Last week, I was asked which strategic challenges concern me the most. It’s a thought-provoking question, and after reflecting on it, I identified three critical issues that demand our attention:
1. Global instability – War, geopolitical unrest, and the pursuit of power create uncertainty and drive change across borders.
2. The EU’s declining competitiveness – Europe risks falling behind in the global economic and technological race.
3. The lack of strategic leadership competencies – A concern that arguably deserves the top spot, as it is through leadership that we must address the first two challenges.
The last point has been on my mind the most. Why?
Because I often meet experienced professionals, typically aged 50+, who are overlooked for roles they are highly qualified for. Even worse, I hear of people being advised to downplay their CVs in the hopes of “fitting in.” This practice is not only deeply problematic but also potentially harmful to our future competitiveness.
The Many Facets of Diversity
Of course, younger generations must be given space in the workforce. However, if this comes at the expense of valuable experience, solid leadership skills, and the stability that decades in business bring, we are heading down a dangerous path. Diversity is about more than age, gender, or background—it’s about creating balance. Ignoring this balance risks undermining our ability to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
Strategic Leadership as the Key to the Future
Our ever-changing world requires strategic leadership that ensures focus, integration, and broad involvement across organizations. It calls for generalists who can see the big picture and experienced leaders who understand complexity. This combination is vital for strengthening our competitiveness—as companies, as nations, and as part of the EU.
We need to prioritize hiring experienced strategic talent and valuing those who can bridge the gap between the lessons of the past and the possibilities of the future. At the same time, integrating education and learning into everyday life is crucial, as continuous development is necessary to meet current and future demands. Additionally, we must actively support leadership, mentoring, and coaching for younger generations who increasingly seek this guidance to grow and engage in tackling future strategic challenges.
The Call to Action
Innovation, efficiency, and continuous development are essential to ensure progress. But this requires us to bring all strengths into play—both young and experienced. We must avoid letting valuable competencies go to waste and instead focus on strengthening the strategic and leadership skills needed to bridge today’s challenges with tomorrow’s opportunities.
If—or rather when—we succeed, we can navigate global instability more effectively, enhance the EU’s competitiveness, and create a more inclusive and resilient approach to leadership. This is where we find the key to sustainable growth and increased value creation.
