Farah Nanji  0:02  

Ladies, welcome to Mission Makers. It's great to have you both on the show. How are you doing today? 

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  0:12  

Thanks for having me on your show doing very well. It's been a busy few months since we last saw each other actually.

 

Farah Nanji  0:18  

What have you been up to since Davos? Where's the world taking you?

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  0:23  

Well, it has taken me to Africa and back home to Nigeria. It's taken me to the UK several times and France as well. So it's been quite a busy few weeks since then. Conferences, speaking engagements, board meetings, running my business, a lot of stuff.

 

Farah Nanji  0:41  

Nice. Nice. And how are you, Tessy? Welcome back to Mission makers.

 

Tessy de Nassau  0:46  

Well, it's nice to be back. It's really nice to see you. And you know, as well again, after Davos, all really good as well. On my side, everyone is well and healthy, which is the most important thing. And for the rest. Yeah. 2023 has been very kind. A lot of projects. As for you, congratulations on the release of your new of your first song, actually, that you have been working on for the last seven years. You feel you know, the feeling. I have been working on two projects now for a while. And they are now slowly coming into the materialization phase. So I'm very excited. One is children's books. And the other one is a TV show. And yeah, no, everything's going great. And it's fantastic to see you both so well and happy and doing well.

 

Farah Nanji  1:33  

Thank you so much. Yes, you know, you and I share a big passion for music we've, we've done a lot in that in the world. So yeah, it feels great when you sow a seed and finally see it blossom. And congratulations to you for your children's book and your TV show no doubt, you know, that the world's going to receive that we're really excited with open arms. And we'll we'll definitely plug those links, links in. So and you know, you're you're a first timer on mission makers. Tell us a little bit more about 100 Women of Davos, when that was kind of started, how did that idea come about and what that community seeks to achieve?

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  2:11  

Thank you for for that. And it is wonderful to be with you. Amazing ladies, honestly takes me right back. How did that start? Well, you know, preceding the first time I went to the World Economic Forum many years ago, studied economics. And for me, obviously, working on a forum is something that I hear about. And at that time, you know, many years ago, I thought to myself, you mean that world leaders are gathering to discuss and make decisions about areas of the world, for example, like mine, and we're not part of this thing, right? I never imagined I would find myself in the Never. And here comes 2017. And I was at the World Economic Forum. And so this was something that I've known about for a very long time. And to be amongst, you know, world leaders, decision makers, was an absolutely fantastic experience. But I must say, at the same time, I felt a little bit out of it. That is to say, you know, walked in there. And, you know, no one seemed to really look like me, not very many women, and most certainly not very many African women. And you sort of felt, you know, she sort of felt overlooked, right? So it's not I mean, I live in France. So it's not because one is a minority, right? But because the feeling was almost that you were being overlooked. But immediately, I got comfortable when another woman walked up to me and the three of us now I'm speaking. And then I realised that this is really very often what happens to women in leadership positions. And that we take comfort and we we enjoy being together and company and in order to elevate our profile, our visibility and our impact, because we did have a lot to contribute, right? And so even if we're not being asked to contribute, right, there are ways to contribute. And that was absolutely what made me decide to form the community, because I felt that there were other woman's who are experiencing the same kinds of things, and importantly, who I felt had a lot to add to, to all of this. And also I'm grateful to the fallen, I found that engagement with world leaders, there was really a lot of access. They were accessible. And I was able to discuss one on one. Things that were interesting to me, or I found important in terms of creating impact to presidents of the world leaders of the biggest businesses. And I thought myself, we need more women to be able to do exactly the same thing. And this is not an opportunity that should be overlooked. And so I set up the advertisement factor when it was women at work because it started off from inside the world coming forward. And then the second year round, it was a form of communities. I got a message from another woman who said look, we I that was put not necessarily in the article, World Economic Forum. And so we grew our community outside and this was still happening a lot aside, I had the opportunity to attend the forum four times. But it was clear that you had many people that were very much involved. So what we do is, we work with women to give them access and visibility. Many of the the events of shooting about business dinners are invitation only. We also work with getting revenge speeches from panels. So a lot of these previously, banners in a very open are populated with women from within our community. And also a lot of invitation only kinds of conferences and mini conferences that we have a woman possibility pack we have organisers now coming to us asking us, for women of a certain in a certain background to to represent a different participate. So that's what it will create community access visibility, we always had a big events opportunity or dinner or a meeting where we all get together and an opportunity to make even more impact.

