NAIROBI, Kenya, June 20 – 200 C-suite leaders from Kenya and around the globe will be attending the first edition of the ‘Future of Power’ with responsible leadership and soft power skills at the centre of discussion.
The 73rd meeting will be the first to be held in Africa.
Previously, the event has been held in over 72 cities across Asia, America, and Australia, aimed at deepening the understanding of the nature of power and fostering a repository of ideas, among others.
Business leaders are encountering a myriad of challenges as they navigate numerous factors such as talent management, regulatory compliance, consumer behaviour changes, and economic uncertainty.
The Nairobi edition will offer an opportunity for leaders to discuss innovative approaches to address these challenges and explore new leadership strategies.
Soft power, the ability to influence and attract through persuasion and appeal rather than coercion or force, is increasingly recognised as a critical skill for transformative leaders.
The ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and inspire others is crucial for executives as they manage diverse teams and cultivate a positive organisational culture.
This approach not only enhances internal cohesion but also strengthens external relationships, making soft power an indispensable asset for any leader aiming to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
According to a 2023 EY Report on Leadership in the Human Digital Age, leadership requirements have shifted significantly from mere technical skills to human-focused capabilities.
Traditionally, senior officials were identified and assessed based on their experience, tenure, and business performance.
Exercising direct power and giving commands may have defined leadership in the past, but this approach is no longer effective.
Today, leaders are required to think, act, and react differently. This rapid pace of change demands a new kind of leadership that emphasises competencies such as empathy, adaptability, collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving.
While speaking during the launch event, Future of Power Founder Nizar Juma noted that leadership is the foundation upon which companies, communities, and nations are built.
He emphasised that effective leadership could foster growth and positive change at every level of society.
“Leadership is an area of great interest for me. Good leadership is the catalyst that drives both business success and societal impact. As we bring the Future of Power to Africa for the first time, we are committed to empowering leaders who will transform not just their companies, but their communities and the world,” said Juma.
Future of Power Speaker Shivani Verma noted that Nairobi is a vibrant city with a massive influence on the global business landscape, making it the perfect location for this important dialogue on responsible leadership.
“In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders must adapt and embrace soft power skills to effectively guide their organizations and communities. This edition of Future of Power will provide a platform for leaders to share insights and strategies that promote ethical and impactful leadership,” said Shivani.
This edition of the Future of Power series will bring together seasoned global speakers, including the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, renowned management tutor and author Mike George, as well as speakers Kiuri Mbarathi and Sister Vedanti.
