Why Davos? Reflections from My First Year
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Why Davos? Reflections from My First Year
As an executive navigating the complexities of today’s global landscape, I often ask myself: Where can I find the most forward-thinking discussions, the most inspiring leaders, and the most meaningful opportunities to connect? I had heard so much about Davos—the energy, the conversations, the impact—but experiencing it firsthand for the first time was something else entirely.
I came with curiosity and left with inspiration, new relationships, and a deeper understanding of how business, policy, and innovation intersect at the highest levels.
Here’s what stood out to me.
A Firsthand Look at Global Conversations That Matter
Davos is where the world’s biggest challenges are discussed by those who have the power to drive change. From AI and sustainability to leadership and economic resilience, the conversations were bold, sometimes uncomfortable, but always thought-provoking.
One of the most recurring and thought-provoking themes at Davos was the rapid evolution of AI and its impact across industries. AI is no longer a concept of the future—it is already reshaping the way we work, make decisions, and lead. Conversations ranged from the transformative potential of AI in driving efficiency and innovation to the ethical concerns and governance challenges that come with its widespread adoption.
It became clear that while AI presents incredible opportunities, it also demands a new kind of leadership—one that balances technological advancement with responsibility, agility, and ethical foresight. AI is here to stay, and leaders who embrace it thoughtfully will be the ones shaping the future.
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Exclusive Gatherings: Where Candid Conversations Happen
Another incredible aspect of Davos is the opportunity to join intimate gatherings where real, unfiltered conversations take place. I was fortunate to be invited to a number of events, including the FGS Global CEO Dinner and the Santander Reception, where top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders came together to engage in candid discussions.
Additionally, I had the honor of participating as a panelist at the Loft of Shared Dreams, where we explored how purpose-driven entrepreneurship is redefining success for younger generations. The discussion delved into the intersection of profitability, sustainability, and social impact, emphasizing the need for businesses to align with broader societal goals.
These were not scripted panels or formal speeches but genuine exchanges about leadership in uncertain times, the pressures of decision-making at the highest levels, and the responsibility we have to shape the future.
Women Supporting Women: A Powerful Network
At Davos, the commitment to advancing women in leadership is both palpable and inspiring. I had the privilege of attending in the Equality Lounge?, a signature experience created by The Female Quotient to foster discussions on gender equality during major industry events.
The Equality Lounge? provided a platform for meaningful dialogues, including a notable session featuring Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. In this discussion, Dimon emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion within corporate structures, highlighting JPMorgan's ongoing commitment to these values despite external pressures. His perspective reinforced the idea that true leadership is about standing firm in support of equity, even when facing resistance.
As a member of 100 Women @ Davos, founded by Dr. Anino Emuwa, I was especially inspired by the power of this community to bring women together, foster meaningful connections, and create real opportunities. Through our collective strength, we are able to grant access to exclusive events and conversations, ensuring that more women have a seat at the table where critical decisions are made.
The Brain Health Conversation I Didn’t Expect—But Needed
Our younger generation may no longer see a driver’s license as a milestone of independence—but what they are seeking is a license to navigate their own minds. In a world of constant stimulation, high demands, and rapid change, cognitive resilience is becoming the new currency of success.
At Davos, I had the opportunity to engage with The Brain House, an innovative platform introduced by the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) to emphasize the critical importance of brain health in addressing global challenges. I didn’t anticipate brain health being such a central theme, but the discussions at The Brain House made me realize just how interconnected cognitive well-being is with leadership, productivity, and long-term economic growth. Some of the key takeaways included:
Conclusion
Being in Davos during the WEF for the first time was nothing short of transformative. From high-level discussions on AI and economic resilience to intimate gatherings with global leaders and the inspiring network of 100 Women @ Davos, every moment reinforced the value of being engaged and proactive as a leader.
Davos is not just about listening—it’s about contributing, challenging ideas, and building relationships that drive real impact. I leave with a renewed commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, championing diversity, and shaping a future of innovation, inclusion, and well-being.
?Spanish Translation
?Por qué Davos? Reflexiones de mi primer a?o
Como ejecutivo que navega por las complejidades del panorama global actual, a menudo me pregunto: ?Dónde puedo encontrar las discusiones más innovadoras, los líderes más inspiradores y las oportunidades más significativas para conectar? Había escuchado mucho sobre Davos: la energía, las conversaciones, el impacto… pero experimentarlo de primera mano por primera vez fue algo completamente distinto.
