Introduction
The World Business Forum (WBF) established itself as a gathering place for leaders and decision-makers seeking learning, growth, and new business opportunities. Held on November 4th and 5th at the Santa Fe Exhibition Center, this event brought together renowned international experts in business, innovation, and leadership to share their insights on the trends transforming the global corporate landscape.
Day 1: Innovation, Strategy, and Creativity
The first day of the forum focused on innovation, strategy, and creativity, with notable speakers such as Nouriel Roubini. Roubini, a distinguished economist and professor, is known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis two years before it occurred.
Roubini’s Perspective on Global Challenges
In his presentation, Roubini offered a critical analysis of the significant global changes and challenges—economic, technological, and geopolitical. He discussed their impact on the world and Mexico, warning that we are in an era of “hyperuncertainty,” marked by geopolitical conflicts, economic tensions, and unprecedented technological transformations.
He emphasized that the global order is transitioning “from stability to disorder,” driven by deglobalization, climate change, excessive debt, and the resurgence of populism. Roubini stressed that those who innovate, adapt, and embrace new technologies will thrive, while countries, businesses, and individuals resistant to change will fall behind.
Mexico’s Opportunities and Challenges
Regarding Mexico, Roubini highlighted the country’s strategic advantages due to its proximity to the United States and integration into North America, which could strengthen its position in the nearshoring context. However, he cautioned that insecurity, corruption, and regulatory uncertainty continue to limit its growth potential.
Day 2: Disruption and Leadership
The second day of the forum featured Oso Trava, who shared a metaphorical tale from his Iztaccíhuatl expedition, illustrating the perils of hasty decisions. Trava emphasized that “a man cannot learn what he believes he already knows.”
Swedish leadership expert Victoria Roos Olsson also spoke about disruption as the new normal in today’s world. She began her presentation with a visualization exercise before delivering a stern warning:
“Disruption does not wait for us to be ready; it’s already here,” Roos stated, citing research from Patrick Levin and James Patterson’s book Disrupt Everything.
She explained that human knowledge, which once took decades to double, now does so in less than 24 hours. Roos argued that most organizations remain unprepared to face this pace of transformation.
Networking Opportunities
The World Business Forum Mexico 2025 concluded with a networking cocktail, allowing attendees to exchange ideas, experiences, and potential partnerships based on the insights gained during the presentations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What was the main theme of the World Business Forum Mexico 2025? A: The main theme was adapting to change in a disruptive era, focusing on innovation, leadership, and global challenges.
- Q: Who were some notable speakers at the event? A: Speakers included Nouriel Roubini, Amy Cuddy, Oso Trava, and Victoria Roos Olsson.
- Q: What global challenges did the speakers discuss? A: Speakers addressed economic, technological, and geopolitical changes, emphasizing hyperuncertainty, deglobalization, climate change, excessive debt, and populism.
- Q: How did the speakers view Mexico’s position in this changing landscape? A: Speakers highlighted Mexico’s strategic advantages due to its proximity to the US and North American integration but cautioned about insecurity, corruption, and regulatory uncertainty.
- Q: What was the overarching message about disruption and transformation? A: The message was that disruption is the new normal, and organizations must adapt quickly to survive in this rapidly changing world.
