Conference at HEC: What Style of Leadership Do We Need in an Uncertain World?

On September 24, 2025, the conference organized by the Swiss Center for Luxury Research (SCLR) and Luxury Tribune was held on the HEC Lausanne campus, bringing together students, alumni, and professionals to discuss the crucial question: what type of leadership should be adopted in an uncertain world? Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, and Marianne Schmid Mast, Dean of HEC Lausanne, shared their perspectives on modern leadership in the face of current geopolitical and economic crises.

In a context where traditional models of governance are being challenged, particularly in the luxury sector, Resta and Schmid Mast highlighted two complementary approaches.

Ilaria Resta presented her circular leadership model, which places the leader at the center of a network of connections, far from the classic pyramid structure. This model promotes openness, transparency, and adaptability by listening to teams and staying close to internal realities. She emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in understanding and adapting to the signals of today's world.

Marianne Schmid Mast, for her part, advocated for transparent and predictable leadership focused on dialogue and stability. She warned against the growing aggressiveness in contemporary discussions and stressed the importance of constructive reflection in decision-making processes.

The two leaders also discussed the characteristics of a good leader today: a leader must be open to constant learning, humble but bold, and capable of building long-term trust. Resta added that success lies not only in financial results, but also in the legacy left by the company and the mental health of its employees.

In conclusion, both speakers affirmed that in an increasingly unpredictable world, agile leadership that respects the company's core values and is capable of evolving with its environment is crucial for navigating uncertainty.