The global view: leadership in the 21st century, ethical leadership in practice, futurism: governance and leadership challenges-those are some of the discussions that happened during the Schwarzman-Rhodes Symposium on the “Public Leadership in the 21st Century: Ethical, Local, Global and Connected” at Oxford University during 26-28 Oct, 2018. It was an enriching experience to participate in the sessions, and engage in intellectually stimulating conversations with the delegates. Very much enjoyed meeting with the new CEO and Warden of the Rhodes Trust-Dr. Elizabeth Kiss. It was also rewarding to offer mentoring to several young Rhodes and Schwarzman Scholars.
Staying at Rhodes House (venue of the Symposium) was a beautiful experience. Having dinner at the dining hall of Exeter College (only four hundred years old; quite new by Oxford standard!) was special. It was good to go back to Oxford after eighteen years and reconnect with the Rhodes community. The symposium made me reflect on the role of leaders in a world that is changing very fast, and extreme polarization and divisiveness are becoming the norms in most societies. There is a need for visionary leaders-not only in politics but all spheres. Hope some of the learning will be useful in my own journey.
