We have entered into a singular period: no one has a map or a compass. Leaders feel unequipped, powerless to handle a situation they perceive as unprecedented. This change of scenery creates new needs, and, therefore, new fields of expertise. In terms of guiding collective action, the main need – when the direction and the path are clear – is for managers. They can prove their expertise by efficient handling of a given process.

In our current situation, however – which is characterized by a lack of clear direction – the need for real leadership – meaning the ability to lead others, overcome obstacles and sweep out old practices – becomes essential. In order to cope with the challenges of the future, the new risks it brings, and the extraordinary opportunities it harbors, we need more leaders, on every rung of society. That way, we can go from management’s credo, doing things right to leadership’s doing the right thing.

To make sure that our chapter of history will some day be referred to as a Renaissance, rather than the 6^th mass extinction, we need different leaders. Speeding up their emergence is crucial for the future of international companies.