Humility, Trust, and Collaboration: My Top Takeaways from the Wharton Global Forum

Last month, I had the pleasure of experiencing the magic of a Wharton Global Forum—this year’s event hosted in Singapore—marking the “last of my firsts” as Dean.

Nearly 900 people gathered to network with, and learn from, some of the best minds in business, academia, and government. After a three-year hiatus, the energy at the Shangri-La Singapore was positively palpable. The two days of roundtables, lectures, and receptions reinforced to me that no other business school is capable of conducting such important conversations or convening so many influential people. It was truly a gathering without equal.

Well before I arrived at Wharton, I knew this school to be transformative, with brilliant faculty whose knowledge impacts the world and influential graduates who excel as innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs wielding intellect and intentionality. But what continues to strike me is our ability to convene communities from myriad perspectives and experiences to facilitate meaningful discourse and address our shared global challenges.

The conversations I heard and led in Singapore exemplified that spirit of collaboration. While I wish I could distill the discussions on AI, financial markets, ESG, electric vehicles, and more, I’ll instead share what I felt were some of the most poignant comments from two of our keynote speakers: Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, and Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Former Governor of Utah and U.S. Ambassador to China, Russia, and Singapore.

Humility is a critical leadership trait. Ambassador Huntsman—who served in the administrations of five U.S. Presidents—said the most effective leaders he has come across consistently exhibit humility. Meaning they not only hear out different points of view and accept criticism, but also incorporate that feedback into their leadership practice as they adapt and change. Ambassador Huntsman also advised that leaders should listen twice as much as they talk, and I wholeheartedly agree. In my own research, I’ve found that leaders who seek out differing perspectives from a multitude of stakeholders are more likely to unearth opportunities and unlock innovation.

Trust is paramount to global order. Both Deputy Prime Minister Wong and Ambassador Huntsman stressed the critical, yet fragile role trust plays in global affairs, and ultimately in our collective prosperity. Mr. Wong called for the development of frameworks to enable countries to effectively conduct business with one another, even when they disagree on pressing issues. Mr. Huntsman counseled leaders to identify the issues where they see common ground amidst opposition, and to use that as a base from which one builds fruitful relationships. This tracked with my own keynote remarks, where I challenged Wharton to be the institution that breaks down barriers to progress, both those that are real and those imagined.

Collaboration produces better outcomes. Deputy Prime Minister Wong closed his address by reflecting on the role that Singapore plays in our multipolar world as a convener, connector, and facilitator. Despite being one of the smallest countries in Asia, Singapore wields an outsized influence due to its ability to bring businesses and other stakeholders together to promote peace and stability. So it’s fitting—and fulfilling—that our first major global alumni gathering since the pandemic took place in Singapore, as it reinforces the sentiment that problems are best solved when we align to find solutions.

The remarks from these two statesmen—and countless other speakers and attendees—serve as shining examples of ethical and principled leadership in the public and private spheres. Hearing so many affirming, supportive views on leadership, collaboration, and trust was among the highlights of my Global Forum experience.

Erika James is Dean, Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise, and Professor of Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.