 

Farah Nanji  6:07  

Amazing, and how did that opportunity first arise in 2017, for you to attend the forum?

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  6:14  

Well, I got, like, I'm gonna get an invitation. Right? So I did, but I know that one thing about it is if people ask about that, and this is not, you know, it's rare. And I think that that is exactly why I was interested in original show that other women public choose to attend. Because it could be one invitation and one musician. And so to approach without being prepared, meant that she would not maximise it. Right. So I think that that is really what also what is happening next, sure you maximise the impact, that's fine. But understanding what it's about and how you could use that to basically drive whatever your zero goals. Yeah.

 

Farah Nanji  7:04  

Brilliant, and Tessie, you've been on the show quite a few times. But tell us a little bit more you know, about I mean, you run so many, so many different things. But one community that you're, you're making a lot of waves in is vitamin W, which is has evolved quite a lot since we since we last had you on the show. So do you want to tell our audience a little bit more about you know, that community and how that mission has evolved? And expanded?

 

Tessy de Nassau  7:29  

Yeah, absolutely. With pleasure. The vitamin W means vitamin lemon, and the community started. Because so our mutual friend that introduced to Shelley, remember, she had, she has an amazing community with the female portion. And she said, Hey, there's that global dinner in every geographics? And would you put together a group for Switzerland because I moved to Switzerland? And it's like, Sure. And so I put a group together a WhatsApp group for the dinner, but it was all my friends. And that was great. And then after the dinner, I thought, well, I might as well just keep the WhatsApp because now I have them all together for once. And kind of clicked, it was like, it's so convenient to have them all in one place, instead of catching up of everyone's one to one all the time. And so that, that is that is the first ever move. So to give credit where credit's due, that is how I started it. And then I felt okay, this is great. But I have these clusters, the women all over the world. And so I thought I'd do this Whatsapp group for all of my different clusters that I have London, Luxembourg, Croatia, UAE, Merica, Spain, and so on. Hundreds Zurich, and I was sitting down with the girls. And I said, Hey, you know, I have these ideas for names. What do you think? And we all agreed on vitamin W because we created these we ate we eat these vitamins for our physical health. But this community is something really false or mental habits for our overall health. Is it financial? Is it social is economic, whatever you need vitamin W provides. I have seen amazing business deals happening. There's quite a lot of business transactions actually between the women and but also just just a community where women just have each other's back. It's Chatham House rule. So women they don't share what is outside to outside people what is happening inside, no pictures, no information without consent of the women that that is talked about? I am I supervise everything that is being discussed. Just because there's a lot of responsibility. Some women are like heads of states wives or royalty or heads of big cop are here there. And I'm known that wherever I invite people, there's only good people there, you know, to keep away from freeloaders and weirdos. And people who don't mean well, and I say it like that. Because you just never know. And so I always need to supervise, to make sure that the women have a safe space, which is really what I want vitamin w to be that you can talk about everything, let that be private or work, and that you have a good time, they need to treat each other. We have also these micro micro groups now where put people together one on one, or a little cluster groups, we do little workshops, events. And that's Yeah, that's really how in the last year and a half, I have grown from one small Whatsapp group of 15 women actually, for dinner, have a friend to now yeah, 350 to 400 Women in seven countries. And, yeah, there's a lot to come as well, every community. And you can probably relate to that as well. I have been managing this. And it's fantastic. But now I want to really grow it and make it really nice and professional. So I'm working on the website, which is membership only. And because there's so much content, and there's so many amazing women doing amazing things, to really see how I can help them support and support them more with really targeted global events for them to beat each other even more. Well. So there's a lot still to come. But it's literally Yeah, in basic fundamental terms, it's a community, it's having sisters, in countries where you don't have any other family, this can be your family. And that is why I wanted to be someone you call when you need someone in order for all situations, and if it is just for love.

