The McDonnell International Scholars Academy’s second installment of the Global Leadership Visions (GLV) series, held on November 17, 2025, exemplified another remarkable and thought-provoking gathering. Showcasing an impressive lineup of speakers who delved into diverse topics surrounding leadership, culture, and societal issues, the event attracted a diverse audience eager to engage with the variety of relevant topics presented. Since its inception, Global Leadership Visions has been a platform for McDonnell Scholars to showcase groundbreaking ideas and foster dialogue on leadership practices that transcend cultural and disciplinary boundaries.
In this session, speakers delved into the intersection of leadership and sustainability, preservation, mental health, adaptability, belonging, cognitive fatigue, and political courage, illuminating the vital role leadership plays in each of these critical areas.
The event began with Maurice Efroza‘s talk, “The Paradox of Sustainability: Materials, Community, and Mindsets,” which explored the intricate relationship between sustainability initiatives and community practices. Efroza underscored the challenges of integrating sustainable materials, particularly in lower-resourced countries where sustainability efforts often feel prohibitively expensive, thus necessitating innovative solutions and global cooperation.
Building on this insightful beginning, Maya Olcer presented “The Collector’s Mindset,” offering a deep dive into the psychology behind the act of collecting. Olcer emphasized the importance of intentionally gathering and preserving information and traditions to ensure their continuance for future generations, framing this practice as a critical leadership attribute.
Continuing the event’s momentum, Grace Mensah-Fosu’s “PsychoHairapy: Rebraiding Strands of Life through Community” offered a distinctive perspective on mental health. Mensah-Fosu illustrated how haircare rituals can serve as a conduit for mental health intervention and awareness, underscoring the significance of communal support in enhancing mental well-being.
Transitioning to the topic of adaptability, Sarah Meyers presented her talk, “Leading Between Worlds – The Third Culture Advantage.” Meyers delved into the benefits of growing up in multiple cultures, positing that individuals with such backgrounds possess heightened adaptability and a global perspective. These attributes, she argued, make them ideally suited for leadership roles in today’s interconnected world.
Kwabena Boateng followed with an emotionally charged talk titled “The Year of Return: Ghana’s Global Leadership through a Sense of Belonging.” Boateng reflected on Ghana’s initiative to invite the African diaspora back to their ancestral homeland, a move that serves to strengthen international leadership by fostering unity and a sense of belonging among people of African descent worldwide.
Shifting focus to societal health, Janice Tania, captivated the audience with her presentation, “The Tax of Living Fast: How Cognitive Fatigue Shapes Society“. Tania explored the detrimental impact of cognitive fatigue on societal health and productivity, making a compelling case for a more mindful and slower-paced lifestyle. Tania’s articulate and resonant delivery earned her the People’s Choice Award.
Capping off the event with a powerful metaphorical approach, Federico Marri delivered his presentation, “Lemons in Politics and the Need for Courage.” Using the image of lemons to represent the sour aspects of political dynamics, Marri passionately highlighted the necessity of courage in political leadership. He encouraged individuals to harness their talents for the collective benefit, advocating for bold and equitable political strategies.
The McDonnell Academy continues to lead the way in promoting global conversations on leadership, offering a vital platform for thought leaders to come together and exchange their visions for a brighter and more just future. The second installment of the McDonnell Academy’s Global Leadership Visions event proved to be a rich melting pot of ideas and inspiration, offering renewed perspectives on leadership and societal issues. We eagerly anticipate the next installment of Global Leadership Visions, where the 2024 cohort of Scholars will undoubtedly continue these valuable exchanges of knowledge and vision.
Save the date for our next installment of Global Leadership Visions on February 10, 2026!