Afleveringen
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In this episode, host Sevim Aktas chats with Hannah Lahe, the youngest Hannah shares how she balanced politics and a master’s degree, ran creative campaigns, and overcame stereotypes as a young female politician.
Whether you’re a student, activist, or aspiring policymaker, this episode offers practical tips on networking, authenticity, and making an impact.
Key Takeaways:
👉🏽 Entering Politics as a Young Voice – Hannah’s unconventional entry via social media highlights the importance of seizing opportunities.
👉🏽 Innovative Campaigning – Learn how Hannah used humor and creativity to stand out and tackle stereotypes.
👉🏽 Staying True to Your Values – Hannah emphasizes focusing on issues that matter, like climate and environment, and staying authentic.
Chapters:
00:03:49 – Entry into Politics 00:11:49 – Campaign Experience and Challenges 00:19:17 – Parliamentary Experience 00:26:34 – Tips for Political EngagementGuest Links:
🔗 Follow Hanah on Instagram
🔗 Instagram: [Hannah Lahey’s Profile]
🔗 Recommended Resource: Becoming by Michelle Obama
🔗 Youth Political Networks: European Youth Parliament
Want to Learn More?
👉 Curious about Hannah’s views on Russia’s war in Ukraine, climate issues, and youth engagement? Check out her profile in The Guardian:
‘People put a lot of hope on me’: Estonia’s youngest MP already making waves
Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Tim McPhie, spokesperson for energy and climate at the European Commission. 🌍✨
Tim shares his career journey—from law school to EU communications—and reflects on how Brussels’ messaging strategies have evolved over the years. He offers insights into disinformation challenges, lessons from EU election campaigns, and practical tips for young professionals pursuing communications roles in the EU bubble.
Key Takeaways:
👉🏽 From law to communications – Tim’s career highlights the importance of adaptability and exploring unexpected paths.
👉🏽 Improving EU messaging – How Brussels shifted to clearer, more accessible communication strategies.
👉🏽 Fighting disinformation – Tips for maintaining trust and delivering reliable information in today’s media landscape.
👉🏽 Career-building advice – Why networking, attention to detail, and policy knowledge are key for EU roles.Chapters:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Career Background 00:06:27 – Evolution of EU Institution Communications 00:14:19 – Addressing Disinformation and Communication Challenges 00:18:25 – EU Elections Experience and Evolution 00:22:45 – Career Advice for Young ProfessionalsGuest Links:
🔗 Connect with Tim McPhie on LinkedIn: Tim McPhie’s Profile
🔗 Learn More About EU Elections: European Parliament Elections.
🔗 Stay Updated on EU Climate News: sevim • eu green deal brief (@sevimaktaseu).Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨ – @sevimaktaseu
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with EU communicators and policy enthusiasts!The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Jean-Macelle Acono, an APA for a Green MEP, about breaking into EU politics. 🌍✨
Jean shares his career journey—from internships to policy work—and offers practical tips on applications, networking, and thriving in Brussels.
Main Takeaways:
👉🏽 What Does an APA Do? – Jean unpacks the diverse tasks APAs handle, from policy briefs to office management and communication strategy.
👉🏽 Application Secrets – Learn how to tailor your application to MEPs’ values and do the right research before applying.
👉🏽 Work-Life Balance in Politics – Insights into long hours, election cycles, and tips for staying grounded in high-pressure roles.
Chapters:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Background of Jean-Macelle Acono 00:01:59 – Career Path and Current Role 00:03:03 – Understanding the APA Role 00:08:57 – Application Process and Requirements 00:31:30 – Working Conditions and ExpectationsGuest Links:
🔗 LinkedIn: [Jean-Macelle Acono’s Profile]
🔗 Recommended Resource: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
🔗 Jobs: EU Career Portal & EU Parliament Traineeships
Spilling the tea: How to reach out to Members of European Parliament? Their email always has the same structure: [email protected]
Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Elias Kuehn von Burgsdorff, speechwriter for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 🌍✨
Elias shares his journey from history and economics to crafting speeches for Europe’s top leader—plus tips on storytelling, clarity, and impact.
Key Takeaways:
👉🏽 Mastering Speechwriting Skills – Elias highlights storytelling, logical argument structure, and simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences.
👉🏽 Daily Workflow & Processes – Insights into managing deadlines, research strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders for high-impact speeches.
👉🏽 AI in Speechwriting – Practical uses of AI for efficiency while preserving human creativity and oversight in major speeches.
Chapters
00:01:06 Career Journey to Presidential Speechwriter 00:03:58 Essential Skills for Speechwriting 00:11:41 Daily Routine and Speech Creation Process 00:21:31 AI Integration in Speechwriting 00:23:18 Tips for Aspiring WritersGuest Links:
🔗 ****LinkedIn: Elias Kuehn von Burgsdorff
🔗 Book recommendation from Elias: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
🔗 Newsletter tip: Adam Tooze's Chartbook
Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcasts are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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In this episode, Sevim Aktas answers your top questions about the EU—from jobs and career advice to time management and building a social media platform on climate and energy. 🌍✨
Perfect for Brussels newbies, EU job seekers, and anyone curious about how EU institutions work.
Key Takeaways:
👉🏽 Jobs in EU Institutions – Application tips for EU and non-EU citizens, including Blue Book traineeships and NGO roles.
👉🏽 Education and Skills for Policymaking – Top fields like AI and sustainability and top universities for relevant studies.
👉🏽 Building a Digital Platform – How Sevim grew her Instagram into a go-to source for EU climate updates.
👉🏽 Brussels Networking Advice – Recommendations for events, communities, and professional growth strategies.
👉🏽 Practical Tips for EU Careers – From time management to maintaining curiosity and asking the right questions.Chapters:
00:00:01 – EU Employment Opportunities and Requirements 00:03:03 – Education and Career Development in EU Policy 00:09:27 – Personal Experience with Social Media Platform 00:25:24 – Brussels Networking and Professional Development 00:28:48 – Tips for EU Institution NewcomersLinks:
🔗 EU Career Opportunities: europa.eu/jobs
🔗 Recommended Networks: Brussels New Generation and Global Shapers.
🔗 Find All Links & Resources Mentioned: Q&A Links and ResourcesEngagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Christian Holzleitner, head of the Land Economy and Carbon Removals Unit at the European Commission. 🌍✨
Christian shares his career journey—from a working-class background to EU climate leadership—and offers practical tips on leadership, embracing uncertainty, and building a career in sustainability. Whether you’re an aspiring policymaker, climate advocate, or EU job seeker, this episode delivers insights and inspiration to help you grow and lead.
Key Takeaways:
👉🏽 Leadership Beyond Hierarchy – Leadership is about caring for others and making decisive decisions, not titles.
👉🏽 Managing Uncertainty – Learn how to adapt to change and break down big goals into manageable steps.
👉🏽 Career Growth Tips – Focus on diverse experiences, networking, and staying open to non-linear paths.Chapters:
00:00:54 – Career Journey and Background 00:02:24 – Leadership Philosophy and Personal Growth 00:07:32 – Managing Uncertainty in Policy Making 00:12:35 – Leadership Resources and Development 00:20:35 – Career Advice for Young ProfessionalsGuest Links:
🔗 Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian Holzleitner’s Profile
🔗 Book Recommendation (Must-Read!): Towards a Climate-Neutral Europe by Jos Delbeke and Peter Vis.
🔗 Podcast Recommendation: Podcast about Happiness.Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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In this episode, Sevim Aktas talks with Kurt Vandenberghe, Director General of DG CLIMA and former EU Green Deal advisor to President von der Leyen. 🌍✨
Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look at EU climate policy, its challenges, and what’s next for the Green Deal. He also reflects on his unconventional career path—from philology to climate leadership—and offers practical tips for young professionals pursuing sustainability and policymaking.
Key Highlights:
👉🏽 From Philology to Climate Leadership – Kurt’s career path and what it takes to make an impact in EU policy.
👉🏽 Behind the Green Deal – Insights into the evolution of EU climate policy and lessons learned during crises like COVID-19 and Ukraine.
👉🏽 Future Focus: Circular Economy – Why production and consumption patterns must change to meet emission targets.
👉🏽 Career Advice for Changemakers – How to stand out in climate policy jobs, build networks, and drive real impact.
Chapters:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Role of Director General 00:03:44 – Career Development and Climate Focus 00:08:35 – European Green Deal Evolution 00:13:24 – Future Outlook and Elections 00:20:08 – Practical Implementation and Career AdviceGuest Links:
🔗 Connect with Kurt: Kurt Vandenberghe | LinkedIn
🔗 EU Climate Careers: ec.europa.eu/climate/jobs
🔗 Recommended Book: Delivering a Climate Neutral Europe by Jos Delbeke
Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
