This week, I had the privilege of attending our yearly end-of-year dinner with a group of inspiring entrepreneurs. It was a chance to connect, reflect, and exchange ideas about the year behind us and the challenges ahead. The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking keynote by Marc De Vos, who delved into a topic that feels increasingly urgent: the shifting landscape of globalization.
He spoke about the end of globalization as we once knew it. War is no longer just a distant threat; it is shaping economies, alliances, and even the values we once took for granted.
The forces of China, Russia, and the US are pulling the world in different directions, each asserting their vision of power and influence. As Marc pointed out, diplomacy is no coincidence. It’s a deliberate and calculated strategy, and the stakes have never been higher.
One question struck me deeply: Are we losing democracy as a universal reference point? For decades, democracy has been the foundation of many nations’ values and systems, but as corruption and conflict increasingly seep into the global economy, this foundation feels shakier than ever. The lines between politics, economics, and power are blurring, and it’s hard not to wonder where this leaves the principles of fairness and justice that democracy was built upon.
These reflections are not just academic or abstract; they’re deeply relevant for us as entrepreneurs.
We operate in a world where geopolitical shifts, economic instability, and ethical dilemmas directly affect the way we do business. We can no longer afford to view these issues as separate from our work. We are part of the system, and with that comes both responsibility and opportunity—to question, adapt, and find ways to lead with integrity.
As we close out the year, Marc’s keynote left me with this thought: What role can we play in shaping the future amidst this chaos?
It’s a question I’ll carry into 2025, both as an entrepreneur and as a global citizen.
