The Journal. cover image

The Journal.

Behind the Scenes at Davos, Claims of a Toxic Boss

Apr 30, 2025
Shalini Ramachandran, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, uncovers shocking allegations of sexism, racism, and harassment at the World Economic Forum, challenging its prestigious facade. She discusses the impact of a whistleblower letter that has rattled the leadership stability, revealing the stark contrast between the Forum's public advocacy for gender equality and its internal practices. The conversation pivots to the evolution of the organization under Klaus Schwab and the implications of these findings on the elite gatherings in Davos.
18:34

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The World Economic Forum's alleged internal culture of sexism and harassment starkly contrasts its public commitment to equality and empowerment.
  • The recent whistleblower letter revealing financial and ethical misconduct has led to a leadership crisis, prompting Klaus Schwab's resignation and raising doubts about the WEF's future integrity.

Deep dives

Davos: The Gathering of Power Brokers

Davos, an alpine city in Switzerland, hosts the world's largest conference for influential figures, attracting thousands of CEOs, billionaires, and political leaders. Known as the 'Magic Mountain,' this annual meeting focuses on networking, deal-making, and discussing significant global issues such as climate change and gender equality. Despite its glamor and seemingly productive outcomes, including notable diplomatic breakthroughs, the hidden realities behind the World Economic Forum (WEF) raise concerns about the organization's internal culture. Investigations reveal a troubling atmosphere, countering the forum's public commitment to uplifting women and promoting equality.

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