Llegué con curiosidad y me fui con inspiración, nuevas relaciones y una comprensión más profunda de cómo los negocios, la política y la innovación convergen en los niveles más altos.
Lo que más me llamó la atención:
Una visión directa de las conversaciones globales que importan
Davos es el lugar donde se discuten los mayores desafíos del mundo con aquellos que tienen el poder de impulsar el cambio. Desde la IA y la sostenibilidad hasta el liderazgo y la resiliencia económica, las conversaciones fueron audaces, a veces incómodas, pero siempre estimulantes.
Uno de los temas más recurrentes e interesantes en Davos fue la rápida evolución de la inteligencia artificial y su impacto en todas las industrias. La IA ya no es un concepto del futuro; está transformando la forma en que trabajamos, tomamos decisiones y lideramos. Las conversaciones abarcaron desde el enorme potencial de la IA para impulsar la eficiencia y la innovación hasta las preocupaciones éticas y los desafíos de gobernanza que conlleva su adopción generalizada.
Quedó claro que, si bien la IA ofrece oportunidades increíbles, también exige un nuevo tipo de liderazgo: uno que equilibre el avance tecnológico con la responsabilidad, la agilidad y la previsión ética. La IA ha llegado para quedarse, y los líderes que la adopten con inteligencia serán quienes moldeen el futuro.
Reuniones exclusivas: donde ocurren conversaciones sinceras
Otro aspecto increíble de Davos es la oportunidad de participar en reuniones íntimas donde se llevan a cabo conversaciones auténticas y sin filtros. Tuve la fortuna de ser invitado a varios eventos, como la Cena de CEO de FGS Global y la Recepción de Santander, donde altos ejecutivos, responsables políticos y líderes de opinión se reunieron para debatir de manera abierta.
Además, tuve el honor de participar como panelista en el Loft of Shared Dreams, donde exploramos cómo el emprendimiento con propósito está redefiniendo el éxito para las generaciones más jóvenes. La discusión profundizó en la intersección entre rentabilidad, sostenibilidad e impacto social, enfatizando la necesidad de que las empresas se alineen con objetivos sociales más amplios.
No eran paneles guionados ni discursos formales, sino intercambios genuinos sobre liderazgo en tiempos de incertidumbre, las presiones de la toma de decisiones en los niveles más altos y la responsabilidad que tenemos de moldear el futuro.
Mujeres apoyando a mujeres: una red poderosa
En Davos, el compromiso con el avance de las mujeres en el liderazgo es palpable e inspirador. Tuve el privilegio de asistir a The Equality Lounge?, una experiencia creada por The Female Quotient para fomentar discusiones sobre igualdad de género durante eventos de gran relevancia.
Este espacio fue el escenario de diálogos significativos, incluido un panel con Jamie Dimon, CEO de JPMorgan Chase, donde enfatizó la importancia de la diversidad e inclusión en las estructuras corporativas. Destacó el compromiso continuo de JPMorgan con estos valores a pesar de las presiones externas, reforzando la idea de que el verdadero liderazgo implica defender la equidad incluso cuando hay resistencia.
Como miembro de 100 Women @ Davos, fundado por la Dra. Anino Emuwa, me sentí especialmente inspirada por el poder de esta comunidad para reunir a mujeres, fomentar conexiones significativas y crear oportunidades reales. Gracias a nuestra fuerza colectiva, podemos acceder a eventos y conversaciones exclusivas, asegurando que más mujeres tengan un asiento en la mesa donde se toman decisiones críticas.
La conversación sobre la salud cerebral que no esperaba, pero necesitaba
Las nuevas generaciones pueden ya no ver la licencia de conducir como un hito de independencia, pero lo que buscan es una licencia para navegar sus propias mentes. En un mundo de estimulación constante, altas exigencias y cambios rápidos, la resiliencia cognitiva se está convirtiendo en la nueva moneda del éxito.
En Davos, tuve la oportunidad de conocer The Brain House, una innovadora plataforma introducida por la Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) para resaltar la importancia de la salud cerebral en la resolución de desafíos globales. No esperaba que la salud cerebral fuera un tema tan central, pero las conversaciones en The Brain House me hicieron darme cuenta de lo interconectado que está el bienestar cognitivo con el liderazgo, la productividad y el crecimiento económico a largo plazo. Algunas de las principales conclusiones fueron:
Conclusión
Estar en Davos durante el Foro Económico Mundial por primera vez fue una experiencia transformadora. Desde discusiones de alto nivel sobre IA y resiliencia económica hasta reuniones íntimas con líderes globales y la inspiradora red de 100 Women @ Davos, cada momento reforzó el valor de estar comprometido y ser proactivo como líder.
