Which skills do “Responsible Leaders” need today? Answers from two top executives
What does it take today to move forward successfully in an increasingly volatile world? And how can we foster talent in a way that equips them for the future challenges of the economy and enables them to grow into outstanding leaders?
With the HSG Best Talents Programme, the University of St.Gallen (HSG) has launched an excellence programme for outstanding Master’s students that takes on this task: to holistically nurture and challenge the best talents in order to develop the next generation of responsible leaders. The scholarship programme, which is currently being established, is made possible thanks to generous private support. Clara C. Streit and Dr Rudi Bindella, both highly experienced leaders at the highest level, share what “Responsible Leadership” means to them, which skills leaders need today and in the future, and why the Best Talents Programme is important for HSG.
What, in your view, characterises “responsible leadership”, and which capabilities do leaders need in order to be successful today and in the future?
Clara Streit: In companies, “Responsible Leadership” is more important today than ever. We operate in an environment defined by high complexity, regulation and societal expectations. Taking responsibility here means building trust – among clients, employees, investors and the public. Leadership means combining stability with a willingness to innovate: driving digital transformation without losing sight of risk and sustainability. What is crucial is the ability to listen, to learn and to provide orientation even in uncertain times. Financial service providers play a central role in the real economy. Those who lead in this sector help guide capital towards socially and environmentally meaningful purposes. For me, that is responsible leadership in the best sense.
Rudi Bindella: Several qualities matter: two small “f’s” – approaching everything joyfully and voluntarily. A love of people. A lived value system shaped by respect, appreciation, trust, humility, helpfulness and gratitude. Proximity to employees, clients and the market. Integrity. A clear vision. A solid education, expertise and experience. Perseverance, assertiveness and diligence. The ability to inspire – and zest for life
What or who has significantly shaped you and your career – something for which you are still grateful today?
Clara Streit: I was very fortunate to encounter people early on who believed in me: professors, mentors, colleagues. They encouraged me to follow my own path. My time at HSG itself was particularly formative: the inspiring environment, the variety of perspectives and the willingness to take initiative early on, for example as a member of the ISC team. This attitude has stayed with me to this day – in my professional life, in voluntary work and in my private life.
Rudi Bindella: The very rigorous education at Collège St. Michel, the cantonal secondary school in Fribourg and at HSG was formative and directional. My father, as a role model both as a person and as an entrepreneur, shaped me profoundly.
You have chosen to support outstanding students and the “HSG Best Talents”. Thank you very much! Why do you think it is important for HSG to foster such exceptional talents?
Clara Streit: I am convinced that excellent education and targeted talent development are crucial for shaping our society sustainably and positively. HSG Best Talents are young people who stand out not only due to performance but also due to attitude – they want to take responsibility and think beyond boundaries. Supporting such individuals means investing in the future. HSG itself opened doors for me, inspired me and challenged me. It is therefore important to me to give something back and to offer future generations opportunities to realise their potential.
Rudi Bindella: HSG is the leading educational institution for economic sciences in the German-speaking world. It is exceptionally well connected with companies and therefore very close to the business community. In the higher education landscape, it fulfils an elite role. It is therefore logical that HSG pursues this approach with talent development as well and supports those students who stand out through outstanding achievements.
And finally, hand on heart: Would you have had what it takes to become an HSG Best Talent?
Clara Streit: (laughs) Perhaps, yes. At the very least, I would have tried hard! I was always determined and curious and wanted to make things happen. Good grades alone were never my motivation, but commitment, responsibility and the desire to make a meaningful contribution have always driven me. In that sense, I might have fitted the profile quite well – not perfectly, but with heart, attitude and drive.
Rudi Bindella: I took my studies very seriously and considered it a privilege to be able to study. Whether I would have been admitted to the Best Talents Programme, I do not know. I would certainly have tried…
Many thanks to both of you for your time, your reflections on this topic and your strong connection to HSG!