 

Farah Nanji  11:58  

That's a very supportive community and met so many incredible women leading the charge in both of your respective communities. So talking a bit about talking a bit about this year, what what were some of your highlights and key takeaways from Davos this year? And you know, we can, we can start with you.

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  12:16  

Okay, but just before we do that, you know, I would first I'd like to say to testing, congratulations on the community that you're building. And you know, very often when we hear about communities, we always hear about, about the good bits runs, but the for in order for a community to work. There's certain things that have to be done. And I think that is really important when you're talking about it is managing the community. Because the reality is sometimes you might get somebody in the community who shouldn't be in there. And you have to take steps, right. So as community manager that these responsibilities, and I think it's important for people hearing this because many people managing communities for different reasons, but I do care about the oh, what do I do now? I'm hesitant, right. But you know, thank you for sharing that. It's sounds small, but it's really very important as well. And I love the name, Fitzalan. W's. Fantastic. Okay, thank

 

Tessy de Nassau  13:08  

you. No. And there's this one. There's one for Nigeria coming as well. I have been working a lot in Nigeria. And I've been in contact with Anita Ebro with Lady maiden. I was. Oh, my God. Yeah, it was on the cover of The Guardian. For my work, and I was there with koala Kareem. And we've done got such a good time. I had a really good time in Nigeria and does at one degree in in the call centre, which is just like that huge palace. I know. You know what I mean? And it was it's a beautiful country. I have there really, and everyone is so nice. And yeah, I just love your couture, as well and how women dress. It's just pure elegance. It's a beautiful country. Really nice.

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  14:00  

Thank you. Well, I guess that's a far you asking even what are our key takeaways, right from Davos. I think the key takeaways were not even just spec them sector specific. But just in terms of the the mood and the attitude. And I certainly found that this is it started off in May 2022. But even more so this time, and that was truly collaboration. And when I say collaboration, not just collaboration in terms of your individual codec projects, but collective collaboration in terms of impact for the good of the world, right, people who seem to be interested in what is happening, not just from their perspectives, their part of the world, very difficult to bring up certain possibilities and discussions, right, a good Central Regional, but what happened is that was this that people then realise, obviously, we have the pandemic, then we have Ukraine, and with that realisation that what happens in In other parts of the world can affect our well being and that we have a responsibility as well to support. So that was one key and important thing. The second thing as well we saw was in terms of sector sector specific was, of course, a lot of attention on the whatever Metaverse and will be, the last step is all about, you know, in terms of emerging technologies, it was about blockchain. But then there was a move towards that. And I think it's, that's really important. If you see what's happened with AI and generated AI, just in a couple of months, we've let Davos right, so that was really important. And that's built on Forbes, they have an initiative of the metropoles, which was fine. I also found interesting, and some of you might have felt that quite an introduction of more fluidity between form itself, and what was happening outside before. Obviously, you have the big events like the SDG, 10s, the goals house and all of that. But you know, you had a lot of a lot more fluidity between to two, which I think is healthy and helpful. In reaching out on both sides, Jeff is really helpful. Also, I think that one thing that it is that we did fine with the numbers. I don't know if he sensed it, but it seemed to seem to be a lot of people were in Dallas this time. So this will appeal. Particularly.

 

Farah Nanji  16:16  

Yeah, so true. I think especially because, you know, the pandemic affected quite a bit. And then, you know, may happen last year, but it was basically summer. So, you know, a lot of people this year, we're we're, you know, we're attending, I think more than May. And I think everything comes down to community, right, and the more communities that get the opportunity to be there to be present to create their space creates that opportunity for collaboration. Tessie, How about how about you? What were some of your observations from this year?

