if you were in charge

A radical leadership podcast about people, power & possibilities. For every major problem in the world, there are ordinary people finding extraordinary solutions.

Hosted by Sanam Naraghi Anderlini & Kavita Nandini Ramdas · From ICAN and ADA

ADA Global ICAN
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What would you do?

In a world increasingly led by autocratic superpowers, exploiting fear and uncertainty, the premise of if you were in charge is simple: for every major problem out in the world, there are ordinary people finding extraordinary solutions.

Hosted by peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and global advocate Kavita Nandini Ramdas — two powerful voices for peace and social justice, with roots in Iran and India — this podcast showcases those who don't wait for permission and are rewriting what leadership looks like.

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If You Were In Charge podcast artwork - Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Nandini Ramdas
3
Seasons
30+
Episodes
25+
World-Class Guests
6
Continents Represented

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Our Mission

In a world increasingly led by autocratic superpowers, exploiting fear and uncertainty, the premise of if you were in charge is simple: for every major problem out in the world, there are ordinary people finding extraordinary solutions. This podcast focuses on those who know the truth of poet June Jordan's words: "we are the ones we have been waiting for."

Sanam and Kavita are on a mission to give voice to those creating a more joyful, free, and — dare we say it — feminist future. They showcase people who don't wait for permission, who are rewriting what leadership looks like: collective, creative, and rooted in care rather than control.

Radical Possibilities

In tough times when it's easy to turn off the news, our guests are the antidote to pessimism. They bring hope and inspiration, and share the radical possibilities of imagination.

Global Perspectives

From a Duchess advocating for survivors of sexual violence to Afghan women's rights activists, from Ben & Jerry's founder battling the Pentagon to celebrated war correspondents — our guests span the globe.

Voices Rarely Heard

Sanam and Kavita represent voices rarely heard in podcasting. Two powerful advocates for peace and social justice, women leaders with roots in India and Iran, who have built careers as global citizens at the highest levels.

Produced by ADA

Produced by ADA Productions, a podcast agency based in London, in partnership with ICAN — the International Civil Society Action Network for women's rights, peace and security.

Your Hosts

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, MBE

Co-Host · Founder & CEO, ICAN

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, MBE, is a peace strategist, founder, and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN). Iranian-British, she has spent nearly three decades working on global conflicts, peacebuilding, and crises with governments, the UN, and local civil society. She was a 2024 Richard von Weizsacker Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy and in 2020, was awarded an MBE for her services to international peacebuilding and women's rights. Sanam spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including as a civil society architect of the seminal UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

Kavita Nandini Ramdas

Co-Host · Senior Strategic Advisor, IPPF

Kavita Nandini Ramdas is a globally recognised advocate for gender equity and justice and a Senior Strategic Advisor to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Born in India, she has lived and worked in Europe, India, and the United States. She has extensive experience in the philanthropic sector having worked for the MacArthur, Ford, Nathan Cummings, and Open Society Foundations. As President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, she travelled the world building partnerships with feminist leaders in over 170 countries to fuel innovation and feminist movements.

"We've spent years identifying solutions to major issues, building movements, advocating for policy change and imagining what we would do differently. But the truth is we can't wait for the politicians. Everywhere you look, it's 'we the people' leading the change for good." — Sanam Naraghi Anderlini

Partners

ICAN

The International Civil Society Action Network — for women's rights, peace and security. ICAN works with civil society across conflict-affected countries and connects local voices to global policy.

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Production

Produced by ADA Productions, a podcast agency based in London, in partnership with ICAN.

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