领英推荐
Davos no se trata solo de escuchar, sino de contribuir, desafiar ideas y construir relaciones que generen un impacto real. Me voy con un renovado compromiso de fomentar el diálogo significativo, impulsar la diversidad y dar forma a un futuro de innovación, inclusión y bienestar.
Italian Translation
Perché Davos? Riflessioni sul mio primo anno
Come dirigente che affronta le complessità del panorama globale odierno, mi chiedo spesso: Dove posso trovare le discussioni più innovative, i leader più ispiratori e le opportunità più significative per connettermi?
Avevo sentito parlare molto di Davos—dell’energia, delle conversazioni, dell’impatto—ma viverlo in prima persona per la prima volta è stata un’esperienza completamente diversa.
Sono arrivato con curiosità e sono ripartito con ispirazione, nuove relazioni e una comprensione più profonda di come il mondo degli affari, la politica e l’innovazione si intreccino ai massimi livelli.
Cosa mi ha colpito di più:
Uno sguardo diretto alle conversazioni globali più rilevanti
Davos è il luogo in cui si affrontano le sfide più grandi del mondo, con la partecipazione di coloro che hanno il potere di guidare il cambiamento. Dall’intelligenza artificiale alla sostenibilità, dal leadership alla resilienza economica, le conversazioni sono state audaci, a volte scomode, ma sempre stimolanti.
Uno dei temi più discussi e di grande impatto è stata l’evoluzione rapida dell’IA (Intelligenza Artificiale) e il suo impatto su tutti i settori. L’IA non è più un concetto futuristico: sta già trasformando il modo in cui lavoriamo, prendiamo decisioni e guidiamo le organizzazioni.
Le discussioni hanno spaziato dalle potenzialità trasformative dell’IA nell’aumentare l’efficienza e l’innovazione fino alle preoccupazioni etiche e alle sfide di governance legate alla sua diffusione su larga scala.
è diventato evidente che, sebbene l’IA offra opportunità straordinarie, richiede anche un nuovo tipo di leadership: una che sappia bilanciare il progresso tecnologico con la responsabilità, l’agilità e una visione etica. L’IA è qui per restare, e i leader che la adotteranno in modo consapevole saranno coloro che plasmeranno il futuro.
Incontri esclusivi: dove avvengono le conversazioni più autentiche
Un altro aspetto straordinario di Davos è la possibilità di partecipare a incontri riservati, dove avvengono conversazioni dirette e senza filtri. Ho avuto la fortuna di essere invitato a diversi eventi, tra cui la Cena dei CEO di FGS Global e il Ricevimento Santander, dove dirigenti di alto livello, policymaker e leader di pensiero hanno condiviso opinioni in modo aperto e sincero.
Inoltre, ho avuto l’onore di partecipare come panelist al Loft of Shared Dreams, dove abbiamo discusso di come l’imprenditorialità orientata allo scopo stia ridefinendo il concetto di successo per le nuove generazioni. Il dibattito ha esplorato l’intersezione tra profitto, sostenibilità e impatto sociale, sottolineando l’importanza per le aziende di allinearsi agli obiettivi della società.
Non si trattava di panel preparati o discorsi formali, ma di scambi autentici su come guidare in tempi incerti, sulle pressioni delle decisioni ai massimi livelli e sulla responsabilità che abbiamo nel costruire il futuro.
Donne che supportano altre donne: una rete potente
A Davos, l’impegno per la promozione delle donne nella leadership è tangibile e ispiratore. Ho avuto il privilegio di partecipare a The Equality Lounge?, un’esperienza creata da The Female Quotient per promuovere il dialogo sull’uguaglianza di genere durante i più importanti eventi di settore.
In questo spazio si sono svolte discussioni significative, incluso un intervento di Jamie Dimon, CEO di JPMorgan Chase, che ha sottolineato l’importanza della diversità e dell’inclusione nelle aziende. Ha ribadito l’impegno costante di JPMorgan per questi valori, nonostante le pressioni esterne, rafforzando l’idea che la vera leadership significhi difendere l’equità, anche quando ci sono ostacoli e resistenze.
Come membro di 100 Women @ Davos, fondato dalla Dr. Anino Emuwa, sono rimasta particolarmente colpita dalla forza di questa comunità, che riunisce donne per creare connessioni significative e opportunità reali. Grazie al nostro impegno collettivo, possiamo accedere a eventi e discussioni esclusive, garantendo che più donne abbiano un posto ai tavoli decisionali più importanti.
