Reflections from an Airport Gate: Worldviews and Power
Reflections from an Airport Gate: Worldviews and Power
True changemakers might not be on a Swiss mountain this week. Or in the rooms we expect.
In the departure lounge of São Paulo's airport some years ago, I found myself observing the first-class passengers. All male, dressed in crisp shirts, blazers, and designer loafers, they embodied a conventional image of success and influence. As I prepared to board business class (for which I was grateful) to fly back to Zürich, my thoughts were on the nature of the discussions they were likely to have. At the time, establishing advisory boards in emerging markets for a major reinsurer, my default worldview was that significant conversations happened by significant people in significant places.
I felt a pang of envy, imagining the business discussions and deals that might be occurring in the plane’s first-class section. The passengers may well have just watched movies and slept, although it didn’t lessen my sense of missing out on important business.
Over time, this belief has since evolved. I've come to know that groundbreaking achievements often occur far from these 'important' rooms. The notion that change and achievement is the prerogative of the elite is an outdated misconception. Today, true innovation often arises not from proximity to traditional centers of power, but from those operating outside these circles. It is driven by passion and dedication and is increasingly accelerated by modern frameworks and accessible technology that enable collaboration and breakthroughs.
Trail-Blazers. Ceiling-Breakers.
Katalin Karikó, awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine demonstrates this well. Her story isn't just about scientific excellence; it's a testament to relentless ambition and perseverance. Despite setbacks, including being ousted from her research position, Karikó persisted, driven by personal support and a transcendent vision.
Her breakthrough in mRNA technology, critical in developing Covid-19 vaccines, revolutionised a traditionally slow and costly industry. It illustrates how impactful innovation can emerge from resilience, not just access to high-powered networks or platforms.
How We See The World.
Reflecting on perceived positions of power and success, it's crucial to question our biases, particularly the belief that those in power have all the answers and influence.
Stephen Covey's insight, “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are - or, as we are conditioned to see it,” invites us to reassess our views on success and influence, acknowledging that innovation and breakthroughs often emerge from a variety of actions and perspectives, not just from traditional seats of power.
The Powerful Gather
The World Economic Forum meets in Davos this week. About 2,500 leaders from various sectors will gather to discuss critical global issues under the theme “Rebuilding Trust.” These discussions will span a range of topics, from economic growth to climate action, energy security, technology governance, and human development. The WEF's Global Risks 2024 report, a collaboration with Zurich Insurance and Marsh McLennan, further emphasises the urgency of these conversations, highlighting disinformation and environmental threats as the most pressing global risks.
The Business of Risk and Fear.
While it is vital to acknowledge risks, particularly in sectors like insurance and reinsurance where risk management is a core business, there is often an overemphasis on fear and danger. This narrative is not only popular in mainstream media but also a common tool in political discourse.
As the WEF annual meeting is held this week, it's valuable to remember that significant conversations and insights often come from outside such elite gatherings. These events, though important, represent just a fraction of a broader global dialogue.
People and Places in 2024.
In setting ambitious goals for 2024, let's shift our focus. Instead of striving to be with 'important' people in 'important' places, let's focus on our work aimed towards breakthrough success and seek inspiration and collaboration from those who share our drive and alignment towards these outcomes.
The true changemakers might not be in the rooms we expect. When we know where to look, we see them transforming the world in ways we can, initially at least, only begin to imagine.
It is these changemakers that I want to sit next to on a flight (or bus, or train) whatever the class of travel. I want to understand their work towards ambitious goals and, as a result, be inspired and stretched to do next, bigger things. You?
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