Meet The Leader

Learn when you listen. Know your strengths can be weaknesses. Take your space before someone takes it for you. This 200th 'Best of' episode collects hard-won lessons learned and one-of-a-kind moments from this podcast's past 6 years. Listen to the late Jane Goodall recall a transformative run-in with a grumpy cabbie or hear the critical question that helped AWS teams get future-ready. It's a hit parade of top names, from IKEA to Microsoft, from Misty Copeland to Matt Damon, drawing insights and turning points that have shaped CEOs, startup founders, actors, activists, fashion designers, AI pioneers, best-selling authors and more find solutions and drive meaningful change. In this episode: Unexpected turning points Jane Goodall, Jane Goodall Institute, on connecting with people you disagree with (Recorded 2021) Al Gore, Former US Vice President and founder of the Climate Reality Project, on his climate communication turning point (Recorded 2021) An AI Powered Future Swami Sivasubramanian, AWS, on the question that got teams future-ready (Recorded 2024) Adam Grant, organizational psychologist and Wharton professor, on how to practice the soft skills an AI era will need most (Recorded 2025) Suleika Jaouad, best-selling author, on thinking beyond our 'resume virtues' (Recorded 2026) Bringing people together: Diane von Fürstenberg, fashion designer, on a habit she swears by (Recorded 2024) Misty Copeland, ballerina and activist, on unlocking potential (Recorded 2025) Jagan Chapagain, IFRC, on why effective listeners are learners (Recorded 2024) Brad Smith, Microsoft, on having a personal sounding board (Recorded 2024) Seeking innovation Matt Damon and Gary White, founders - Water.org, on the value of experimentation and failure (Recorded 2026) Nela Richardson, Chief Economist - ADP, on thinking outside the box (Recorded 2024) Gail Whiteman, Rainn Wilson, Arctic Basecamp on rethinking communication (Recorded 2023) Advice they swear by Daphne Koller, AI pioneer and insitro founder, on how strengths can become weaknesses (Recorded 2024) Fidelma Russo, CTO - Hewlett Packard Enterprise, on knowing yourself (Recorded 2024) Ulrika Biesèrt, CHRO - Inkga Group / IKEA, on taking your space (Recorded 2024) Meeting the moment Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity, on how serving others to bridge division (Recorded 2024) John Amaechi, psychologist, leadership expert and author, on finding your inner giant (Recorded 2021) David Miliband, IRC, on how leaders can navigate an increasingly disordered world, and the change that will be needed next (Recorded 2025) Related episodes: Meet The Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait Watch here - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA Meet The Leader - Ballerina Misty Copeland: Unlocking potential and a leader's most 'vital' role Watch here - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwmJJMRt4o&t=1s IRC's David Miliband: How leaders can meet the moment in an increasingly disordered world Watch here - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABadygYvsZ0&t=16s Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/42hzpvvmRead here - Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3vk4723b Matt Damon and Gary White: Why the Global Water Crisis Is Really a Finance ProblemWatch here - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d95kccQuFUk Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ybwhf395 Read here - Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/b8a2sr34

In an AI era, the real competitive advantage won't come from generating more ideas, but picking the right idea to take forward. Leaders who foster cultures of creativity and curiosity will build teams better able to sharpen focus, challenge assumptions, and execute in the most effective and compelling ways. Liberty Science Center CEO Paul Hoffman is a noted expert on connecting the public to the sciences. He'll explain how that major cultural institution makes complex ideas clear and irresistible. The long-time science writer, puzzle maker, brainstorming expert and former head of the Encyclopaedia Britannica shares lessons from his eclectic background on how leaders can harness a team's natural curiosity to drive fresh thinking and innovation. You'll learn: Why clarity matters in innovation - and why the audience is usually right How to model the creative behaviors you want to see in your team Which qualities creative, curious teams always have in common This episode was recorded at the Urban Transformation Summit, San Francisco (October 2025). About this week's guest: Liberty Science Center: https://lsc.org/ Paul Hoffman: http://thephtest.com/ Like this episodes? Try these: Nick Thompson, The Atlantic: Why one CEO sets 'non -goals' - and what ultramarathons taught him about focus and mental toughness Watch here - YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xh9PLsyptgA Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdbrspj7 Read here - Listen: https://tinyurl.com/mtdhe37w Build a culture of innovation: HPE's Chief Technology Officer shares what's neededListen here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfmtxbkRead here: https://tinyurl.com/5kwr6x6t This simple question helped Amazon teams get future ready: AWS AI and data chief Read here - Transcript: http://tinyurl.com/3k3vvaexListen here - Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/yckpbtpe 7 top innovators share strategies that drive cutting edge solutions: Read here - Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mtj9tncs Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/482wyxpf

2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water. Solving this problem will take more than charity - it will take innovation and a new approach to scaling partnerships, building awareness and raising funding. In this episode, Water.org's co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White share key efforts to fix the 'financial plumbing' connecting people and capital, helping to bridge the water gap for 85 million around the world, including: Water Credit (a specialized microfinance solution funding safe water and sanitation solutions) and Water Equity (an asset manager mobilizing private investment in water and sanitation). The two explain why creating an economic flywheel for change can bring truly sustainable solutions. They also share what they've learned about scale and from each other in a partnership that has now spanned 17 years and the role a new campaign for the public, Get Blue, can play. This episode was recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026. About this episode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/matt-damon-water-crisis-gary-white-finance-innovation About this week's guests: Water.org Get Blue campaign: https://getblue.water.org/ Related session at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos Water in the balance https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/water-in-the-balance/ Related episodes: IRC's David Miliband: How leaders can meet the moment in an increasingly disordered world Watch here - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABadygYvsZ0&t=16s Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/42hzpvvm Read here - Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3vk4723b What most people get wrong about progress: Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker Watch here - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2IJjZs4E7A Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4r69a5pr Read here - Transcript:: https://tinyurl.com/3smrwev9 Nick Thompson, The Atlantic: Why one CEO sets 'non -goals' - and what ultramarathons taught him about focus and mental toughness Watch here - YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xh9PLsyptgA Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdbrspj7 Read here - Listen: https://tinyurl.com/mtdhe37w

