McKinsey: What are some of the key takeaways from your time in Davos so far?
Joe Ngai: We have not been together for three years. So, I think when everyone got together, it was a reminder of how important it is to meet people in-person. I saw a lot of smiling faces, lots of old friends. It’s a reminder of, as humans, we need that interaction.
Resilience in crisis: Perspectives from Davos
McKinsey: What is one thing that has surprised you?
Joe Ngai: I was surprised at how positive people were. We are at a time where there’s so much uncertainty this year with all the things that are going on. So, I was pleasantly surprised. I was thinking that I was coming in with a lot of maybe anxiety, maybe a lot of uncertainty. But in fact, I saw a lot of people who had some decent hopes for a good 2023. And I left very encouraged by that.
McKinsey: What are you most excited about?
Joe Ngai: I think that there’s a lot that is in our hands. Sometimes I think we have to deal with [multiple, unforeseen circumstances].
But in here, especially this week, I think you feel like there’s so much that we actually can do as a community, as individuals, as leaders. So, I leave here more convinced that human intervention, leadership, is more vital than ever before.
