Around the turn of the year, Flows traditionally brings a series of ‘New Year’s letters’. The authors oversee the past and coming year by answering five questions. Today, Prof Steven De Haes, dean of the Antwerp Management School (AMS), takes us through his reflections.
1. What was the event of the year for you (and why)?
Well, in 2020, we all thought we were at a pivotal point or year because of corona. There would be a world before and after corona. But I think 2022 may well be much more the pivotal year. Not because of one event, but because of the convergence of many factors at one time that reinforce each other. Think of the energy crisis, the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, the geopolitical tensions, the pressure on globalisation, among others …. So for me, 2022 is not the year of one event; THE event is just the convergence of many factors and forces, which reinforce and influence each other and will lead to new equilibria.
2. Which company has impressed you most in the past year (and why)?
I see many companies showing and realising great ambitions to have a sustainable and positive impact on society. All these companies make a huge impression on me. These companies are leading the way in positive power and change towards a sustainable society. With Antwerp Management School, we highlighted those companies in 2022 through the Trends Impact Awards, in collaboration with PWC. DEME and Spullenhulp came out as big winners with their sustained effort in various fields such as diversity and inclusion, circular economy, resilience, wellbeing, ecology and digitalisation.
3. For you, what is the most annoying trend of the past year(s) (and why)?
Of all the forces at play at the moment, I am most concerned about increasing polarisation. Polarisation leads to thinking in extremes and also always to exclusion. More than ever, we need connection, communication and dialogue. Active listening, daring to understand ‘paradoxes’ and the diversity of opposites, and from there looking for innovation by entering into dialogue and connecting. For me, thinking in extremes is anything but brave and courageous. Strong leaders are leaders who dare to engage in dialogue and realise the power of innovation by connecting and collaborating.
4. For you, who is the man or woman of the year 2022 (and why)?
Equality, diversity and inclusion should definitely be a top priority on our agenda. We cannot accept discrimination based on gender, race, religion or any criterion. The oppression of women in countries like Iran and Afganistan is dramatic. The climber at the Olympics, Elnaz Rekabi, had the courage to make a strong statement, and Masha Amini even gave up her life in the courageous fight for greater freedom. These champions are definitely persons of the year 2022, along with all the women they represent.
5. What good intention can we judge you on by the end of 2023?
Although I do sport regularly, it could really be more. In my job as dean of Antwerp Management School, I am of course often sitting on a desk chair. Exercising and being outside gives me a lot of rest and also energy to share with family, friends and colleagues. I already have a smart watch with pedometer, so substantially more steps on the counter I would say.
Here we bundle all contributions for the New Year series.
You will also get New Year’s wishes from our partner Flanders Circular.