For Suleika Jaouad, a best-selling author and 3-time cancer survivor, journaling became a life-changing creative outlet during her battles with leukemia as well as a powerful tool for navigating uncertainty. It also became a surprising way to connect with others leading to singular projects that have stuck a chord with hundreds of thousands such as her book, The Book of Alchemy, and her 300,000 member Substack, The Isolation Journals, projects that merge journal prompts and personal essays from the top creative minds of our time. She breaks down practical ways anyone can carve out time for reflection, curiosity and vulnerability and how such a practice can strengthen resilience and connection while sharpening clarity in an age defined by noise and loneliness. And in an era where we write prompts for AI, but question ourselves less and less, she reminds us of the role deeper thought plays in understanding our world and ourselves better. This is a conversation about choosing meaning over motion—and learning to live each day with intention. About this episode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/suleika-jaouad-journaling-prompt-creativity-reflection About this guest: Book: https://www.suleikajaouad.com/the-book-of-alchemy Substack: The Isolation journals: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/ Watch her session at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos: Healing With Sounds and Words https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/healing-with-sound-and-words/ Related episodes: Burnout: 4 leaders share real-world stories and how to cope Read here - Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5een2u52Listen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4backy24 Nick Thompson, The Atlantic: Why this CEO sets 'non-goals' - and what ultramarathons taught him about focus and mental toughness Watch here - YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xh9PLsyptgARead here - Transcript: :https://tinyurl.com/mtdhe37wListen here - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdbrspj7

Burnout and work-related depression costs the world an estimated $1 trillion dollars a year in lost working days – and chances are you've felt that stress yourself. In this special compilation episode, highlighting interviews recorded over the past year, leaders share their personal experiences with burnout and exhaustion. They also offer practical, tactical steps for recognizing burnout early, setting boundaries, fostering psychological safety and building teams that are resilient — not just productive. Leaders featured include: -David Ko, CEO of Calm, who reveals the blind spots that leave employees unsupported — and why sharing your own mental health journey may be the most powerful tool leaders have for more resilient teams -Kearney's Paula Bellostas Muguerza, who shares the frightening health crisis that forced her to face burnout head on and the questions that helped her reset her priorities -Li Li Leung, former CEO of USA Gymnastics, on why it's key to normalize mental health support for teams and how gymnast Simone Biles' famous decision to withdraw at the Tokyo Olympics reshaped conversations around self-advocacy and psychological safety -August CEO and social entrepreneur Nadya Okamoto - on hustle culture, "girl boss" burnout, finding joy, and why rest is now central to her success. About this episode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/burnout-strategies-mental-health-leaders Interviewers: Julia Rignot, Linda Lacina Editor: Taz Kelleher, Jere Johannson Studio Production: Gareth Nolan About this week's guests: Calm CEO David Ko Website - Calm: Calm.com Book - Recharge: Boosting your mental battery one conversation at a time: https://rechargethebook.com/ Kearney's Paula Bellostas Muguerza Website - Kearney: https://www.kearney.com/ Related Meet The Leader episode: Bridging the gap in women's health research, policy and innovation: Kearney Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5p22ebun Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3jmahwwj Li Li Leung, former CEO of USA Gymnastics Website - USA Gymnastics: https://usagym.org/ Related Meet The Leader episode: Rebuilding trust after turmoil and coaching for results that matter: USA Gymnastics CEO Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc4dk2a8 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mvwxcsaz August CEO and social entrepreneur Nadya Okamoto Website - August: https://www.itsaugust.co/ Related Meet The Leader episode: A Gen Z founder on breaking down big stigmas and surviving hustle-culture Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/nadya-okomoto-august-period-poverty-startup/ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mss65msb

The Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson ran all his life but became an ultramarathoner in his 40s. Recommitting to the sport helped him break records and even get faster as he aged. The discipline he built also helped transform his approach to nearly every aspect of his life. His latest book, The Running Ground, focuses on his own personal journey with running, a sport that helped him cope with a cancer diagnosis in his 30s and later process his relationship with his complicated father. In this special conversation, Nick shares what running can teach leaders about the healthy habits that underpin success, pacing for the long game, and breaking through the mental barriers that derail progress. He details some of the strategies that help this father of 3 make time for what matters most including setting 'non-goals' to manage energy and not just time. As the leader driving digital transformation at a 169-year-old publication, he also reflects on navigating historic disruption and what he's learned from The Most Interesting Thing in Tech, the daily videos he posts exploring the most compelling tech trends of our time. About this episode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/nicholas-thompson-focus-running-ground Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xh9PLsyptgA About this guest: https://www.nickthompson.com/ The Most Interesting Thing in Tech: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxthompson Related Annual Meeting 2026 sessions: Next Phase of Intelligence: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/next-phase-of-intelligence/ Regulating at the speed of code: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/regulating-at-the-speed-of-code/ Internet up for grabs https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/internet-up-for-grabs/ Related podcasts: Meet the Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA Meet The Leader - 'I'll show you a real leader' - Platon, the photographer of power, on finding humanity in all of us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIUGFUza2ec&t=117s

