By Darija Miletic
For over twenty years GRLI has been at the leading edge of inquiring into leadership practice for a more just and sustainable world. We are committed to exploring the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced in today’s world and to supporting business and academic leaders to consciously reflect on what part they can play.
The first session of the latest series of the GRLI Crucial Conversations, held on September 28th 2024, initiated a dialogue that promises to redefine the way we approach the pressing global challenges of our time. This session, which focused on the complex interplay between crisis, power, and systemic transformation, brought together thought leaders, educators, and change-makers from across the globe. Here, we delve into some of the key takeaways from the breakout sessions and plenary, highlighting how the conversations shed light on the transformative potential of collective action, storytelling, and the need for new narratives.
Navigating Complexity : A New Map for the Future
One of the most profound themes to emerge was the need for a “map” or “compass” to guide us through an increasingly turbulent world. The group recognized the power of storytelling—especially through data and lived experiences—to help us determine our path forward. As Rohit Dwivedi illustrated with his two stories, narratives shape our worldview, influence our actions, and ultimately hold the power to effect systemic change. This reframing of power as a tool for collective prosperity—aligned with the original meaning of “wealth” as wellbeing for all—invites us to rethink how we approach leadership, economics, and education.
Reclaiming Power Through New (and Old) Narratives
The conversation also focused on the urgent need to reshape dominant narratives, particularly around human exceptionalism and humanity’s relationship with nature. Moved by the poem “A Map to the Next World” by Joy Harjo, the group highlighted indigenous knowledge as a crucial, yet often ignored, source of wisdom that could help bridge the gap between humanity and the natural world.
We were never perfect.
Yet, the journey we make together is perfect on this earth who was
once a star and made the same mistakes as humans.
We might make them again, she said.
Crucial to finding the way is this: there is no beginning or end.
You must make your own map.
While there is no clear map for transforming business and education for the common good, there are glimmers of hope. These hopeful sparks remind us that even small actions can lead to significant shifts. As John North put it, this journey is one we must embark on together, with each of us playing a part in shaping the future.
Systemic Transformation : From Crisis to Opportunity
Power was a central theme throughout the discussions, and it was explored in many dimensions: power over others, power to act, and power within systems. Kathleen Curran, Claire Maxwell and others discussed how labeling and categorizing—especially through a monocultural lens—can contribute to the current crisis by silencing marginalized voices.
To truly enable systemic transformation, participants agreed that we must shift the dominant narrative and co-create new, inclusive stories. This involves “acting as systems” to change them, recognizing that no single actor holds all the answers. Instead, we must embrace uncertainty and work together to ask the right questions, co-owning the challenges we face.
Education was identified as a critical lever for change as well. One breakout group highlighted the importance of asking hard questions and through them encouraging students to think critically about their role in systemic transformation. Business schools, in particular, were called to nurture activists—people who are willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for systemic transformation by asking difficult questions.
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The first GRLI Crucial Conversations session offered a powerful reminder that while we are living through a time of crisis, this also presents an opportunity for systemic transformation. By creating and sharing new narratives, rethinking our relationship to power, and working collaboratively, we can help shape a future that prioritizes the wellbeing of all life on Earth.
As we move forward with this series, the conversations will undoubtedly deepen, offering more insights and opportunities to co-create the future we wish to see. In the face of uncertainty, our greatest strength lies in our ability to come together, to listen, and to act with purpose.
Join us for the next iteration of the GRLI Crucial Conversations taking place on the 8th of October (2pm CEST / 5:30pm IST / 8am EST) which will be enriched by the incredible James Dyke as our conversation starter, who will share his valuable insight into the sphere of systemic transformations and interlinkages between politics, economies and culture in the time of global crisis.
Sign-up, think big, act small and start now!
Full recording of the session can be found on the GRLI YouTube channel! (link)