 

Tessy de Nassau  16:46  

I agree with on, you know, on her points. But I think it's also important to say, you know, I have been attending gammas. Now, for years, well, seven years. And, you know, there's something it's called the white patches, which is where the politician needs to come with the helicopters and private jets, and all of these things, right? Where you can discuss, and I think it's amazing as the de Nino is invited to go there, because representation matters, and there's not much representation, it's often white male, over 60, who talk there, which is a shame. But with that wasn't, that's why I keep attending, there's a very big opportunity for the normal hotel batches, or even, you don't need any batches anymore, for attending the side events, such as the Swedish lunch, which was attended to see about 1200 individuals. And there was a waiting list of another 2000 people and it was huge, right? And we had a female question lounge, and all of these other amazing side events, which you could just sign up online, and attend and meet this fantastic human beings, and, you know, meets the heads of industry as well as politicians. And you know, not like just meet everyone, you would meet with the white patches, but meet them in an informal way, at these gatherings and actually get to talk to them. And I think that is really where you can make a difference. Because a lot of people Davos is very criticised specifically in Switzerland, among the people where they say, Well, why why do we even do that? It's just that rich people go with their private jets, talking about climate change, and they get back into climate in their private jets and fly off, right. It's that hypocrisy, right? And I think we need to be honest with one another that, yes, there's some of that there. But if you attend the side events, there's so much you can really do you get to know these people, also, you know, they having a dream, or they're attending some of these other side events, panels at the house of parents as well, and so on. There's really great opportunities to meet market leaders, corporate leaders, government leaders, are just walking in the street, right? So I think, just to say, I'm not going to Davos because there's nothing being happening. And it's just for the rich is not true. There's some of it there. That is true, that it is a minority, they are the minority, the everyday people, the people who actually do change things. They are the majority. And I liked that about diverse because you really, you really Yeah, I met the most amazing people that I could do business with, like the most successful people from Switzerland from Turkey and everything, had lunch with them. In a restaurant, they're at an event, right? And it was just even my husband was very sceptical about dalasi Swiss. He said, Wow, this is amazing, you know, I would have not fought at Davos is that, so there's so much there's a lot of misconception about what DevOps is, and what it is when you're there. And as such, I think, you know, go and discover it for yourself and see what the value of Davos can be for you because that's the I think it's very unique. As Dr. Nina said, you know, you have SDG 10, you have climate change, but you have also for economics, you have government buildings from embassies, you have the female question from women empowerment. You have fought psychedelics you have for AI you have for Bitcoin, you have really for everyone something. So just find it out for yourself and connect with people. And it's really fun as well, you know, the time just flies. And yeah, I would recommend it. There's, there's a book, it's called Davos men as well, which is a critical analysis on Davos, and it talks about, you know, the misconceptions and the problems of the politicians, or the white patches, sorry for saying it like that. But it is still, sadly, a lot that. But I see in that criticism, what I just said, so much opportunity. And that's why I will keep attending, because I think it's a fantastic place for people and community leaders to really come together in an informal way. And that's fantastic. So that's my key takeaways. And it's it was exactly that I met amazing people. Got some new business ideas as well. Could, you know, some exchange ideas, ask people questions who were there before me who have done so much already in the domain that I'm looking at? And just kind of like, you know, picking their brains, saying they say, so fantastic, fantastic location. And it's a beautiful place, you know, it's very nice.

 

Farah Nanji  21:35  

Absolutely. Well, thank you for saying saying that. And you know, I've said it as well on this podcast, that there are a lot of misconceptions around a space like this. But if you are passionate about changing something, you cannot sit on the sidelines and change anything, you have to go to the heart of where things happen like this, where leaders gather where problems are, you know, us are brainstormed or problems are even created. And the same for me the fact that you can meet the most in some of the most interesting people in the world, some of the brightest minds, some of the most innovative entrepreneurs. And you can do that in one week, which would normally take you out, you know, a year at several different places, is what makes the time worth investing in and going. And, you know, do you have anything more to contribute to the to the misconceptions around Davos?