While prospects for women in tech and AI have improved over the years, women still comprise just a fraction of the tech workforce. Ayumi Moore Aoki is the founder of Women in Tech Global, an organization with a presence in over 60 countries around the world, one designed to empower women in the sector. She shares how a leaky talent pipeline makes opportunity harder to seize, what's needed at each stage of women's careers to bridge gaps and what leaders can do to ensure they make the most of their team's talents. She'll also explain what skills will be more important than ever for leaders in an AI-powered workforce, the question she asks herself now more than at any time in her career, and the one topic that will define AI in the months ahead. Lastly, this advocate and founder also details how her background has prepared her to run WTG, from her time in South Africa during apartheid to her lessons learned as an entrepreneur. Related links: Women in Tech Global: https://women-in-tech.org/Ayumi Moore Aoki: https://ayumimooreaoki.com/ Related reports: Global Gender Gap Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2025/ Global Gender Gap Report Global Parity in the Intelligene Age: https://www.weforum.org/publications/gender-parity-in-the-intelligent-age-2025/ Related episodes: Be your own role model - a female rocket scientist, pioneer and science influencer explains Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/y4n9cmec 7 women leaders on the books that shaped their lives Listen: https://tinyurl.com/vuketc78

Women comprise just a fraction of the aerospace sector - a field research says is poised for trillion-dollar growth in the years to come. Mishaal Ashemimry is the head of the Centre for Space Futures where she works to improve space policies and unlock the next phase of the space economy. She shares her experience as a woman not just in a male-dominated sector but in a region that for much of her life didn't have a formal space agency. She explains what slows the growth of women in aerospace and what's changing for the better in this sector. She also shares the mindsets and strategies she used to get her ideas heard and to create opportunity for herself, tactics that helped her become the first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf Cooperation Council and to found her own rocket startup. About this episode: Mishaal Ashemimry: https://www.mishaalashemimry.com/home https://www.youtube.com/@MishaalAshemimry/videos Related World Economic Forum Initiatives: Centre for Space Futures https://www.spacefutures-sa.com/home Report - Space: $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth https://www.weforum.org/publications/space-the-1-8-trillion-opportunity-for-global-economic-growth/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/mishaal-ashemimry-role-model-space-gender-gap Related Episodes: He's building 'gas stations' in space. How it can drive the space economy - Orbit Fab Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/daniel-faber-orbit-fab-space-economy Episode: https://tinyurl.com/2s3tscms Meet the startup building the first commercial space station - Axiom Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/tejpaul-bhatia-space-economy-axiom/ Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FjNtzxmBucpgnZ4xhagxe An energy company is building the world's largest airplane. Here's why - Axiom Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/mark-lundstrom-radia-climate-change/ Episode: https://tinyurl.com/3n3edcyc

How can leaders navigate a world roiled by a host of uncertainties, from the impact of AI to jobs and economies, to an ever-warming world and increasing geopolitical conflicts? They can start by asking the right questions. In this special episode, with interviews recorded in Davos, leaders share what's top of mind for 2026. They give their thoughts on how leaders can navigate the unknown, their strategies to focus on what matters most and the key questions they're looking to answer at the start the year. Featured in this episode: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, the question to help navigate uncertainty Anne Walsh, Chief Investment Officer, Guggenheim Investment Management; Managing Partner, Guggenheim Partners on separating the signal from the noise Sunny Mann, Global Chair, Baker McKenzie, on tapping experts and building for resilience Nicholas Thompson, CEO, The Atlantic, on if we'll see the democratization of AI Jeremy Allaire, Founder and CEO, Circle, on how autonomous work will take shape Nikki Clifton, UPS Foundation, focusing on the right challenge Jonathan Haidt, author The Anxious Generation, on investing on habits for flourishing Suleika Jaouad, author and artist, on valuing meaning over momentum Adam Grant, Wharton Organizational Psychologist, on following the right leaders Jon Batiste, Grammy-winning musician, on making the future we imagine a reality About this epsiode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/questions-davos-leaders-are-asking-2026 Related story: Davos 2026: 10 questions on leaders' minds https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/02/davos-2026-10-questions-on-leaders-minds/ Related sessions: Davos 2026: Special address by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-ursula-von-der-leyen/ Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-by-mark-carney-prime-minister-of-canada/ Related epsiodes: Meet The Leader: IMF's Kristalina Georgieva on what's next for AI, skills and the global economy https://tinyurl.com/4ptf5ewp Radio Davos: What just happened at Davos 2026 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vB8W0ljH3VQeHAaf2sCuV

Upskilling for an AI era will be critical. While it requires a strong grasp of individuals' skills and potential, data shows leaders wildly overestimate their own capabilities and can misjudge what their teams can offer. CEO Kian Katanforoosh of skills measurement platform Workera shares what's needed to bridge these gaps and what could be ahead to keep pace with changing needs. He offers a sneak peek at what the future could look like, tackling questions on how AI can reshape mentorship and why it might one day be unethical for a human (rather than a machine) to judge another human's capabilities. He also digs into: how prompting AI can help any leader refine their asks when managing humans; How his own assessments have helped him hone key leadership skills, and what war games have taught him about strategic thinking. About this episode: https://www.workera.ai/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/kian-katanforoosh-upskill-ai-age-workera Related episode: Do you need an AI mentor? This tech entrepreneur thinks so https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/ai-skills-workera-kian-katanforoosh/

JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, the CEO of one of the largest banks in the world, has a frank and lively one-on-one conversation in Davos with Economist editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes on a host of topics, including: what's needed to unlock growth; how rapid technological shifts could spur economic growth; how AI is integrated AI into the typical JPMorgan workday and how policy moves can impact economies and affordability. He also shares what's driven his successes, what his failures have in common and why not every question will have a simple answer. About this episode: Watch this conversation here: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/conversation-with-jamie-dimon-chairman-and-ceo-of-jpmorgan-chase/ About the Annual Meeting https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/ Radio Davos Daily Meet The Leader's sister podcast Radio Davos will be publishing live from the Annual Meeting in Davos. To listen to these episodes, follow Radio Davos here: https://open.spotify.com/show/36D1oLAmsRimw70XV19Cdf

