respect for guests' histories.
• Quote:
  • “It's a token of my respect and appreciation for their time because it shows that I've done my homework.” (Michelle Hussain, 31:25)

11. Gender Dynamics in High-Stakes Interviews

• Handling condescending or gendered remarks (“listen, love, you’re trying ever so hard” from Nigel Farage) by staying focused on substantive issues.
• Encounters with deflection and confrontation from powerful interviewees (Elon Musk’s response to questions about South Africa).
• The way women often face different forms of pushback and how to manage it professionally.
• Quote:
  • “If I was to turn around and say, you know, come off it, don't talk to me that way… we would have stopped talking about Russia… which is not what I wanted.” (Michelle Hussain, 33:35)

12. Mentors, Legacy, and Advice for Future Journalists

• Discussion of role models—seeing people “who look like me” on television, such as Trevor McDonald and Zeinab Badawi, sparked belief in what was possible.
• The importance of process and preparation, as learned from seasoned interviewers like Tim Sebastian.
• Advice to aspiring on-air journalists: build a solid foundation as a journalist/producer before seeking the spotlight.
• Quote:
  • “If you haven't got a bedrock as being a really good journalist or producer...then you just won't have the solid ground that you build the rest of your career on.” (Michelle Hussain, 41:33)

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• “Answering the questions is harder than asking them.” (Michelle Hussain, 00:58)
• “Now I feel I get to do the coloring in as part of the conversation.” (Michelle Hussain, 04:04)
• "We are in the midst of a rupture in the world order." (Mark Carney as quoted by Michelle Hussain, 05:52)
• “It's quite easy...for some of America's allies to say...we'd like the old order back. But, you know, that was not a place of universal peace and security where everyone felt heard.” (Michelle Hussain, 07:04)
• “Somewhere between the preparation and the spontaneous moment is the sweet spot.” (Michelle Hussain, 05:26)
• "I think there is so much loneliness and lack of companionship...if people are smart enough to turn to AI to talk some things through, good luck to them.” (Michelle Hussain, 18:06)
• “Most of the great men or women we look at in history were faced with extreme times...and rose to the occasion.” (Michelle Hussain, 22:41)
• “It's a token of my respect and appreciation for their time because it shows that I've done my homework.” (Michelle Hussain, 31:25)
• “If I was to turn around and say, you know, come off it, don't talk to me that way… we would have stopped talking about Russia… which is not what I wanted.” (Michelle Hussain, 33:35)
• “If you haven't got a bedrock as being a really good journalist or producer...then you just won't have the solid ground that you build the rest of your career on.” (Michelle Hussain, 41:33)

Discussion Timestamps [Highlights]

• 00:58 | Michelle Hussain reflects on the challenge of being interviewed
• 04:04 | On “coloring in” guests’ lives in longer interviews
• 05:52 | The global order is rupturing—what that means in practical terms
• 09:25 | Espionage: reflections from Richard Moore
• 12:51 | AI’s rise—journalistic and personal implications
• 15:08 | How to brief politicians on complex tech like AI (Emily Harding)
• 18:06 | Social and emotional aspects of AI, especially for isolated individuals
• 21:51 | The challenge of AI-induced inequality—US and China dominance
• 22:41 | The “great person” theory and leadership in times of crisis
• 31:25 | Preparation rituals—post-its, annotated books, and respect
• 33:35 | Responding to live gendered and confrontational moments as an interviewer
• 41:33 | Career advice: build foundational skills in journalism before seeking an on-air role

Tone and Language

The conversation is candid, intellectual, and warm—a blend of journalistic curiosity and deep personal reflection, with both participants openly sharing experiences from high-stakes environments. Michelle’s responses are thoughtful and nuanced; Emily’s tone is collegial and gently probing.

Summary Takeaway

The world order is in flux, and technology—particularly AI—will further accelerate change, challenge existing norms, and upend longstanding institutions. Success in journalism (and in leadership) comes from preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to engage honestly with complexity and discomfort. For women and other underrepresented groups, visibility, mentorship, and rigorous professionalism are vital both to individual and systemic progress.

For a full experience, listen to this episode to gain further nuances in tone, context, and the dynamic between two powerhouse women at the intersection of journalism, international affairs, and leadership.