28Nov2023
Behind the Keynotes III: Message to Leaders
by: Nordic Business Forum
In this episode of Behind the Keynotes, the speakers of Nordic Business Forum 2023 shared their valuable insights and advice for leaders navigating the ever-evolving business landscape. From the importance of embracing new technologies to fostering diversity and inclusion, the speakers covered a wide range of topics. In this article, we’ll delve into the key messages from each speaker and distill their advice for leaders looking to shape a sustainable and successful future.
Future Technologies
When discussing technologies that shape our future, we tend to focus disproportionately on artificial intelligence. Amy Webb, a renowned futurist, urged leaders to broaden their focus beyond AI. She highlighted two additional general-purpose technologies, namely biotechnology and quantum computing, that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Amy emphasized the importance of recognizing the interactions between these technologies and staying vigilant for convergences.
Making a Difference
Several speakers discussed the change leaders can make locally and globally. Maryna Saprykina stressed the significance of having a big objective for your company and addressing acute issues in your region or country. Leaders can align their organizations with the expectations of customers, employees, and partners. This approach allows businesses to make a meaningful impact and build a strong business case.
Similarly, Rebecca Henderson advised business leaders to pick one issue that they can make a difference against. Instead of attempting to solve all problems at once, she suggests focusing on making progress step by step.
Choosing the objective and issues you’d like to address is an important process. Sheena Iyengar encouraged leaders to be choosy about choosing, focusing on the top three to five choices that truly matter. The power of choice, according to Sheena, lies in both picking the best available options and creating new meaningful choices to address specific problems.
Creativity and Diversity
Jos de Blok advocated for new paradigms in building societies. He challenged the traditional models of efficiency and economic growth, calling for creativity and a reevaluation of organizational balance with the environment. Embracing a new paradigm is crucial for fostering profitable and meaningful organizations.
In addition to creativity, we need diversity. Amy Webb emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating sustainable futures. In a time when businesses strive to improve the landscape, she highlighted the need for technology and businesses to serve everybody.
One such continuing issue is the inclusion of women in the leadership space. Maryna Saprykina addressed the fears women entrepreneurs often face. She advocates for providing psychological assistance and forming communities to offer support and strength.
The Importance of Learning
According to Mikko Hyppönen, the most crucial aspect for leaders is to keep learning and understand emerging technologies. He emphasized the need to embrace these technologies fearlessly, encouraging leaders not to hesitate in going back to school to stay ahead of competitors. In a world where technology shapes our surroundings, continuous learning is the key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Mikko concluded by acknowledging the importance of education in addressing human problems, particularly in the context of cybersecurity. While technical problems can be fixed with patches, human problems require education as the ultimate solution.
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