How will AI's hotly anticipated growth take shape? And what makes this moment different than past technology cycles? Could it really spark labor shortages, not labor surpluses? These questions and others are answered In a special one-on-one session at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos where NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang digs into these themes with Larry Fink, the World Economic Forum's own Interim Co-Chair and BlackRock's President and CEO. Recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos Switzerland 2026. Read a transcript of this episode here: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/conversation-with-jensen-huang-president-and-ceo-of-nvidia/ About the Annual Meeting https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/ Radio Davos Daily Meet The Leader's sister podcast Radio Davos will be publishing live from the Annual Meeting in Davos. To listen to these episodes, follow Radio Davos here: https://open.spotify.com/show/36D1oLAmsRimw70XV19Cdf

How can tech maximize the future of civilization? In a chat with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO discusses the role of robotics in tackling stubborn issues such as global poverty as well as how it could drive an expansion in the global economy. He also explores how reusable rockets will drop the cost of access to space, how he sees AI developing in the years ahead and his take on optimism. Speakers: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla; Chief Engineer, SpaceX; CTO, xAI; and Laurence D. Fink, Chair and CEO, BlackRock; Interim Co-Chair, World Economic Forum. This session was recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos Switzerland, 22 January, 2026. Read a transcript of this episode here: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/conversation-with-elon-musk-davos-2026 About the 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/ Radio Davos Daily Meet The Leader's sister podcast Radio Davos will be publishing live from the Annual Meeting in Davos. To listen to these episodes, follow Radio Davos here: https://open.spotify.com/show/36D1oLAmsRimw70XV19Cdf

What's ahead for the economy and how can leaders navigate economic uncertainty in 2026? Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva takes us through: the International Monetary Fund's new research on the surprising impacts AI could have on jobs and paychecks, which country's workers could be best poised for these new shifts, and why policymakers could play a make-or-break role in what plays out. She'll also share the organization's outlook for the year and what to expect as new changes for trade and geopolitical tensions take shape. Recorded live from the Congress Centre the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland 2026 About this epsiode: International Monetary Fund: IMF.org IMF Report link: Bridging Skill Gaps for the Future: New Jobs Creation in the AI Age: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/staff-discussion-notes/issues/2026/01/09/bridging-skill-gaps-for-the-future-new-jobs-creation-in-the-ai-age-572136?cid=bl-com-SDNEA2026001 IMF Report link: World Economic Outlook Update https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo/issues/2026/01/19/world-economic-outlook-update-january-2026 Episode transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/ai-skills-global-economy-imf-kristalina-georgieva/ About the 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/ Radio Davos Daily Meet The Leader's sister podcast Radio Davos published live from the Annual Meeting in Davos. To listen to these episodes, follow Radio Davos here: https://open.spotify.com/show/36D1oLAmsRimw70XV19Cdf

Leaders today face climate havoc, geopolitical instability and a 'more chaotic form of globalization,' said David Miliband, the president and chief executive officer of humanitarian organization International Rescue Committee. On this recent Meet the Leader, he explains how leaders can navigate this more disordered world and an 'age of impunity' – a trend he's tracked for years where some seem less accountable to the power they yield. He explains the challenge he sees for leaders of all stripes in the near future, giving practical advice on how leaders can stay accountable to the big picture and better meet the moment to craft tactical strategies and drive cooperation for positive change. This interview was recorded October 2025 in the World Economic Forum New York Office. About this episode: International Rescue Committee: https://help.rescue.org/ Related podcasts: What most people get wrong about progress: Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2IJjZs4E7A&t=51s Read: https://tinyurl.com/3smrwev9 We're 'losing the war' on modern slavery: What leaders can do - HPE's John Schultz Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlXggC3o08I&t=1s Read: https://tinyurl.com/488aupcn

What do startup founders, CEOs of multinationals and Harvard professors have in common? They can all name a book that has changed how they live, think or lead. In this annual roundup episode, look for your new read (or a gift for that hard-to-buy for person on your list) from the recommendations of the world's top thinkers and change makers. Our annual books roundup collects books that have transformed how some of the top global leaders manage teams, get inspired, and make things happen. This year's recommendations include fresh takes on classic business books, histories, time-honored works of literature, and new favorites that can change how you build and lead. About this episode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/2025-book-recommendations-leaders Books and leaders in this episode: Books to deepen your understanding of the world -Angela Odour Lungati, Ushahidi Book: The Power of Geography, Tim Marshall -Sherry Madera ,CEO, CDP Book: Pricing the Priceless: The Financial Transformation to Value the Planet, Solve the Climate Crisis, and Protect Our Most Precious Assets, Paula DiPerna -Sanjeev Mankotia, CEO, Gaeastar Book: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, Walter Isaacson -Jumana Al Hashat, CEO and co-founder, Voltaire.aiBook: The Message, Ta-Nehisi Coates -Alicia Chong Rodriguez, founder, Bloomer Tech Book: The Vagina Business, Marina Gerner Books to understand the moment we're in -Nathan Metenier, co-director, Youth Climate Justice fund Book: Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World, Naomi Klein -Steven Pinker, Harvard cognitive psychologist and author Book: The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World, David Deutsch Books to teach you more about yourself -Kian Katanforoosh, CEO, Workera Book: The Molecule of More, Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long -Diallo Powell is the CEO and Co-Founder, Stak Mobility Book: It's Sid Bernstein Calling, Arthur Aaron -Liz Centoni, Cisco Book: The Courage to Be Disliked Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Books to inform how you'll lead -Adam Grant, author and Wharton organizational psychologist Book: Calling In, Loretta J. Ross Book: Validation, Caroline Flack -Alfred Stern, CEO, OMV Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck -Ayumi Moore Aoki, Who, Not How Books that help you meet the moment-Mohit Joshi, CEO, Tech Mahindra Book; Meditations for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman -Nadya Okamoto, Founder, August Book: Pleasure Activism, The Politics of Feeling Good, Adrienne Maree Brown -David Steinbach, CIO, Hines Author: Viktor Frankl

