World Economic Forum 2008 – long on rhetoric, short on options


The Forum is an intense 4 days, and this year probably more so than most – even folowing it by written word and video as I did was intense.  There were some clear themes, and some clear leadership from surprising sources.  The surprise was the Asian contingent and their discussion of global co-operation. Prime Minister Aso of Japan, Premier Wen of China, and Prime Minister Putin of Russia all summarised the crisis well, and spoke clearly about solutions comprising both domestic programs to boost GDP and consumption, and global co-operation to re-arrange global finance Tony Blair was another bright spot … Continue reading World Economic Forum 2008 – long on rhetoric, short on options

The Values required for Capitalism | Enlightened self interest – Tony Blair


The Values Behind Market Capitalism Tony Blair, Stephen Green, Indra Nooyi, Shimon Peres, James J. Schiro, Jim Wallis with Maria Ramos Tony Blair – introductory remarks on the Values of Capitalism tendency to want to staate at this conference – “The End of Capitalism” it is normal and intelligent to reflect on the system New world, but we have been taught old lesson – that values matter we will build new regulation that will solve for the last crisis because that is what we do Old lesson was enlightened self interest, sense of long tgerm value, transparency – financial system … Continue reading The Values required for Capitalism | Enlightened self interest – Tony Blair

World Economic Forum Davos | Summary day 1 themes


Themes I have picked up from the World Economic Forum on day one from blogs, speeches, and other comments.  Anyone attending in person and reading this, I would love to hear your observations and perspectives in the comments. government | the worlds orientation towards government economic support and regulation is at once welcomed and a concern.  A powerful sub concern is that of untended consequences – there is a general sense that the level of government support towards bailouts will create problems in the near future that we do not understand.  [my contribution – there will be rampant inflation during … Continue reading World Economic Forum Davos | Summary day 1 themes

Reference material | New economic documents – world economy with country specifics (close to 1,000 pages here)


For your reading pleasure | very credible stuff here with the latest on statistics and reference.  Keep handy for that next strategy powerpoint.  I will add to sidebar for later reference too. IMF World Economic Outlook oct 2008 original link – IMF IMF World Economic Outlok – update Jan 2009 original link – IMF The Future of the Global Financial System – World Economic Forum 2009 original link WEF Annual Report 2008– World Economic Forum original link WEF Continue reading Reference material | New economic documents – world economy with country specifics (close to 1,000 pages here)

World Economic Forum – Opening Plenary – Vladimir Putin | Jan 29th


Opening Plenary of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 Opening address by Vladimir Putin, Hans-Rudolf Merz, Klaus Schwab, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Michael S. Dell, Carlos Ghosn Live blogging through the Plenary session that includes Vladimir Putin Schwab is opening, speaking of the world wide imapct on the economy on people, institutions and countries Putin: speaks of the notion of a perfect storm of circumstances that have affected the entire global economy majority of countries especially the US that ignored the problem – 1 year ago representatives of the US stood at Davos and indicated the economy was strong.  Now without … Continue reading World Economic Forum – Opening Plenary – Vladimir Putin | Jan 29th

Managing Complexity – A Different Approach for leaders | WEF


Managing Complexity: A Different Approach with Benjamin Zander markets do not speak in human tongues lessons in art, and music in communication The Art of Possibility – book everything can be viewed two ways – positive or negative possibility = luck or possibility = the norm both are available to everyone – it is a deliberate choice Two shoe salesmen in th 1800’s sent to Africa;  #1 – no opportunity they don’t wear shoes.  #2 – glorious opportunity – no-one has shoes it is not the circumstances that are crucial – it is the choice of how we speak about … Continue reading Managing Complexity – A Different Approach for leaders | WEF

Canada scorns World Economic Forum


Canada has three people attending the World Economic Forum next week in Davos. Business leaders from all sectors and from all regions will be well represented among the participants in this year’s Annual Meeting. Other participants include heads of NGOs and labour leaders, Social Entrepreneurs and Young Global Leaders. Scott Brison – M.P. Kings-Hants, Nova Scotia Richard B. Evans Chief Executive Officer Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. Laurent Beaudoin Chairman of the Board Bombardier Inc. Canada is small, granted, but three people to an annual conference of this magnitude, and at this point in history is lamentable. Continue reading Canada scorns World Economic Forum