Davos WEF2025, and optimism

A week ago, I was in Davos, Switzerland where the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting was just commencing. The mood going in to WEF2025 was apprehensive, while optimistic, and my feelings today at the close of the meeting are still the same, but with clear takeaways, a few of which I share below – viewed through the lens of my areas of interest and intersections with my community on LinkedIn.

On the Moment – The world is changing in fundamental ways

We are at an inflection point in human history not only because of the events and trends that are shaping the news but especially in the way that traditional bulwarks that we have relied on for stability and course correction are also being disrupted. I heard someone say that the world has become 6 times more complex in the last 50 years. We must get used to volatility and uncertainty because we are truly in unprecedented times.

On Strategy and Risk Management - Flexibility is a required skillset

As baselines continue to shift, we must get better at thinking on our feet – having a north star AND being adept at tactical decision-making and execution efficiency. One size will not fit all, so market sensing, scenario planning and adaptability become critical skills for organizations and leaders.

On Geopolitics – Europe needs to wake up!

Every region becomes important. The unprecedented redirection of the USA will challenge the self-initiative of Europe (some will say rightfully) and perhaps its stability. The so-called Global South will continue to coalesce around a sharper purpose and supply chain opportunities. Amidst the move to multi-polarity, there will be an opportunistic class of states that are “open for business with everyone.”

On AI – A double-edged sword - sharp on both sides

This technology will surpass the telephone and the internet in its impact and disruption. Its use cases abound from scary to promising, but to ignore the capacity of this technology and its offspring, or to underestimate its reach or urgency will be at our own peril. Proactively engage AI and find its place in your context.

On Human Capital – Urgent need for everyone to skill up

The gap between winners or losers could widen even more, and the fault lines will become more complex than in the past. Reskilling people and innovative access to education will be critical for countries, companies, and individuals. Continuous education will be imperative for everyone – from CEOs to line workers. Expect more social inequity and disruption in the short term.

On Corporate Governance – Diversity is not optional

It will remain significant how to strike the balance between short term tactics and sustainable strategies and the right positioning between opportunities for shareholders primarily and stakeholder focus, as well as the best postures for a global firm with international presence. Diverse and representative boards (and management teams) that have global and multicultural fluency will have the best chance to strike the best balance and make the best decisions versus those that are narrowcast and homogenous..

On Collaboration – No one is 100% self-sufficient and collaborations will bridge gaps and create immense value

Quite simply, engage everyone. No one is a stranger. Embrace serendipity. I grew from the numerous conversations I had with old and new connections in the sessions and spending time on the promenade.

On soundbites – A few of the too many powerful nuggets I remembered:

"There is an opportunity for data philanthropy"

"Re-regulation instead of deregulation"

"The return of "swing" (non-aligned) states"

"The truth has not disappeared, just our willingness to find it"

"Rename the Global South for what it really is - the Majority World"

"You have risk even if you don't know it. Your risk and exposure are in your suppliers’ suppliers"

"Have a cathedral mindset – be the one to start and not expect to be the one to complete the work"

"In a democracy, every little counts"

"We are 5 years away from SDG goals expiring and still sitting on the pot"

"Avoid zero-sum fragmentation"

"Placing climate conversation on the back burner is not the same as placing climate change on the back burner. Nature does not care"

For me, the power of WEF2025 was its occurrence at a watershed moment in history and its presentation of the diverse and compelling perspectives needed to address the world’s greatest challenges and opportunities, existing and emergent - all in one place. It was also helpful to participate in rich programming of both Davos and Un-Davos.

I came away energized about the global community that is at work in driving positive changes - from statehouses, corporate board rooms and community groups. But this recognition is not enough. There is a choice that we must each make to be part of the movement in our local communities. And there is a choice that we must also make to dream the impossible and live our lives with the courage needed to realize it.

I remain apprehensive, but even more clear and energized about my own imperative to act where I am – in how I approach opportunities for clients, in my messages in the classroom and when I speak and lecture, and in the impact that I can make on corporate boards.

I remain apprehensive, but even more so, I am optimistic.