Today, Gary Tyler is a renowned fiber artist and activist. But he was once the youngest person on death row in the U.S., a man unjustly incarcerated at just age 17. He talks with World Economic Forum video producer Kateryna Gordiychuk about how his experience in prison introduced him to the medium and shapes his creative expression. While incarcerated, during the AIDs epidemic, Gary worked as a volunteer in one of the first prison hospice programs in the country. The need to fund the program led Gary to learn quilting to help raise money that could aid both the dying men and their families who wouldn't be able to travel to see their loved ones otherwise. The experience drove home for Gary the need for mercy and advocacy in systems where people cannot advocate for themselves. Today, his art explores themes of freedom and individuality and he speaks frequently on the contributions any individual can make, regardless of their circumstance. This interview was recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland January 2025. About this episode: About Gary's Art: Library Street Collective: lscgallery.com Episode transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/gary-tyler-artist-activist Related Podcasts: Meet The Leader - Ballerina Misty Copeland: Unlocking potential and a leader's most 'vital' role https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwmJJMRt4o&t=1s Meet The Leader - 'I'll show you a real leader' - Platon, the photographer of power, on finding humanity in all of us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIUGFUza2ec&t=117s Meet the Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA

In her role as President, Arts, Culture & Heritage at CHANEL, Yana Peel thinks deeply about the value of the arts across society and what's needed to amplify a range of voices. She talks to Gayle Markovitz, the Head of Written and Audio Content at the World Economic Forum, about how technological shifts could boost the value of human creativity and why collaboration with artists has never been more essential to a host of sectors. She also takes us through her unconventional background, one that includes study at the London School of Economics and a turn on the Goldman Sachs trading floor before co-founding the Outset Contemporary Art Fund or serving as CEO for London's Serpentine Galleries. In this special conversation, she shares what she has learned from both artists and business leaders about the critical role arts and culture play in attracting capital, driving social change and fueling innovation. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Annual Meeting at Davos, Switzerland. Yana Peel was invited as as a Cultural Leader as part of the arts & culture programme. About this episode: Chanel Culture Fund: https://www.chanel.com/us/chanel-culture-fund/ Chanel Connects https://www.chanel.com/us/chanel-connects/season-5/ Episode transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/yana-peel-chanel-art-ai-future/ Related Podcasts: Meet The Leader - Ballerina Misty Copeland: Unlocking potential and a leader's most 'vital' role Read here: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/misty-copeland-ballet-leadership-skills/ Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SDZWco6fE6cJlziDid8iu?go=1&sp_cid=01e8f5e22b1a6834bc34234353341751&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=824d7fc8a1944800 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwmJJMRt4o&t=1s 'I'll show you a real leader' - Platon, the photographer of power, on finding humanity in all of usRead here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4372wc Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/3r9xrpftfdfc40499c Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yr44h49y

Space has become a junkyard, a mess of millions of pieces of debris that pose big risks to spacecrafts, complicating astronaut safety, research and even our own connectivity back home. Daniel Faber is the CEO of Orbit Fab, a company whose technology will allow for satellites to refuel once in orbit. He'll explain why this solution can be critical to tackling space debris while also helping to save lives, boost research and even supercharge the space economy. About this episode: Orbit Fab: https://www.orbitfab.com/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/daniel-faber-orbit-fab-space-economy Related report: Report: Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth: https://www.weforum.org/publications/space-the-1-8-trillion-opportunity-for-global-economic-growth/ Related Podcasts Meet the startup building the first commercial space station: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/tejpaul-bhatia-space-economy-axiom/ An energy company is building the world's largest airplane. Here's why: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/mark-lundstrom-radia-climate-change/ This former astronaut shares what's key to building strong, effective teams:: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BvAcXlFqExORF2eZNjcLQ?go=1&sp_cid=01e8f5e22b1a6834bc34234353341751&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=269a6c9f8a3a4b02

As cyber threats and geopolitical risks intensify, how can organizations be nimble and outsmart the next cyber attack? In this episode, seasoned data protection and cyber law expert Vinod Bange breaks down the threats that are still overlooked – including a new understanding of influence in social engineering – and the questions that leaders should ask themselves to ensure their teams are truly nimble and cyber ready. This Baker McKenzie partner also shares the unique methods that business and government are employing to work together to share best practices and strategies, all while breaking down why this sort of collaboration has traditionally been slow to happen. About this episode: Baker McKenzie: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/ Global Disputes Forecast: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/2025/01/global-disputes-forecast-2025 Related report: Cybercrime Atlas: Impact Report 2025: https://initiatives.weforum.org/cybercrime-atlas/home Related podcasts: Radio Davos: New era, new mood, new challenges Read: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/adam-tooze-cnbc-china-us-history/ Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4byCozwrPwSDRGexzSpOIv?go=1&sp_cid=01e8f5e22b1a6834bc34234353341751&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=21eda2cf5c3c4932 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOlOPL3woKA Meet the Leader: AI will reshape knowledge work. What leaders should ask, do and learn now: Read: https://tinyurl.com/ydfed937 Listen: https://tinyurl.com/ycxh9zer Watch: https://youtu.be/GCo7czq2yXI

