Celebrating Growth, Gratitude, and the Path Ahead
Light, Hope, and the Year Ahead: Reflections on 2024 and Intentions for 2025
As the year draws to a close, the world seems to pause, just for a moment, to celebrate the beauty of togetherness, reflection, and renewal. Here in Sweden, the holiday season invites us to welcome light into the darkest days of winter, whether through the soft glow of Lucia candles or the joy of gathering around traditional treats like saffron buns and herring. These moments remind us that even in the cold and dark, there is light to be found when we come together.
This sense of light and connection feels particularly meaningful as I reflect on 2024—a year filled with challenges, growth, and extraordinary collaboration. It was a year shaped by resilience and innovation, where the shared values of peace, understanding, and compassion were constant guiding stars. These values remind us of the importance of bridging differences and extending kindness, creating ripples of good that can grow into transformative change.
A Year of Milestones and Evolution
In 2024, I was privileged to contribute to a diverse range of initiatives and opportunities for learning and growth.
This year marked an evolution in my board portfolio, as I finalized some mandates to create space for new opportunities. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on nine listed companies, seven private firms, and five non-profits and foundations. Currently, I focus on two listed companies, two private companies, and foundations such as the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative and the Chair Boards Impact Forum.
Board work has been both challenging and rewarding, tackling global issues such as geopolitics, inflationary pressures, cybersecurity, and the ethical integration of AI. Key priorities included fostering resilience within companies, navigating strategic reviews, and driving innovation and sustainability.
A highlight was participating in the World Economic Forum’s global event in collaboration with the Climate Governance Initiative, where board leaders discussed actionable strategies for sustainability. These conversations underscored the business case for climate action and the critical role of governance in driving impactful change. Global board leaders agree on strong business case for climate action at WEF.
Through Boards Impact Forum and Digoshen, we advanced board programs to empower leadership in an era of disruption. From earning certification for our sustainability oversight program to integrating AI simulation tools into boardroom training, we pushed boundaries to ensure governance is equipped for today’s challenges. Notable highlights included sessions on on Boards’ Oversight of Sustainability Program (and starting again in January 2025) and two iterations of Boards’ Oversight of Responsible AI Program.
Partnerships with esteemed institutions like INSEAD, Scandinavian Executive Institute, Nordic In-Board Academy, MIT, Directors and Chief Risk Officers Institute, Ruter Dam Network, INSEAD Directors Network, Salzburg Global and World Economic Forum enriched these efforts, sharing actionable insights to navigate complex landscapes with clarity and confidence.
Nurturing Resilience Through Coaching and Reflection
Coaching and mentoring have been another cornerstone of this year. Working closely with board directors and CEOs worldwide has been both a privilege and a source of inspiration.
To further support leadership growth, we introduced Balanced Bridge, a 31-day program, rooted in scientific research on high-pressure leadership environments, with themes like gratitude, compassion, and shared values. Designed to nurture resilience and clarity, the program invites participants to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next with purpose. (Still available to join, free of charge)
The power of reflection also found expression in my multimedia art. This year, I created four new exhibitions exploring themes of leadership, resilience, and creativity. Each piece invites viewers to pause and engage deeply with questions of purpose and vision, and can be found via Novisali.com. I look forward to sharing these works in a physical exhibition near Stockholm in March 2025.
Insights and Thought Leadership
2024 was also a year of thought leadership, with continued research on Board Dynamic Capabilities and the publication of a peer-reviewed paper on this subject. Ongoing projects, such as updates to Boards’ Leadership of AI, supportered by Internetstiftelsen, boards handling of disruptions and cybersecurity governance research, aim to equip boards with actionable insights for navigating disruption.
International speaking engagements highlighted the transformative role of AI in leadership and governance.
Highlights included speaking at the Investors International Corporate Goernance Network, ICGN annual meeting in London in July. Also addressing a major Indian organization representing independent board directors, and delivering a keynote on the transformative impact of AI on leadership for a major media company.
In that keynote I explored how leaders can embody the analytical curiosity of Sherlock Holmes, the imaginative exploration of Alice in Wonderland, and the responsible innovation of Iron Man. These metaphors illustrate the leadership qualities needed to harness AI’s potential while addressing its risks.
Looking Ahead: Purpose and Gratitude
As we step into 2025, I carry immense gratitude for the collaborations, insights, and trust of this year. Each milestone reflects not just personal growth but also the collective efforts of inspiring colleagues, partners, and organizations. To the investors, board colleagues, and leadership teams I’ve worked with—thank you. Your vision and dedication make these achievements possible. For inspiration and insights, check out Digoshen Recommends.
Special thanks to those who contributed to meaningful conversations and groundbreaking initiatives this year, including especially Fernanda Torre, Sonia Tatar, Steen Buchreitz Jensen, Diego Bergheim Dias, Aline Eibl, Helen Wiseman, Scott Newton, David R Koenig, Rolf Pfeiffer, Ramon Estrada, Teresa Ramos, Francesco Burelli, Marika Lundsten, Carina Brorman, Keri Pearlson, Henrik Forzelius, Professors Ludo Van Der Heyden, Robin Teigland, Mats Magnusson and Stanislav Shekshnia and many others.
I also want to express my appreciation to Petra Palmgren Lindwall for including me in her Swedish Chairman Advent Calendar. The message I shared on December 22, 2022, remains as relevant today and now translated into 45 languages, demonstrating the universality of these insights, and the progress of AI during the year. Translated to English:
For one of your local languages: Explore Chair Perspectives in 45 Different Languages
A Holiday Wish for the Future
As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, may we embrace the traditions and moments that remind us of who we are and where we come from. Let us also honor the lessons of this past year—its challenges, its joys, and the progress we’ve made together.
Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and excitement for the opportunities and possibilities 2025 holds. Let us step forward with courage, curiosity, and gratitude, ready to drive meaningful impact in the year to come.
From my heart to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and light. May you find peace in the present, joy in the moments you create, and hope for the beautiful future that lies ahead. Together, let us make 2025 a year of bold ideas, renewed purpose, and shared success.