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  22:25  

Oh, absolutely. You know, I really want to reinforce what Tessie has said, and this is so important. And that is the ability to engage with leaders at all levels. Now, the thing is that, irrespective of your sector, or what it is you're looking at, there is still one big mission, which is that of impact, just meaning making the world a better place for everybody in whichever form of machine and demos, is just the beginning. So that is to say that it could, and I'm glad it actually starts in January is a bit difficult, because by temperament, come back, and that was, you know, a month is almost gone by, but it really sets the tone for the rest of the year. So a lot of the connections and the contacts, right, and things that I'm doing, have come up with doubles. So that was was only the beginning. But then there's a focus in that direction. So irrespective of what business is, right, it is still meanings to impact. And that is what is so that is what is so special about doubles, that lots of businesses or conferences grew to around the theme or idea or sector, right. But this one is multisectoral. around creating. And so local lectures and contacts and people who you've met, right, when you're working with them, you still have that right habit as the foundation of what it is you're doing. And that is why it's so key. And it's really important that some people are ready when they get there to engage at all levels. So you do get face time with people and the ability to engage on whatever topic it is you're impinging on. And everybody finds their own space within this place. And just just to just to finish on that just very quickly for certain 100 Women at Davos, our partnerships and collaborations which are not necessarily obvious, right? The few of them are obvious untested would not be fair, of course, with attractive female question, equality lounge. We were there, we had our speakers there we spoke and all of that. So we have those formal, but there are a lot of informal ones, right? That are not necessarily so visible. But the point is that as a network, we were invited and our members were invited. So it's it is that interaction, collaboration and the spirit of cooperation, right? That is so key and so important. And it's it goes past doubles, right? Particularly when the printer grew with Oculus.

 

Farah Nanji  24:49  

Absolutely very, very important points you've raised there. And what would you like to see more of moving forward? Testing you

 

Tessy de Nassau  24:57  

can go with the first one Um, I think you know, there's there's one thing as well, when you go to Davos, you get a million of business cards, make sure that you are the better person and you follow up, because you give people business cards. And that is also something you need to take into consideration that people don't always follow through what they say. And that is fine. But when you don't know, you get frustrated, because you give 100% of cards 20% will write you back the other 80 You can find the trash, that is sadly the truth. So when you talk to people really try to get the most out of them for what you want from them, or what you want your advice on. Or it's really an elevator pitch, be ready. And yeah, exchanged the cards after, but if they don't follow up, even after you have followed up with them, don't take it personal. It's just it goes with that too. And it's also it's something we need to change ourselves as well. So that I would like to see more more post engagement, more follow ups, which would be really nice. Because there's so much energy, right? When you're in Davos, it seems like you kind of like in a cluster, you're not in a bubble, right? Everyone is just so open minded, and you're ready and you get stuffed down. And as Nina said, you know, people are really open to interact, no matter who you are, is that the chair of wash, or is that whatever the head of Volkswagen, or the prime minister of Luxembourg, whatever it is, there's a lot happening. But as soon as you're out of this bubble, the energy changes, and you follow up. And some follow back down, if you did a good job with your pitch, right? If they really see the value in you, because don't forget, these people get to talk to so many people in a mall, because everyone will take advantage of your advantage right? To get to see them. So be different and make them remember you. And then if they don't follow up, don't be frustrated, it happens. And that is something I needed to learn as well. And that is fine. But I also need to make sure that I follow through. Because sometimes at the beginning as well, I was also not always very diligent with that. And then I realised that it doesn't feel right, right, these people really expect you to write back. So I started doing that so that I want to see more that people follow up. And that people you know, if they say they do, or they're just more honest, right, they say sorry, I have a lot going on. And this is actually not, I'm not interested in this, or it's not in my my timeline for the next year, just, you know, we're there to talk business and change, you know, to just be a bit more authentic with themselves. Because where you're there's open mindedness, and especially in that bubble, you don't want to be the seen as the one that is not proactive or innovative enough or something you know, you don't because we are tribal people, right? Biologically, if we would get out of our tribes, we would die because they would not join the queue for the hunting. And then you will stand alone and you will die. Right? And as such, we don't want to be outside of the bubble. And as such, everyone is like, Yeah, that's great. But I think we need more authenticity as well. When we are open them like that, right? And even if that means not this year or not now that you know if you are authentic, people will be like, okay, but she was also she was honest. And that's nice. I appreciate that. Right. So more authenticity by the follow ups or follow through. And yeah, I think the rest, I really liked the side events. And I think what a big thing as well, is accommodation. It's so expensive, and it's so corrupt, like come on people, right? Like some some places you pay like 1009 and it's a shithole. Sorry for saying it like that. It's a big poll, where you barely have a mattress on the floor, and you're sleeping in the garage, like it means nothing, right? So just Yeah, and I get it a lot of people that is really the income for the year. So let me tell you what we do. Right, if we can't stay with friends, because I refuse to pay this, this is ridiculous, then I'd rather go with my children to on a holiday for that money than paying 10,000 a week. You know, and I have heard stories of NGOs saying, Yeah, we want to buy that, that Chile. And yeah, we can only meet you with a luggage of money in Paris, right from other people who rent the houses, you know, so it's a bit dodgy this whole situation. So we keep out of that. We're not part of this. We then you know, it's only an hour from Zurich an hour and 15 You can take the train trains in Zurich, fantastic. And if they are late guys, I tell you, they are in the papers. If you are three minutes late with the train in Zurich, it's in the papers. That's how diligent they are. So good train services. is fantastic. And hotels in Zurich, you can get from all ranges of your budget. And it's fantastic. You go for the day, you go back into evening, okay, you're going to miss the after work or whatever the party in the evening, find you do it in Zurich, or you might even crash somewhere with friends or people you have met. Because that as well, when you meet people, you have opportunities there like a comb, you can just plush at our place or something like that. Fine. But yeah, that would be the things I would love to see some changes accommodation that, that that that that is addressed a bit more, I guess, because I can't, I can't take breath when I can't give bread, right, these people, they rely on this income. And so what could we do to make this available for everyone, but also that they make their money in a more normal way, I guess. And then authenticity and follow ups, that would be my three things. But for the rest side of things, everything, I think it's fantastic. It's a really great experience for anyone in business and government and advocacy to come and join us. I am looking forward to see you all there next year.