Software development and software engineering could be the first major economically valuable capability that closes the gap between humans and AI, says Eiso Kant, the CTO of frontier AI company poolside. He shares what these changes mean for technology and the sector, and for knowledge work generally. Eiso stays cautious about tech forecasts and predictions, but breaks down how worry and fear can be a motivator to drive true learning and understanding in a fast-moving era, sharing and questions we should ask and mindsets we should apply to understand how we can uniquely contribute to societies and economies in the years ahead as technologies reshape human roles. This interview was recorded in January 2025 at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. About this episode: https://poolside.ai/ Related report: Future of Jobs 2025: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ Related episodes: Radio Davos: Do you need an AI mentor? This tech entrepreneur thinks so Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I0CNHlS7f4 Read here: https://tinyurl.com/28z7cmtt Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/y7yshdad Meet The Leader: This company launched with $600 a decade ago. How it's using data and AI to boost yields for millions of small-scale farmers Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkOu9As6J60 Read here: https://tinyurl.com/bdz69j65Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/bcmj6572

Sustainability goals take more than will -- they take culture change and block and tackle approaches. Microsoft announced a host of big commitments in 2020 for the decade ahead, including a goal to be carbon negative and another to reduce emissions by 55%. Procurement and supply chains played a key role in these goals and former supply chain exec Donna Warton shares the moves that have helped secure leader buy-in, drive proactive thinking and help make sustainability a business imperative and not just a "one-off" project. She'll also explain the role an internal carbon tax has played in driving incentives, the challenge AI brings in staying on track for emissions goals, and what's been effective to force the right conversations in product design and at the supplier level to reduce waste and tackle emissions. About this episode: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/microsoft-donna-warton-procurement Related Report: Green Procurement Playbook: The CPO's Guide to Delivering for People and Planet: https://www.weforum.org/publications/green-procurement-playbook-the-cpo-s-guide-to-delivering-value-for-business-and-planet/ Related episodes: 3 shifts all effective collaborators make https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/3-shifts-all-effective-collaborators-make/ Bridging AI's 'woeful' data gap can save lives and tackle climate change: Gecko Robotics: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/jake-loosarian-gecko-robotics-data-gap-ai/

This pioneering researcher-turned-climate activist who died this week reshaped how we see the natural world and how humans understand their place on this earth. We revisit our 2021 interview with Jane and the unique way she approached climate communications to find common ground, broach difficult topics and inspire millions. We also talk to Gill Einhorn, head of the World Economic Forum's 1t.org, who explains how Jane worked with that restoration and conservation initiative, sharing how Jane collaborated and forged connections behind the scenes, what leaders can learn, and how we can take her legacy forward. Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

What's needed to deliver the carbon removal needed to meet key emissions targets in the years ahead? Charm Industrial CEO Peter Reinhardt helps explain what carbon removal and sequestration are and what's needed to scale these further – including the incentive gaps that must be bridged for progress. He'll also share how he and his three roommates from MIT became startup founders together – and how they've stayed friends and partners since, and how they leveraged each person's unique skillsets. He also explains how key moments have helped him sharpen his focus and priorities, and how a CEO coach has helped him develop as a leader. About this episode: Charm Industrial: https://charmindustrial.com/ Epsiode transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/peter-reinhardt-charm-industrial-cabon-capture Related report: Defossilizing Industry: Considerations for Scaling-up Carbon Capture and Utilization Pathways: https://www.weforum.org/publications/defossilizing-industry-considerations-for-scaling-up-carbon-capture-and-utilization-pathways/ Related episodes: 'Do it nearly right, but now' - How effective leaders navigate change and disrupt sectors: Disruption Report: Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/simon-freakley-alixpartners-disruption-index/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/443s16GQ3cBzgI3akxzzIq?go=1&sp_cid=974f0d02895cc3e5dc6ee274371893a7&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=a279d80799654118 A CEO coach shares new leaders' biggest blindspots (and how to overcome them):Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/ceo-coach-shares-new-leader-blindspots/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YG6HujYmc4IrD3JSGnyOh?go=1&sp_cid=974f0d02895cc3e5dc6ee274371893a7&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=d0d22380bec54bb7

Getting the right information at the right time is critical for any sector but especially small-scale farming. Losing a yield could mean a farmer has no income for a year while weakening food security and local economies. To bridge these gaps, company Farmerline has created AI-powered tools, including one that acts like a "911 for farmers," bringing critical information on weather, crop diseases and more on demand to people who need it, all in 34 languages. The company has also developed ways alternative data can be used to develop credit scores for farmers, helping prove the investing opportunity to lenders while connecting them to much-needed financing. With small scale farmers locked out of some of the biggest innovations in the last century thanks to access and affordability, founder Alloysius Attah shares what's needed to ensure agriculture is future ready – including the power of a database that can create a national pulse on food security for NGOs, governments and the private sector. Attah also shares his company's founding journey, what he's learned in the past 10 years - and how global crises like COVID have helped him rethink how he prioritizes as a leader. This interview was recorded in January 2025 at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Updated statistics can be found in the corresponding transcript. About this episode: https://farmerline.co/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/alloysius-attah-farmerline-ai-data-finance Related episodes: We're 'losing the war' on modern slavery: Tech's surprising role and what leaders can do - HPE's John Schultz Read here: https://tinyurl.com/486fhvy9 Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/yewem3s4 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlXggC3o08I 'I'll show you a real leader' - Platon, the photographer of power, on finding humanity in all of us Read here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4372wc Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/3r9xrpftfdfc40499c Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yr44h49y

