Ein Ausschnitt der “Leaders of Today” haben wir Euch schon vorgestellt. Nun folgen die Interviews mit den “Leaders of Tomorrow”:
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Siyabulela Xuza and I am an Engineer from South Africa. I am currently doing my masters degree at Harvard University.
Why are you taking part in this event?
I was invited to come here. (Siyabulela Xuza invented a new rocket fuel)
What did you expect from this event?
This is exactly what I expected. I expected an amazing event in terms of meeting great leaders and also meeting young people like me, who are also leading in their fields or will be doing so. I think St.Gallen has been an amazing host.
Which was your favourite speech?
Well, this is actually a very difficult question. I guess it is more a collection of views that I received.
Do you see yourself as tomorrow’s leader?
I wouldn’t see myself as tomorrow’s leader, I am an engineer with a passion for energy technology. I see myself as someone who will make a difference in terms of Africa’s energy needs. If that happens to make me a leader, I will be on it. And if I can assist leading in an energy revolution in the developing countries, I would be very happy to do so.
What is a leader to you?
The ability to lead is the ability to set yourself a goal that is larger than yourself and bring along other people.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Okendo Lewis-Gayle and I am the founder of Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance. We help students from many universities around the world, like Oxford, Harvard etc. to start businesses in their home country.
Why are you taking part in this event?
Mostly because we live in an inter-connected world that requires collaboration. You can not succed in this world on your own anymore.
What did you expect from this event?
My expectation was to meet diverse people with interesting background.
Which was your favourite speech?
The mayor of Mogadishu. This man was absolutely amazing. His introduction was very honest; some talk about courage and some practise courage. And he really practises courage.
Do you see yourself as tomorrow’s leader?
I do believe there is potential. But everything has potential. The question is whether we act on it. I am happy to have been chosen as a leader of tomorrow but only history can judge whether I am a leader or not.
What is a leader to you?
A leader is someone who uses their skills to try to mobilize the community. Doing what we all know must be done.
Could you please introduce yourself?
I am Atul Mishra from India. Currently I am doing my MBA. I am in the second year at the S.P. Jain Institue of Management and Research in Mumbai. I have a background in mechanical engineering and worked in a power plant for two years.
Why are you taking part in this event?
St.Gallen Symposium is a very prestigious event. Every year S.P.Jain sends delegates. We are really excited to attend the symposium. We really like the idea and concept of meeting people from many different nations, leaders of today and leaders of tomorrow.
So, you are attending the first time at the St.Gallen Symposium?
It is the first time outside of India for me as well. (laughing)
Do you like it?
Yes. The weather is cold but the people are warm.
What did you expect from this event?
My expectations originally were to get to see places outside India and to get to know people from different places.
Did your expectations come true?
I really loved it. I met so many brilliant people who are doing so many good things in their life. Like running a NGO or opening their own company. It is to live life on your own terms that leaders of tomorrow need to embrace. Do what you feel like, responsibly, and enjoy doing what you do.
Which was your favourite speech?
To be honest, it is really difficult to pick. The people are brilliant and it would be a degradation to pick one.
Do you see yourself as tomorrow’s leader?
I don’t know whether I am a tomorrow’s leader or not. What I really know is that I know my principles and stand for them.
What is a leader to you?
For me it is Mahatma Gandhi who believed in doing good for the society. Believing in their values and standing up for them despite problematic circumstances.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Hari Sathyendran. I am a business student in Stanford.
Why are you taking part in this event?
I am here because of the Wings of Excellence Award.
What did you expect from this event?
Honestly, I did not know what to expect, because it is my first time here. I received the letter and applied. After I was chosen I read about it online. It looked amazing. The website was really informative. It gives you a clear picture what happened last year and also who the people are that going to attend. I was really strucken by the sense of purpose. I was looking forward to dialogue und to meet some great people.
Did your expectations come true?
I am totally mind blown. Especially stand out the great selection of people on every level, whether it was a leader of today, a leader of tomorrow or Swiss people from this area. It was astonishing. I mean, the kind of people here… their is a guy who invented rocket fuel at the age of twelve, (look up). I can go on and on. The discussions have been entertaining and provocative. The arrangement to detail is astonishing. You cannot imagine this is a student run event.
What impressed you the most?
I was invited by a Leader of Today for breakfast. He talked about his philosophy. He runs an organization with about 7000 people and he knows most of them by name. He pointed out the importance of respect and staying grounded. That was really impressive.
Do you see yourself as tomorrow’s leader?
Honestly, I find this name really pretentious and provocative. But after meeting some of those people I believe a large number of us will be change makers. Perhaps the name also was chosen to inspire the people.
What is a leader to you?
Someone from whom I can be inspired and be proud to take the lead.
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Das Symposium 2013: