Gunnar Wiedenfels

What skills will the next generation of industry leaders need most? Adaptability, above everything else. The people I’ve seen succeed over the past decade are the ones who are genuinely comfortable with uncertainty and can make sound decisions without having a complete picture.

Has your view of AI changed in the past year? The question is no longer whether AI changes how we work; it’s whether you’re thoughtful and intentional about how you use it. And those who figure that out, responsibly and ambitiously at the same time, will have a real advantage.

Last TV series I binged: I got sucked into “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” again a couple of weekends ago. There’s a reason that show has been on the air for almost 20 years. Guy has an incredible way of spotlighting and celebrating these mom-and-pop restaurants while bringing the audience in for every bite.

Most retro item on my desk: A pair of old boxing gloves. You can’t overthink in the ring. You have to react, stay focused and take a hit without losing your footing. It’s also a sport where you find yourself, recurrently, at the beginning of the learning curve. Discovering something new, challenging yourself to continuously evolve. All of which applies more to business than people might expect.

Honored For: