In the final episode of Season 1 of Global Health Talks, we are joined by Neus Rosell Civit, General Director of Medicus Mundi Mediterrània and co-founder of Women in Global Health Spain.

Together, we explore what it really means to build a career driven by purpose. Neus shares how curiosity has guided her journey, from studying pharmacy and living abroad to leading international non-profit organizations working to improve health equity. We talk about the realities of leadership that often go unseen—from navigating bureaucracy and difficult decisions to managing teams and trying to create meaningful impact in complex global health settings.

Neus explains why caring deeply about your work is important, but also why purpose should never become a burden. Neus reminds us that real change is always a collective effort, and that recognizing you're only one piece of a much bigger puzzle is not giving up—it's what allows you to keep going.

We also have a really practical conversation about networking, especially for students and young professionals. If you've ever felt intimidated by networking events or reaching out to people, Neus offers refreshingly simple advice that makes the whole process feel much more approachable and reminds you that it's okay to be awkward!

Whether you're interested in global health, leadership, or simply trying to find your own path, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling inspired to stay curious.

About the Guest

Neus Rosell Civit is the General Director of Medicus Mundi Mediterrània, a non-profit organization working to strengthen equitable public health systems through international cooperation, primary healthcare, and social justice. She is also the co-founder and former President of Women in Global Health Spain, where she helped establish one of Spain's leading networks advocating for gender equity in health leadership.

About the Host

Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator, and host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health.

Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network.

In this episode of Global Health Talks, we are joined by Dr. Lilly Verhagen, a pediatrician, scientist, and global health researcher whose work spans the Netherlands, South Africa, and the Caribbean.

Lilly shares how a childhood love of puzzles evolved into a career dedicated to understanding childhood infections and improving health outcomes around the world. We discuss her experiences conducting research in remote Indigenous communities, what working across different cultures has taught her about leadership and collaboration, and why meaningful scientific discoveries often begin with simple questions.

Beyond the science, this conversation explores the realities of life in academia: navigating setbacks, dealing with rejection, building resilient teams, and finding motivation during difficult periods. Lilly reflects on the importance of curiosity, long-term thinking, and human connection, offering valuable insights for students, researchers, and anyone pursuing work that aims to make a difference.

Dr. Lilly Verhagen is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and clinician-scientist whose research focuses on respiratory infections, immunology, and global child health. She leads an international research group investigating immune defenses of the respiratory tract and works across the Netherlands, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Her research aims to improve diagnostics, treatments, and prevention strategies for infectious diseases affecting vulnerable children worldwide. She is actively involved in the global pediatric infectious disease community and serves in leadership roles within international professional societies.

Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator, and host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health.

Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network.

Roberta takes us back to her childhood in the mountains of Sardinia and shares how her connection to nature shaped the work she does today. We talk about career paths that don't follow a straight line, the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms, and how she moved from diplomacy and corporate sustainability to leading campaigns that advocate for the rights of nature and Antarctica.

Together, we explore the power of storytelling in climate action, why creativity and art are not optional but essential for addressing global challenges, and the power it has to make us imagine a different, better world. Roberta also reflects on what it means to communicate with authenticity, connect with communities, and remain hopeful in a world facing environmental and social crises.

About the Guest

Roberta Bosu is a strategist, campaigner, and storyteller with over 14 years of experience working across diplomacy, NGOs, development organizations, and the private sector. She is a European Climate Pact Ambassador, a member of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication, and currently leads a global campaign advocating for the rights of Antarctica. Through her consultancy and research work, she helps translate complex environmental challenges into narratives that inspire action and systemic change.

About the Host

Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator, and host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health.

Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network.