'Leadership 2.0' means rebuilding trust in our common purpose

When I engage with today’s young generation, I often pose a fundamental question: Do you believe that you, and future generations, will feel better off, or worse, in the years ahead? It is disheartening that the majority respond with “worse”.

I personally believe that the message around human progress should be one of hope. Leaders globally have a responsibility to pave the way towards a common sense of purpose that can unite humanity across generations and borders.

Today, it seems that the traditional narrative of humanity progressing toward a brighter future has broken down. The consequences of this loss of belief are profound. Without confidence in the future, people increasingly focus on their immediate well-being instead of long-term societal progress. This shift has given rise to more individualistic behaviours, self-centred communities and nationalism-driven policies, with little inclination toward the sacrifices needed to sustain a prosperous society. The loss of a collective vision is the result, diminishing our willingness to invest in a future we no longer believe in.

This begs the question: Why has our collective sense of purpose and optimism eroded? At its core, this disillusionment is rooted in fear – fear that has grown in tandem with globalization, technological disruption, and significant social and economic changes. Fears surrounding job security, environmental crises, decreasing purchasing power, political instability, immigration and the perceived loss of traditional ways of life all contribute to a general sense of losing control. Compounding this, traditional structures that once conveyed societal values have weakened, leaving many feeling adrift.

A society that no longer believes in its future is vulnerable to two extremes: polarization and inertia, or a turn towards strong, authoritarian leadership that promises to resolve these anxieties. In this context, the role of business leaders becomes pivotal. The economy and business are essential drivers to counteract despair by providing jobs, security and prosperity. Business leaders must additionally recognize that their role transcends material success; it involves addressing the psychological and moral needs of society and embracing the values that resonate within mainstream society.

To reinforce the role of business in society, we must simultaneously strengthen its entrepreneurial and innovative capacities alongside its social responsibilities. It is essential to stop viewing these two dimensions as contradictory. Both are indispensable in rebuilding societal trust.

Exercising social responsibility should not entail taking a stance on controversial societal debates; moral judgments on such issues belong to society as a whole. Instead, social responsibility for corporations means leveraging their resources and capabilities to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities in concrete, measurable ways. By focusing on creating value through sustainable practices, supporting social welfare, protecting the environment and aligning with mainstream societal values, companies can contribute meaningfully to society without advancing ideologically driven views themselves, which does not imply a lack of respect for them.

The task of harmonizing these elements – just as we must balance short-term gains with long-term visions – should rest squarely with business leaders, who must have the freedom to navigate these responsibilities without succumbing to ideological pressures. This alignment between economic success and social responsibility can be the foundation upon which a trustworthy and sustainable business landscape is built.

In this pivotal phase of humanity’s journey, our highest priority is to restore our belief that we can shape a better future together. Businesses have an integral role to play, not only by generating prosperity, but by aligning with the expectations and values of society to be accepted as trusted partners. This also requires a sense of modesty and humility, recognizing that globalization has not lifted all boats and that an ultra-liberal approach has left too many people behind. By acknowledging these shortcomings, business leaders can demonstrate a renewed commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that economic progress benefits society as a whole. By rising to this challenge, leaders can pave the way for a future that instills hope, resilience and a renewed sense of common purpose in generations to come.