 

Farah Nanji  31:05  

There's a lot a lot there to unpack. And for sure the energy exchange is, you know, it's it's overwhelming can be very overwhelming and exhausting. And you need time before and after to really prepare yourself and switch off and also do the follow ups. Because you've invested all this time and money as you've as you've highlighted there, the accommodation costs are absolutely crazy. And I do think that yes, the accommodation part needs to change. But there's probably reasons why it's been like that. And part of it is also supply and demand. It's a small village, there are 1000s of people that come in, and there are people that are willing to pay that that premium ticket, unfortunately, and so, yeah, but what are the other ways we can make it more accessible is definitely something that needs to be addressed. And, you know, do you have anything also to contribute in terms of what you would like to see change? Or more of next year?

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  31:57  

If it is, I think it's really to add to these points, because they're quite interesting, when, what importance really, when it says he was talking about the follow ups, right, and talking about, you know, when you interact with people following up with them, and you know, being clear or what it is, you know, you want to discuss with them. And this is so key, because, sadly, I must say this, you know, we have some people, right, who treat DevOps as if it's SICU. Well, right. So that is, you know, just come there and have a look and just go in without a proper value added mission. And that is such a wasted opportunity. So I don't think you go there to prospect when I say prospect, I don't mean for your business, you can of course go to prospect, but you must know what is it that you're offering, right? What is it that you're about is that all people will remember, people meet so many people, right? So one thing that I've seen is, first of all, be clear about you about what it is you are what it is you're offering, right? And people will always remember, the magic of doubles, no matter how magical doubles is, the real, the true value added of doubles is up to demonstrate. And that can only happen if you click. So as Jesse says, you do the follow ups. But if you do a follow up, and the person what you've got the card, they give it to you. But there's no clarity, right? They're not going to remember when they met you, they don't remember see how you're adding value to them. And it's not going to go anywhere. So that's the thing to clarify what it is you're getting there be strategic? Yes, you have. And the fun bit is fine. But there has to be such things which are Claire, that you're doing in Davos, the people who you're meeting and what you have to offer them to make their own lives better to go on as all your businesses, you have to be offering something. So it's not all about taking academic sort of conditions, the big one, we know I have had no idea is perhaps in the remit, he can do something about more about coordinating better the available accommodation, because the problem is, as you say, there's so many people and we're ready to pay. But it's not just that it's just that once a year, it's just a once a year, that's what so you can't put in infrastructure, a lot of infrastructure by yourself as a property owner, for the whole year when you only have people you can have that interest for one week of the year. So that means a more corporate approach. Right, by being by by the city or by the town council, I think. And yes, so I think can really those are the things I would like to add, but just to see just to end up that when we mustn't forget the reason why that was. Why that was is that what happened, right? And that is why you see the strong presence what we do. And there is a complete sin between those SDG goals right at any point of time any year but focusing on different ones right? And that is a reason why we're there. So we need to combat combat with whatever it is you're doing there about which of the SDGs is right, that you're looking at, or that I'm thinking, tuning, and how you can contribute your voice. There's a lot to take away from that horse. But given the challenges the world is facing, and the opportunities that we have in this world, we should also come to Davos with the perspective of what do I have to offer, that when I offer it collectively, and make the world change to the better place for all of us, like, that's really very important. I think

