To Explore Is To Lead: A Compelling Conversation at The Explorers Club

The panel, moderated by Mathias Wikström, CEO and Founder of Doconomy, featured Emma Sky from Yale International Leadership Center, Rebecca Henderson from Harvard University, Marisa Drew from Standard Chartered, and Johan Rockström from the Potsdam Institute. Each brought unique perspectives on what it means to lead in an era where the stakes have never been higher for both people and planet.

Emma’s framing of this moment stood out, and what type of leadership is needed right now: it's the time of the possibilist, not the monster. A time to see potential and what can be done, especially in the context of human action and the environment. Johan Rockström emphasized responsibility, Rebecca Henderson advocated for active listening from a place of love, and Marisa Drew underscored the importance of the willingness to take risks.

Authentic leadership today demands three core capabilities: the ability to bridge divides across sectors and perspectives, the foresight to see beyond immediate pressures, and the determination to own the long game when short-term thinking dominates. These aren't abstract ideals but practical necessities for anyone working to create lasting impact. 

The evening concluded with a symbolic moment: renowned ocean explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle and Keith Tuffley ceremonially returned an Explorers Club flag from their expedition to Tonga. This tradition of explorers carrying and returning flags from their journeys reinforced the evening's theme that those who venture into unknown territory—whether in ocean depths or organizational change—share a common trait: the willingness to move forward despite uncertainty.

As we move forward from Climate Week, the insights from the vening offer a blueprint for the kind of leadership that can convert responsibility into opportunity. The time for tentative steps has passed. What we need now is decisive action informed by both compassion and conviction.

The event was made possible through collaboration with Doconomy partners including Spotify, Adapteo Group, The Banker, ClimateView, Business Sweden, and Exponential Roadmap Initiative.