Davos WEF 2020

The World Economic Forum in Davos this year has the theme Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World. We are here to meet business partners - new and old - and people, whom we would not normally engage or meet with. So much talent, inspiration, wisdom, craziness is gathered in this place - you are surrounded by people who want to make a difference and who has another perspective than you, thus challenging your way of thinking and making it possible for new ideas, connections and actions to occur.

This year, sustainability of course is high on the agenda (given the theme), as well as inclusion, mental health, and how we need to work on allowing for and also respecting many different opinions (a cohesive world does not mean a world where we all agree or are all the same). Trump was speaking on the same day as Thurnberg - but their world-views, perspectives and solutions to what to do about the problems of the world are very, very different. Thus, a good example of two world-views colliding, and at the same time yet living right next to each other. With respect, dignity - and the ability to listen to each other - we might someday find common ground. Today, it still looks like we have some way to go, and we must all try our best to influence situations, where people do not listen, show empathy or real interest in learning from one another. It is, after all, what makes us human - and this humanity is what will make us not only survive, but also thrive - in the long run, I believe.

We also still have some ways to go when it comes to gender equality. Therefore, the picture at this article is of women. Strong influencers, each within each of their fields, who dare to speak up, lead the way and bring themselves in the spotlight, where the danger of criticism lives. Pernille Tranberg wrote the book Data-ethics long before anyone else spoke about this matter, and she is still leading the way within this area. She is standing to the left of me on the picture. On the right from me, first we have Astrid Haug, Strategic Advisor within digital media and transformation, next is Pernille Enggaard, well respected and amazingly fluent in bringing news about finance, stock and other business related topics out in the media in a way that is different, nuanced and fun! No easy task. Then it is Christina Boutrup, China Expert and Author - she has toured the world with her latest book about the the great tech revolution in China and is in general a sought after journalist, moderator and speaker. Last, but not least on the picture, it is Tine Willumsen, who is another kick-ass woman present in Davos this year. She is the CEO of Above and Beyond.

I am mentioning these women, because I believe we need role-models who show their expertise and what they can bring to the world in a way that is professional, edgy and kind. Not long ago I rewatched this tedtalk by Novelist Chimamanda Adichie, who talks about the danger of a single story - and how we need more woman to step up and show themselves and their talents in order for young women and little girls to actually SEE how women can also lead the way, be storytellers, novelists, economists, entrepreneurs, world leaders. Therefore, a huge shout out to not only the women mentioned above, but also Majken Gilmartin, CEO of Global Goals World Cup , as well as Lise Kingo, CEO & Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact and Mette Morsing, boardmember and professor at Copenhagen Business school and Stockholm School of Economics. Not to mention Anja Wittrup, Global Director at Global Affairs, Bain & Company. And many, many other really amazing women are present at this years conference - inside and outside the formal area where WEF is taking place.

It is therefore a puzzle to me, that most panels here in Davos are still consisting of ONLY men - men as presenters, men as moderators. Some people say it is just a reflection of society, where women are still under-presented in executive- and board roles. But - we can do better - and I really would like to see more women presented next year. Women need to step up and take the space (lean in - yes) - but they also need to be asked, found, urged to participate - just like men has been for decades.

That´s all for now - I will now go make some noise in the streets and talk about the field I am passionate about - leadership, organizational culture, innovation and how to create a work-environment where people dare to speak up, challenge status quo and are allowed to bring their whole self to work as well as having some fun on the way.