 

Farah Nanji  35:37  

it's beautifully said, because I think a lot of people may see a place like this, or an event like this and think, Oh, if I could just be there, I could get x y Zed. And the thing is, is that, you know, the the most powerful, and the most authentic and beautiful communities come from power of giving, and not this mindset of like taking taking taking, it's, and you find out over time that you know, those types of people are our energy drainers actually, you know, because you really, it's about making each other's lives easier and better in some shape, or form. And that's why, you know, complete advocate for a place like House of balance where it is, you know, really interesting that in a place like Davos, where it's so expensive to run an event, you know, some companies are paying quarter a million for two hours to do an event, and that they were able to take money out of the equation, and everything was based on a value exchange. And that's no, no easy feat. And, and you also see white badge holders come in, they have to take their shoes off everyone's equal in the space, but it's also the opportunity to actually like exchange people's ideas, not in a panel format, but in a workshop format. So you can actually leave with something more tangible, hopefully, because we can probably hear panels, you know, many times in other places, but again, just to show that, you know, those communities can exist and really thrive. And, and it's like that one week is like, you know, the the cluster, but the the outreach, the engagement, the amplification afterwards, is it's extraordinary. So final question that I'd love to ask you both, is what have been some of your life lessons, you know, from from going to this kind of events? And then you know, we can we can start with you? Oh,

 

Dr. Anino Emuwa  37:18  

that's a great one. The first one is be fitter. It's a week that starts you know, when you start in the mode that you don't finish, in fact, this last time, oh, it was but also the power of community, I tell you what happened. I arrived on the on the Monday we were hosting our 100 unit that was dinner in the evening. And one of my suitcases didn't arrive. Okay, so survival instinct, the first thing was, you know, I had put a dress into my hand luggage. So I had something, you know, everywhere. But I sent out a message to the community. And and, you know, I got lots of boxes and said, Look, just come here, come here, come and try what's my wardrobe and all of that. So this power of community, you know, so that was first thing, but also meant that, you know, book preparation that we had planned for that afternoon didn't happen. And yet, you have to start in the morning at seven o'clock. And very, I mean, I end at usually dinner after dinner drinks. So people go on to later, right, so we're talking about, you know, almost 1820 hour days sometimes, right? So be prepared for the long haul. And whilst I did say that you come in with some plan, what it what it is you're doing, but also leave room for those serendipitous meetings, events happening. So leave some time in your agenda for something to happen. And those magical moments absolutely do happen because of people I've met. And sometimes it requires a bit more energy. So you build something and you see, let me just pop by here, right and the kind of people that you might need. And the other thing that I I think that's just me personally is, especially when will not cooperate with big budgets, and people are constantly constantly helping you. And one thing that I don't forget to do, I try to forget forget to do afterwards is to say thank you, thank you to people open the doors, who facilitated Who allowed you to do something who didn't charge for this. And who knows. That's another thing that you know, I tried to do is to see all those thank yous, we had an amazing partners who came on board and people who call it collaborated. And I think that's a big lesson to see. Thank you to those who who have helped you.