Most of the world's information is stored digitally in a way that's vulnerable to disappearing without warning thanks to everything from link rot and server changes, to someone not paying their web hosting bill. Some information might even disappear because bad actors have removed or changed it. Civil liberties lawyer and Filecoin Foundation president Marta Belcher explains why the modern standard for how we store information is so vulnerable and why protecting data is a human rights issue. She breaks down a fundamentally new approach (leveraging crypto and decentralized databases to protect information and create new incentives to store it) and how it serves as a sneak peek at how Web3 technologies could bake in new approaches to privacy and civil liberties protections. She'll share how it's already being used to protect digital artifacts such as Ukraine war crime evidence and Alexander Graham Bell's earliest sound recordings, and how it could even be used to improve space communications. Marta, a crypto law pioneer, also shares unique ways she's driven open-source solutions throughout her life and career and how these lessons can help any leader better collaborate. This interview was recorded in May 2025 at the World Economic Forum Office in New York. About this episode: Filecoin Foundation: https://fil.org/ Not Your Parent's Web Study, Filecoin Foundation, 2024: https://fil.org/blog/the-web-isn-t-forever-new-research-findings-from-not-your-parents-web-project When online content disappears, Pew Research, 2024: https://www.pewresearch.org/data-labs/2024/05/17/when-online-content-disappears/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/marta-belcher-filecoin-foundation Related episodes:We're 'losing the war' on modern slavery: Tech's surprising role and what leaders can do - HPE's John Schultz Read here: https://tinyurl.com/486fhvy9 Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/yewem3s4 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlXggC3o08I 'I'll show you a real leader' - Platon, the photographer of power, on finding humanity in all of us Read here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4372wc Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/3r9xrpftfdfc40499c Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yr44h49y

Robots that fold our laundry might sound futuristic, but don't justify a new way of operating. And AI that reads our email or searches the web in new ways, won't tackle the world's biggest problems. Jake Loosararian, Gecko Robotics Co-founder, explains how technologies such as AI and robotics could do more to tackle stubborn challenges – such as infrastructure failure, to protect lives and prevent catastrophes – if only they had the right data. He breaks down: how big data gaps have held back innovation for the physical world, and how smarter approaches to infrastructure can improve efficiency and safety in sectors like manufacturing or mining, all while reducing emissions. He also offers key questions leaders can ask to better understand what information has informed their AI and why that's critical to continued trust in the technology. Lastly, he takes us through the moment he knew he needed to start Gecko Robotics, the sleepless nights he pushed through to bootstrap it in its early days, and the unique way he has merged worklife and family life to spend more time with his wife and four children. This interview was recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 2025. About this episode: Gecko Robotics https://www.geckorobotics.com/ Episode transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/jake-loosarian-gecko-robotics-data-gap-ai/ Future of jobs report https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ Meet the Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA Listen: https://tinyurl.com/ys2dtftj Read: https://tinyurl.com/fbym95jy Radio Davos - Tech poised to change the world: Top Ten Emerging Technologies 2025 Watch: https://youtu.be/QVTprDQdrZE Listen: https://tinyurl.com/2nb3c246 Read: https://youtu.be/QVTprDQdrZE Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - / @wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560

Forecasts say we'll need to double food production by 2050 - a tall order given 40% of the earth's land has been degraded over decades by mining, unsustainable farming and climate change. The head of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Ibrahim Thiaw takes us through this complex issue that impacts economies, human well-being and global security. He breaks down what's needed to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land and the policies and technologies that can make a difference. He also shares how drought devastated his family and community when just a child and how the destruction and despair he witnessed inspired him to dedicate his life to environmental issues. As he closes out his role as executive secretary this summer, he shares how leaders can sharpen their focus on the issues that matter most. About this episode: https://www.unccd.int/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/ibrahim-thiaw-unccd-land-restoration-climate Related report: Business on the Edge: Building Industry Resilience to Climate Hazards Related podcasts: How one global health leader prepares teams for the toughest scenarios: Gavi CEO The 'triple strength' leaders must develop to drive a sustainable future: OMV CEO We're 'losing the war' on modern slavery: What business leaders can do - HPE's John Schultz

Former gymnast and current USA Gymnastics CEO and president Li Li Leung joined the organization after after a turmoil-ridden period marked by an abuse scandal, bankruptcy and rapid leadership turnover. She talks to Meet The Leader about what she did in her first days to rebuild trust with athletes, coaches and gymnastics communities across the country and build new policies that met their needs. She also shares what's needed for psychological safety and the slate of new mental health resources created at the organization, from therapists to emotional support dogs, that are supporting both athletes and coaches. Lastly, she shares what the sport has taught her about discipline and accepting feedback, and what's key to coaching teams on results that matter. About this episode: USA Gymnastics https://usagym.org/ Future of jobs report https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ Related Podcasts: Meet the Leader - Ballerina Misty Copeland: Unlocking potential and a leader's most 'vital' role https://tinyurl.com/yd7zc3yc Radio Davos - How sport can save lives: Homeless World Cup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsXULphhSzo Meet the Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - / @wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560

Big change can come with big fallouts and big feelings. Cisco's chief customer experience officer Liz Centoni runs a team with tens of thousands of employees and has 25 years of experience making the tough calls needed to drive needed technological change and earn critical buy-in and support. She shares what she's learned about tackling team fears and frictions head on and the importance of breaking down complex shifts into manageable 'chunks' to bring people along. She explains why she recommends leaders embrace the 'power of the pause' -- and wait to speak in meetings -- and what's needed to get truly honest feedback in pivotal moments. Learn more about her approach – and the empowering lessons she learned about transformation from books like 'The Courage to be Disliked' and the famed psychologist Viktor Frankl. About this episode:Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/ Episode Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/liz-centoni-cisco-tough-decisions-big-change Referenced in this episode: Book recommendation - The Courage to Be Disliked, by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1501197274 World Economic Forum Research - Future of Jobs Report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ Related podcast: 7 women leaders on the books that shaped them https://tinyurl.com/vuketc78 How one global health leader plans for the unexpected: Gavi https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Sj2YMTzpZj54Q0DMhHVrr

