Rising to the Challenges of a Complex World - A Call for Business Leadership

My heart sank on 24 January this year, when I heard that the Doomsday Clock moved to 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has been in 76 years. The world has always faced uncertainty, but it has never felt this precarious. And as a Swiss citizen, I take timekeeping very seriously.?

Rising geopolitical tensions, conflicts between nations, and the threat of broader wars are looming. Growing economic disparities and environmental threats have left people feeling uncertain and fearful.?Rapid advancements in technology have added to the conversation, with the potential to either destroy ecosystems and essential biodiversity or save it by driving sustainable innovative solutions.

We are at a critical moment in history. In the face of these complex challenges, we need people to step up and take decisive action now more than ever.

The Growing Need

In this increasingly complex and divided world leadership is too important to be managed by one sector, institution, or entity.?Business leaders, like me, confronted with issues such as climate change, income inequality, and ethical supply chains have an opportunity to tackle these problems head-on. We have the resources, influence, and flexibility to make a difference.

In recent years, governments have struggled to keep up with the rapid pace of change, while businesses have demonstrated a greater capacity for meaningful impact, especially in sustainability. In 2023, The Edelman Trust Barometer report continues to highlight businesses perceived as the most trusted institution, expected to act on pressing issues such as climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion, and skills training. Businesses are now seen as crucial players in addressing global challenges.

As our technological capabilities continue to grow, so does our responsibility to use them wisely. I believe that running an organisation can’t just focus on the bottom line; instead, we must try to use our influence for good with compassion, accountability, and foresight. Today, when the power to create and destroy is at our fingertips, wielding this power wisely is more crucial than ever.

No Time for Despair

As writer and activist Rebecca Solnit says "Climate despair is a luxury". I believe that feeling hopeless about any of our global crises is a luxury. We simply don’t have the time, and our planet doesn’t have the strength to easily overcome the next military, health, or environmental catastrophe. Our world is at a tipping point, and we need action, not resignation.?

For every problem, humankind has the power to find solutions. We have the intelligence to use the same technological advances that threaten our world to protect it. We are seeing the commitment to positive change now featured in boardroom conversations and becoming part of business culture. When human beings come together we’re incredibly powerful, and there’s not much we can’t do. It is time for tough calls to be made, and I believe we are edging closer to making them.

Embracing Our Collective Responsibility

Sometimes the challenges we face seem impossible to overcome,?but I believe that we can rise to the challenge if we all work together and play our part.

1. Those in power must exercise it with courage, strength, and integrity.
2. The rest of society must hold them accountable.

As business leaders and citizens, we can work together to build a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all. We should all be at the table, taking collective action. Here’s how:

PARTICIPATE - Change begins with honest debate and open conversations. We need to dive into industry forums, engage in public discourse, and hold leaders accountable by championing ethical practices and supporting transparent initiatives.?

COLLABORATE – Foster partnerships for collective impact. Let’s work with businesses, NGOs, and governments to create innovative solutions to global challenges; share resources and knowledge, and support organizations that share our values for a greater good.

CULTIVATE – Help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Nurture transformative leadership in your organization by providing diverse experiences, fostering a culture of learning, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Encourage participation in development programs and lead by example, embodying your organization's values.

By engaging in crucial dialogue and taking collective action, we have the power to face our challenges, drive meaningful change, and create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.?

Join me.