 

Farah Nanji  39:27  

There's a lot of serendipity to capture in Davos, and Tassie and my friend Jim has definitely, for me an example of that. And you sort of what you touched upon there is like, you know, it's so easy to fool your diary up with zero whitespace which can also be quite exhausting and overwhelming in itself. But you need to leave some of that that space available just for that magic to actually take place and you know, sometimes what you seek will seek you if you allow the space and time for it to manifest and Tessie How about you what would have been some of them these life lessons And

 

Tessy de Nassau  40:02  

so, while I agree we've been, you know, completely was to leave some some space, you know, we haven't seen in the Catholic religion, which states that if you want to make God laugh, make plans. And it's just really about that, you know, to go there with an open mind. And yes, you will, your schedule will fill up so fast when you meet people because everyone is so open. And that is what I learned there. It's just like some years. The first years I went there by myself with work on a still worked for corporate. And the person I went with, she was just gone all the time, because she knew everyone and I was alone. And I just started meeting people. And then I, too, had the schedule all of a sudden. And that is fantastic. I have not seen that anywhere else. Well, I have met you, Farah, you know, we have had the most amazing dinner on the shutter, which was such as coincidence, and so meant to be right to the godmother of my child. And we have been best friends since there really have been supporting each other. So there is a follow up after that was with people that are meant to be in your life. And I think we had a beautiful testimony to this, you and me. Right. And other than that, we've been intimate, I would add, eat, bring food, or eat something before leaving your hotel or whatever, because there's so much I'm always starving when I'm in Dallas, I don't know why because you're talking to people. And somehow the food, if there is food, it's gone within like, like, you know, you have these cartoons, where these birds come down, they just eat everything away, like within five minutes, and it feels like it because somehow I never get anything on that plate. Other than some bread crumbs, which is great when you're really hungry. But so yeah, just make sure you have some, you have some storage in your house flat or wherever you stay. to snack on when you come home, you wake up in the morning, or in your backpack, or in your purse that you have an apple or something because in a coffee you get everywhere. But food is very rare. So I learned that to just be a bit more logistical. Also, what you were in doubt was no one wears heels very, very rarely. And you know, it's slippery and snowy and cold. It's a different cold there. It's beautiful. So you know, when you walk between the different events, even the main centre where the white patches are, it's always long walks, yesterday's bosses. But if you don't have hotel badge, minimum, you can't take the bus. And you will walk a lot, like as Nina said, Be Fit. Because you will be walking a lot, it's totally worth it, but just have good shoes, and keep your heels or your nice mansions in a backpack if you want to change so that I that I learned good learning, amazing learning because the first year I was wearing heels, and everyone knew it was my first year, because the people who go there for few years, they know when you wear heels, you're not there since a long time. So you know, and it's just really go with the flow, you know, just let it happen to you. And as Nina said, and I agree with 100,000,000% We are there for the SDGs that is what they're talking about. That's what the boat white badgers talk about. They talk about SDGs and politics, that's what every event is about. One SDGs lead at least. So just always keep that in the back of your mind. You know, we are all there to make this world a better place. Some are more capable, some are less, some are more have more resources, some don't. But it doesn't matter. There. You really need on the playing fields, by the bar in a restaurant bumping into people or whatever it is. And I think that's beautiful. So yeah, it was it's amazing and I love going there because it has really changed my way on business and it has made me less aggressive towards you know, judging to quickly book by its cover, it's really great to go

 

Farah Nanji  44:17  

Absolutely well. You both said it beautifully and shared a lot and we'd love to thank you both for your time and perhaps something to just close off on is our mutual friends Swedish lunch who this year told me that you know as you pointed out, we had they had more than 1000 attendees at their event but the capacity is only 400 and market share this lesson with me that you know sort of touching on the food point they will never cater for more than 400 people even if 2000 people show up because they also kind of want to people to experience you know how maybe hunger feels you know the the the unfortunate people who don't get access to food or sometimes if you find yourself hungry on the Promenade. It can be alive fastened in itself, but it won't last as long as the other people so It's mind over matter sometimes. And yeah, thank you ladies both so much for your time on Mission Makers. Thank you. Thank you.