"What started as a bold idea by two young entrepreneurs who believed that global forums should be action-oriented, multi-sector collaborations, turning vision into impact through innovative solutions and measurable results."
Anita B. McBride
"Learn to think of the unthinkable and build the ability to act in times of high uncertainty. That served me very well during COVID, when the unthinkable happened and the world economy came to a screeching stop."
Kristalina Georgieva
"Her voice is one of clarity in uncertain times, reminding us that economic growth must be inclusive, that fiscal responsibility must go hand in hand with social responsibility, and that collaboration across borders is the best way forward."
The Hon. Henrietta Fore
Key Takeaways
Crisis Leadership Principles: Effective crisis leadership requires foresight and adaptability to “think of the unthinkable,” 360-degree engagement to connect diverse perspectives, and values-based decision making guided by the principle to “always strive to do the right thing.”
Communication and Team Motivation: Leaders must simplify complex matters so “if my mother gets it, I got the right messaging in place,” and focus on inspiring people through motivation and creativity, “we will rock, you work like a champ.”
Career Development Philosophy: Barriers can become opportunities, Georgieva’s shift from journalism to economics became “a blessing in my life,” and diverse experiences across systems and cultures build essential global leadership capacity.
Economic Leadership: During COVID-19, the IMF advised governments to “spend, keep the receipts, but spend,” emphasizing that “economic growth must be inclusive” and “fiscal responsibility must go hand in hand with social responsibility.”
Action Items
Immediate Leadership Development: Conduct regular “unthinkable scenario” planning sessions, establish diverse advisory networks to include different viewpoints, and develop communication testing methods to make complex messages broadly understandable.
Strategic Initiatives: Build crisis leadership capabilities through programs on decision-making under uncertainty, create multi-sector collaboration structures connecting governments, institutions, and the private sector, and implement values-based frameworks for ethical decision-making under pressure.
For Young Leaders: Embrace confidence by believing in your skills and value, commit to excellence through hard work and dedication, and seek diverse experiences that build global leadership capacity.
Institutional Reforms: Strengthen public-private partnerships for global challenges, focus on inclusive growth that balances fiscal and social responsibility, and establish recognition programs honoring leaders who demonstrate vision and values-driven public leadership.