The global retirement savings gap could grow to $400 trillion by 2050 -- a problem that can't just be tackled by simple saving alone. Meanwhile, we're living longer and longer, a reality that is changing the way we live in our later years while making it trickier to save. Yie-Hsin Hung, the CEO of State Street Investment Management, will break down this problem and the new multi-prong approaches from all parts of society that will be needed to fix it. She also shares the moments that shaped her as a leader (like the simple question she asked early in her career that has helped her get honest feedback to this day). About this episode: State Street Investment Management Note: State Street rebranded to State Street Investment Management since this interview was recorded. https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary Related Initiative: World Economic Forum Longevity Economy Initiative: https://initiatives.weforum.org/financial-resilience-for-every-generation/home Related reports: Future-Proofing the Longevity Economy: Innovations and Key Trends: https://www.weforum.org/publications/future-proofing-the-longevity-economy-innovations-and-key-trends/ Global Risks report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/digest/ Related Podcasts: The 'inevitable' caregiving cost nightmare: One young founder's story and solution: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/lily-vittayarukskul-waterlily-caregiving-costs/

How does the CEO of an organization brought in to help respond to fast-moving health crises like Mpox and other infectious diseases plan for the unexpected? Sania Nishtar heads up Gavi - The Vaccine Alliance, an organization that has helped vaccinate over one billion children in the world's poorest countries and prevent more than 18 million deaths worldwide. Sania talks to us about the planning, mindsets, technologies and scenario planning her team uses to be ready for any emergency. She explains the importance of securing 'crystal clarity' in advance for what its expected to deliver and how that helps the organization prepare for a range of circumstances and efficiently coordinate with governments and other global organizations when time is of the essence. This organization was launched at Davos 25 years ago and she shares what what's needed for global health security and strengthened public health systems now and in months and years ahead. This interview was recorded in January 2025 at the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. About this episode: Gavi: https://www.gavi.org/ Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/sania-nishtar-gavi-preparation-global-health Related podcasts: What most people get wrong about progress: Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2IJjZs4E7A&t=51s We're 'losing the war' on modern slavery: What leaders can do - HPE's John Schultz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlXggC3o08I&t=1s

Non-communicable diseases like stroke and heart disease have swapped spots with infectious diseases as top global killers. Improving health access -- whether in the developed or emerging world -- can save the lives of billions. CEO Bernd Montag explains how Siemens Healthineers is partnering with providers around the world to deliver technologies and help reduce the complexities that can stand in the way of efficient treatment. He'll also share his own unique background -- as a professional basketball player and later theoretical physicist -- and how it shaped how he makes decisions and leads. This interview was recorded January 2025 at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. About this episode: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ Video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECEgJAlM72A Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/bernd-montag-siemens-healthineers Related podcasts: Bridging the gap in women's health technology, policy and more: Kearney: https://tinyurl.com/3jmahwwj Tackling these surprising blindspots can bridge gender gaps in health, opportunity and more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HfUaxq69cJBZfVgGctVMB?go=1&sp_cid=974f0d02895cc3e5dc6ee274371893a7&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=38d6c85af7df484e

Nadya Okamoto launched her nonprofit Period as a teenager at the height of startup mania, hustle culture and girlboss memes. It grew to become one of the largest youth nonprofits in the world, but the fast growth led to burnout and a harsh cost to her well-being. She talks about how she learned to value rest, set boundaries and get 10 hours of sleep a day – and the moment she decided to pass the leadership torch for the organization's next phase. Her non-profit Period, one that got started distributing menstrual pads to the homeless in San Francisco, and her current startup August, a menstruation care brand, both deal with tackling access to women's health products, health equity and ending period poverty. She discusses the unique challenges leaders face in this space and the boundary pushing ways she leverages social media and grassroots organizing to bridge gaps in awareness and funding and drive positive conversations and change. She also shares her lessons from her work in non-profits, policy work and startups on how any leader can be more accountable to what their organization needs right now. About this episode: August: https://www.itsaugust.co/Period: https://msha.ke/periodinc/ Related report: Prescription for Change: Policy Recommendations for Women's Health Research: https://www.weforum.org/publications/prescription-for-change-policy-recommendations-for-women-s-health-research/ Blueprint to Close the Women's Health Gap: How to Improve Lives and Economies for All: https://www.weforum.org/publications/blueprint-to-close-the-women-s-health-gap-how-to-improve-lives-and-economies-for-all/ Related podcasts: 7 women leaders on the books that shaped their lives: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/7-women-leaders-books-recommendations/ Bridging the gap in women's health research, policy and innovation: Kearney https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/paula-bellostas-muguerza-kearney-womens-health/ How bridging design gaps in science and tech can tackle gender bias: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/nigina-muntean-design-equity-unpf/

In this special collection episode, top women leaders in business, non-profits and more share the books that inspired them, informed them and changed their minds. These books will make you take a second read of a classic - whether it's a favorite business book or an Agatha Christie mystery. And these insightful picks will have you thinking differently about a range of big problems, from geography's role in a fractured society to how transit design can widen gender gaps. These books will help you get sharper at your role -- and even find new ways to make room for joy. Global Gender Gap Report 2025: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2025/ Leaders featured in this episode: Liz Centoni, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Cisco Alicia Chong Rodriguez, founder, Bloomer Tech Nadya Okamoto Founder, August Kara Alaimo, professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University Makiko Ono, CEO, Suntory Beverage and Food Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director, Ushahidi Yie-Hsin Hung, CEO, State Street Global Advisors Books mentioned in this episode: The Courage to Be Disliked, by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi From Good to Great, Jim Collins The Vagina Business by Marina Gerner Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Marie Brown Down Girl, Kate Manne Hood Feminism, Mikki Kendall Invisible Women, Caroline Criado-Perez Agatha Christie Mysteries The Power of Geography, Tim Marshall Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub