In a lively discussion, Tómasdóttir shares her thoughts on diversity, sustainability and responsible leadership.
What ingredients are needed for a recipe to make the world fit for the future? On 21 October we had the honour of discussing this with Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir during an event hosted at the Hertie School with the Embassy of the Republic of Iceland in Berlin. In an intimate conversation with Hertie School President Cornelia Woll and students, President Tómasdóttir shared her wisdom from years in the private and public sectors.
1. Sustainability must be built into our business model
Traditionally, the purpose of business has been to increase profit for company shareholders. This has created unprecedented prosperity, but this prosperity has come at the expense of our future.
“There is no profit to be made on a burning planet with a broken social contract,” said President Tómasdóttir. She called for a new definition of success in business, one that considers our planet’s health and is not solely based on profit.
2. To solve global challenges, we need everybody at the table
The challenges we are facing – war, climate change, growing inequality and others – require us to rethink the silos we are living in. Governments, the private sector and civil society will all have to work together to solve these problems.
3. We need diverse voices in leadership, and gender balance is crucial
“Diversity is essential for any future-fit economy,” President Tómasdóttir said. We need a range of people in in leadership roles, not least of all gender balance. “The definition of success expands with better representation across the gender spectrum,” Tómasdóttir argued.
4. Lead like you, and choose your partner wisely
President Tómasdóttir advised future female leaders in particular to be true to themselves, and not simply to lead as it has always been done. She warned that maintaining the status quo will only accelerate the problems our planet faces.
As women take up leadership roles, she stressed that they should choose their partners wisely. Whether it be a spouse, a sister or a mother, a partner who fully supports you will help you carry the weight that you as a leader will have to bear, she said.
5. Empowerment starts with personal growth
Learn how to regulate your emotions and make hard decisions: inner empowerment is a vital tool for making a positive impact on the world. To aspiring female leaders grappling with imposter syndrome, Tómasdóttir advised befriending the critic in their heads and seeing it as an asset. Speaking from her personal experience, she said that doing this has helped her to stay humble and to find courage, sincerity and authenticity about the things that matter most.
For more words of wisdom from Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir, watch a recording of the event.