In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt says there is clear evidence that giving children smart phones with addictive social media has caused a mental health pandemic. The NYU-Stern social psychologist, who also wrote The Happiness Hypothesis, spoke to us at the Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos. Watch the video version of this podcast at  Find out what the World Economic Forum is doing on mental health: Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts:  Radio Davos - subscribe: Meet the Leader - subscribe: Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club:  

Masculinity is having a moment. Leveraging it - in the right way - can help men and women succeed while bridging the gender gap both at work and at home. Gary Barker is the founder of Equimundo, a non-profit dedicated to research and solutions that help bring men into connected, equitable, caring versions of manhood. He shares the insights gleaned since this organization’s founding more than a decade ago – a group that has collected the largest dataset on men, masculinity and gender equality and that publishes the only global report on men’s involvement in parenting and care work. He breaks down the blindspots that can hold organizations back and the best practices that can drive the much needed norm changes.  To learn more:  Equimundo: World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report, 2024: Related podcasts:  IKEA HR chief shares decades of career lessons learned and what’s needed to bridge the gender equity gap: How bridging design gaps in science and tech can tackle gender bias:

In this engaging discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and best-selling author, explores the vital soft skills needed for future leaders. He argues for a focus on creativity and collaboration in modern workplaces, while also introducing the concept of 'job crafters.' Grant shares insightful lessons from his college job as a magician, emphasizing the importance of engaging skeptics. He also advocates for a 'To-Don’t' list to boost productivity and a four-day work week to enhance innovation in teams.

David Rubenstein, co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, joins a discussion on the evolving landscape of American democracy. The experts delve into how Trump's second term might reshape the political scene, highlighting the growing polarization in the U.S. They explore the American Dream's transformation amid an insecure job market. The conversation also tackles the intricate relationship between immigration and populism, while drawing historical reflections on leadership from Abraham Lincoln's era. Insightful perspectives on America's identity and future emerge.

Al Gore, former U.S. vice president and tireless climate campaigner, brings his optimism about tackling climate change despite alarming global temperatures. He discusses his Climate TRACE initiative, which uses AI to track greenhouse gas emissions globally, emphasizing its role in improving public health. Gore also highlights the hidden dangers of landfill emissions and advocates for corporate responsibility and local leadership in the shift to renewable energy. His call for urgent action is a powerful reminder of our interconnected challenges.

Dani Rodrik, a Harvard economist and critic of unrestricted globalization, delves into the complex relationship between tariffs, economic nationalism, and democracy. He argues that while tariffs can protect domestic economies, they also come with limitations. Rodrik highlights the resurgence of industrial policy as a response to growing inequalities and declining middle class, stressing the need for improved job quality and worker empowerment. He also reflects on the social consequences of hyper-globalization, evidenced by events like Brexit and Trump's election.

Burga Brenda, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, leads a discussion with Kiva Allgood on advanced manufacturing challenges and the need for resilient supply chains. Kim Hwe Nyo passionately highlights climate initiatives amidst new geopolitical tensions from Donald Trump's policies. Joshua Bengio explores the thrilling possibilities of artificial general intelligence, while Cathy Lee addresses trends in AI governance, stressing the importance of international collaboration. The conversation dives deep into the interplay of technology, sustainability, and global health initiatives.

How will inflation, conflict and technological change shape economies in the year ahead? The International Monetary Fund’s First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath sat down with Meet The Leader at the World Economic Forum‘s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland to share what's next for global growth. She identified the statistics that she found most compelling and the risks and opportunities leaders must prioritize in 2025. She also described the pivot countries will need to make in fiscal policy to tackle historic levels of global public debt (levels that could hit the $100 trillion mark) and how "optimism bias" could stand in the way.  This special episode of interview of Meet The Leader was recorded at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. About the research cited: IMF World Economic Outlook: Find a transcript here:

To truly close the gender gap, we’ll need to address the menstrual health gap. A lack of access to hygiene care, solutions, education and more holds back those who menstruate at school and work, leading to real knock-on effects to the economy. Sahil Tesfu, the Chief Strategy Officer for health and hygiene company Essity Group, breaks down how age-old taboos related to women’s health have led to big barriers for social progress overall and the simple changes that leaders in business can boost everything from workplace health and psychological safety to productivity. She also shares lessons learned from her long consulting career including her approach to problem solving, including how a new approach to check-ins that can be more effective than the standard status update in driving team progress, clarity and empowerment. For more on this episode: Related episodes: How bridging design gaps in science and tech can tackle gender bias:

Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist at the World Trade Organization, dives into the potential impacts of Donald Trump’s return on global economics and trade dynamics. He discusses the subdued growth outlook influenced by geopolitical tensions and climate risks. Ossa emphasizes the need for diversification in trade relationships and explains the complexities of global inflation post-COVID. He also addresses the rising challenges of sovereign debt and the significance of international cooperation versus isolationism in navigating these uncertain times.