Stepping In and Out of Politics: Power, Well-Being, and Life in Public Office

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 PathFollow 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.

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.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.

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

In the first episode of the Better Politics Podcast of 2026, host Lisa Witter is joined by Damian Boeselager, a German Member of the European Parliament and the co-founder of Volt Europa, the first pan-European political party.With a background in philosophy and economics, Damian began his career in strategy consulting and social impact work before an unexpected turn during his graduate studies in public policy drew him into politics. Confronted with a changing political climate in 2016 and growing concerns about the future of European democracy, he chose action over disengagement and helped build a new political movement grounded in the belief that Europe’s challenges require European-level solutions. Together, Lisa and Damian unpack  why political parties remain essential to healthy democracies, what it actually takes to build a political party from scratch, and how citizen agency can drive meaningful change. They also explore innovation in party structures, the skills and traits needed for effective political leadership today, and why “hard hope” is rooted in active participation, not passive optimism. 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.

In this year-end edition of the Better Politics Podcast, Lisa Witter is joined by colleagues Kimberly McArthur and Suki Capobianco  for a candid reflection on a pivotal year for politics globally, and for the Better Politics Foundation. Together they unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping the field of political leadership innovation, from representation and trust to systems change. The conversation dives into the launch of the Better Politics Index, why empowering underrepresented voices is essential for healthier democracies, and the importance of meaningful, long-term support for political leaders.At its core, this episode is about people: the power of human connection to drive change, and the urgency of mobilizing resources to fuel political innovation. A thoughtful close to the year, and a hopeful look at what’s ahead for better politics.Links to resources mentioned in this episode:Report: Mere Mortals - The State of Politicians' Mental WellbeingPolitical Leadership Impact PathBetter Politics IndexPolitical Leadership Entrepreneur Network (PLEN)Safety in Office: 21st Century Skills for Political LeadersFollow 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.

We speak with global extremism expert and author Cynthia Miller-Idriss about the rising tide of political violence, the gendered roots of radicalisation, and why misogyny has become one of the most powerful accelerants of extremism. Drawing on her career studying far-right movements, online recruitment and youth vulnerability, Cynthia unpacks how algorithms shape belief, how violence is becoming culturally normalised, why young men feel unseen, and what this means for democracy. Together they explore how threats, harassment and attacks are driving good people — especially women — out of politics, amplifying the urgency of safeguarding leaders’ mental wellbeing. The Better Politics Foundation published a groundbreaking study on the mental health of politicians and its implications for reform. This podcast offers hopeful pathways — from community-based prevention tools to cultural and policy shifts that can disrupt extremism and renew leadership — making this one of our most timely conversations yet.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.

In this episode of Better Politics, we sit down with Shoukei Matsumoto — a Pure Land Buddhist monk, philosopher, entrepreneur, and author of A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind — for a rare conversation recorded live in Berlin. From Doraemon to DeepSea prompts, to Buddhist interbeing to AI as a mirror for our humanness, Shoukei guides us through what it means to lead, live, and make sense of a world where biological and non-biological intelligence now coexist. This is a conversation about humility, ego, ancestors, trust, and the future of human leadership in the age of AI — and why becoming “more human” might be the real path forward.Enjoy the episode!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.

This week's episode airs during the first-ever Berlin Freedom Week, an idea that our guest, Leopoldo López, was instrumental in developing with the city of Berlin.As the General Secretary of the World Liberty Congress, Leopoldo López believes people's power is a non-negotiable precondition for consolidating the global movement for democratic renewal. He also shares his insights on what better political leadership entails, and why we must harness the momentum of change to usher in the type of political leadership citizens deserve.Enjoy the episode!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.

The first episode of the new season of The Better Politics Podcast was recorded on the sidelines of the 2025 Athens Democracy Forum convened by the Democracy and Culture Foundation.The Better Politics Podcast is a platform for hearing and learning from leaders themselves. Too often, we throw arrows at politicians without engaging them on reshaping the system so they can govern more effectively.This week we talk democratic innovation, political party reform and embracing the tide of change with Paul Magnette, the President of the Belgian Socialist Party.This year, Paul Magnette was inducted into the "Democratic Innovators of the 21st Century" Politicians' Hall of Fame.The award, given by the Better Politics Foundation in partnership with the Democacy and Culture Foundation, celebrates outstanding men and women who have devoted their lives to advancing democracy globally.Enjoy the episode!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.

Welcome to Better Politics — the podcast for anyone who refuses to accept politics as it is.Politics today feels broken. Trust is collapsing. The gap between people and power is widening. We’re tackling 21st-century crises with 18th-century politics, 19th-century institutions, and 20th-century tech. No wonder people are losing faith.Better Politics is here to change that. Non-partisan by design, global in reach.We bring you voices from around the world — leaders, reformers, thinkers, and everyday people. And yes, we ask the political leaders themselves how to make politics better. Too often we throw arrows at them without engaging them in reshaping the system so they can serve more effectively.Because politics should do more than cling to the past. It should spark hope, earn trust, and deliver for people and planet.This is Better Politics.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.