We’re back with part 2 of our peek behind the curtain of the 2025 Aspen Business & Society Summit. And this time we are asking the big question. In a period of global turmoil, does leadership need a redesign? It’s clear that today’s leaders- whether of a business, a government or a family- require an unprecedented level of courage, vision and integrity. But what exactly does that type of leadership look and feel like? And can you develop the skills needed to be an audacious leader, or do you have to be born with them?

These are big, hairy questions. And in this episode of DB|BD, our guests take a stab at them.

You will hear excerpts from conversations host Ellen McGirt had with nine different leaders onsite at the Summit. All nine leaders, whose expertise spans across business, law, design, and government, share invaluable wisdom on what it takes to build trust with customers, employees and shareholders in a world where trust itself is scarce. 

2025 Edelman Trust Barometer

Leaders featured in this episode:

• Jim Andrew, Executive Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo
• Heather Higginbottom, Managing Director, Head of Research, Policy & Insights, Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase
• Trisch Smith, Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Edelman
• Justina Nixon-Saintil: Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility & Chief Impact Officer, IBM
• Alphonso David, President & CEO, Global Black Economic Forum 
• Rachel Godsil: Co-founder, Perception Institute, Distinguished Professor of Law and Chancellor’s Scholar at Rutgers Law School
• CécileBeliot: CEO, Bel Groupe
• SandaOjiambo: Assistant Secretary-General, CEO and Executive DirectorUN Global Compact
• Tim Mohin: Partner & Director, BCG
• WitoldHenisz: Vice Dean & Faculty Director, Impact, Value and Sustainable Business Initiative, The Wharton School