Each year the World Economic Forum selects Young Global Leaders (YGLs)–the most enterprising, innovative, socially minded, and exceptional leaders under the age of 40. Meet the Class of 2016 which includes scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, artists and many more. This year’s class of 121 YGLs is split evenly between business and not-for-profit sectors. I’m proud to be YGL Class of 2009. On Thursday, March 17, 2016, we welcomed the new NY-based YGLs at an intimate gathering.
I was delighted to speak at the Womensphere Emerging Leaders Global Summit in New York. As many Womensphere gatherings, this event focused on accelerating gender parity and advancing women in leadership and innovation in the workplace and society. There was a special emphasis on the Global Goals for Sustainable Development–a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
THE BUZZ: On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, I had a wonderful evening with fellow Young Global Leaders hosted by Georges A. Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen (and one of the original Young Global Leaders). IWC is a sponsor of the TriBeCa Film Festival. It was a delight to be at IWC’s flagship store on Madison Avenue amongst all of those luxury Swiss watches (with five and six-figure price tags).
On Friday, March 27, 2015, I had the pleasure of participating in the New York Stock Exchange Opening Ceremony. The World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders (YGLs) had an opportunity to ring the opening bell in honor of our incoming 2015 class of YGLs (I got selected in 2009). It’s always impressive to be on the floor of the NYSE and such a delight to receive this royal treatment!
THE BUZZ: From September 5th through 16th, 2014, I was in Beijing for the Young Global Leader (YGL) Summit and Tianjin for the World Economic Forum on East Asia. Then, I had the immense pleasure of traveling with a small group – on a private jet – to Japan. It was incredible – from teaching yoga on a private section of The Great Wall of China to learning about the new wave of Buddhism from an esteemed Master. Check out the pictures…
GLOBAL VIEWS: I was just in South Africa a few weeks ago and had lunch in Mandela Square in Sandton City, a commercial and entertainment hub in the heart of Johannesburg. A jovial bronzed statute of Nelson Mandela towers almost twenty feet above the sidewalk cafés and exclusive boutiques. People of different nationalities co-mingle as they dine and shop under foot. Adjacent to the luxurious Michelangelo Hotel, the statute and Square represent a South Africa that Nelson Mandela helped create – where all are considered equal under the constitution and the country itself can participate freely in the global economy.
THE BUZZ: Journey to the Royal Bafokeng Nation in South Africa. The Nation is a traditionally governed community and an example of direct community participation in mining ventures.
THE BUZZ: It’s so wonderful being a Young Global Leader because we get such great invitations! On Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013, I had the pleasure of joining a small group of fellow YGLs at the Australian Consul General’s Residence in New York. It was hosted by outgoing Consul General Phil Scanlan AM.
THE BUZZ: On Thursday May 9th and Friday, May 10th, 2013, I participated in Shaping Together: White House Briefing on Values and Leadership in Washington, DC sponsored by the Global Shapers DC Hub.
THE BUZZ: From October 18th – 24th, 2012, I was in Singapore for the first time visiting family and attending an Executive Education program on “Insights into Politics and Policy in Asia for Global Leaders” at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