La conversazione sulla salute del cervello che non mi aspettavo, ma di cui abbiamo bisogno
Le nuove generazioni potrebbero non vedere più la patente di guida come un simbolo di indipendenza, ma ciò che cercano è una "licenza" per navigare la propria mente. In un mondo caratterizzato da stimoli continui, elevate richieste e cambiamenti rapidi, la resilienza cognitiva sta diventando la nuova valuta del successo.
A Davos, ho avuto l’opportunità di entrare in contatto con The Brain House, una piattaforma innovativa introdotta dalla Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) per sottolineare l’importanza della salute del cervello nella risoluzione delle sfide globali.
Non mi aspettavo che la salute cognitiva fosse un tema centrale, ma le discussioni in The Brain House mi hanno fatto capire quanto il benessere mentale sia strettamente legato alla leadership, alla produttività e alla crescita economica. Ecco alcune delle principali riflessioni emerse:
Conclusione
Essere a Davos per il World Economic Forum per la prima volta è stata un’esperienza trasformativa. Dalle discussioni di alto livello su IA e resilienza economica agli incontri più intimi con i leader globali e alla rete ispiratrice di 100 Women @ Davos, ogni momento ha rafforzato il valore di essere impegnati e proattivi come leader.
Davos non è solo ascoltare, ma anche contribuire, sfidare le idee e costruire relazioni che generano un impatto reale.
Riparto con un rinnovato impegno nel favorire il dialogo significativo, promuovere la diversità e plasmare un futuro basato su innovazione, inclusione e benessere.
About the Author
Elisabetta Bartoloni is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ New York office and the Americas Global Markets Practice sector leader. She also co-chairs the firm’s Americas Women Inclusion Network (WIN). Previously, she led the Americas Investment & Corporate Banking Practice. She has more than 20 years of experience in executive search.
At Heidrick, she blends industry expertise with a keen understanding of corporate dynamics, making her work a fusion of skill and art. Elisabetta’s executive search and advisory practice spans from managing directors to functional roles, including CEO and board positions across investment banking, global and capital markets, and asset management. In addition to working with global financial institutions, Elisabetta has worked extensively with boutique and middle market investment banks and other investment management and fintech companies.
As a strong advocate for DE&I, Elisabetta serves on the Board of Girls with Impact and is a Mentor of the 30% Club, driving positive change within the industry. Her exceptional leadership was recognized in 2014 when she was named the “National Association of Professional Women VIP Woman of The Year.” Her insights on DE&I and hiring trends are frequently sought after, with appearances in prestigious publications such as Forbes magazine where she is a member and contributor of their Human Resources Council and recognized Top Career Development Voice on Linkedin.
Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Elisabetta was a managing director at Westwood Partners, focusing on investment banking and asset management in the Americas and responsible for the firm’s Latin America executive search practice. Before joining Westwood, Elisabetta was a director at J.H. McCann & Company, a boutique executive search firm exclusively serving the financial services industry, and a senior associate in the global financial services practice of Korn Ferry International. Elisabetta began her career in the financial services industry, having worked as a data research analyst in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.
Elisabetta's academic journey began at the University of Florence in Italy, where she earned both her Master’s Degree and Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She furthered her education with meritorious scholarships at the University of Reading and New York University, honing her skills and paving the way for her remarkable career.
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Elisabetta
COO ? CAO ? Strategic Planning ? 1Lod ? Transformation ? Budget Management ? Business Development ? Forecasting ? Project Management ? Business Risk & Control ? Motivating Leadership ? Stakeholder Collaboration
3 周Thank you for sharing your insights from Davos Elisabetta Bartoloni. A couple of points that resonated with me: The evolving role of AI in reshaping industries and the call for leaders to balance innovation with ethical responsibility and the unexpected but crucial focus on brain health as a cornerstone of leadership, productivity, and long-term economic resilience.
Private Wealth Manager WPA Family Office, LLC
3 周Hey you! Long time Call me J
we are very honoured to be included in the selection of your Davos favourites, Elisabetta Bartoloni! thank you for joining us and see you at the next Loft
From Hollywood to the White House: Transformative Leader Across Industries US Army Veteran | Paramount Music | Scuba Diver | Equestrian | 9/11 Ground Zero Taskforce Leader | LEF United Nations Best Practices Forum Chair
4 周Love this. I worked in Presidential Personnel @ the White House & US Commerce Department. So, it’s the place to be.