Daimler AG is a German car manufacturer and a member of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), founded by the UN Global Compact and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) to “promote and develop the next generation of leaders with global responsibility.” Each year, representatives from various business schools and companies worldwide gather at an annual meeting, which was hosted by Daimler this year to form the first Daimler Student World Dialogue. The idea of the conference was to give platform to the GRLI general assembly and future leaders – students – to engage in discussion on topics of responsible leadership and integrity.
On the first day, we were welcomed by the CEO of Daimler AG, Dieter Zetsche, in an inspiring speech where he shared his views on integrity and global corporate leadership. Dr. Zetsche introduced us to Daimler’s projects in revolutionizing the automobile industry, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hybrid models. His words were moving, and his drive to impact our world in a positive way, more than outstanding.
Throughout the day, we were engaged in a series of activities designed to invoke our approach and thoughts on different situations that require teamwork and careful consideration. How would we interact and compromise in an ideal world? What role does integrity play in negotiations? We discussed many of these ideas through very creative and innovative hands-on games at the Arena!
Other influential figures made key addresses at the Dialogue, including Prof. Dr. Marielle Heijltjes, Associate Dean at the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, and Uwe Steinwender, Senior Manager at Daimler Corporate Academy.
After a 5-star lunch at the Carl-Benz Center – where the majority of the conference was held – we walked as a group over to the Mercedes-Benz Museum down the street, where we were given a comprehensive tour of the beautiful architecture and the stunning automobile models within it. Given a blank canvas, each smaller group participated in collectively painting our vision of a community united towards sustainability. I led my group's paint-job in designing a world that was overtaken by advertising and commercial messages. The day culminated in a dinner, which we took part in making appetizers together, followed by a cocktail dance party at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to end off the night.
David Akinin, Ricardo Amador and others at Daimler Cocktail Reception
Kicked off by Daimler Futurist, Alexander Mankowsky, the next day consisted of a series of “sustainable board meetings” where we discussed topics on green technology and the approaching consumption with a new modesty. It was a simulation where we acted as if we were board members of a company and argued ways to educate the new generation on sustainability issues and the concept of sharing our already scarce resources. A keyword that we developed and stuck with me was "prosumers", the idea that today consumers are their own producers, as influencers of design and utility.
In just two days, 125 global students came together united – optimistic and enthusiastic to change the world. I met people who empowered each other, cared about the future of sustainability, and had a real passion for life. We were from every corner of the world and represented a vast age range – still, little differences were noticed when we interacted.
The Daimler World Dialogue was indeed an experience; that did not just end when we left. Connections have been made and friendships formed – we can take this platform online and carry on with discussions via social media websites such as Facebook. I returned to Chicago with a changed perspective and a renewed sense of hope, confident that this is the case for all the participants.
