The leadership we need in 2026
What if our most powerful response to voices that try to divide and intimidate us was not fear - but warmth?
I took the microphone to remind us of our power - especially in these times of hardship, division and personal overwhelm for many of us. I hope that my words help you recharge and shift your power so that you can shine your light again: with a sense of confidence for 2026 - and with the leadership we truly need right now.
Listen to the full speech here:
What if our kindness, empathy, openness and re-connection to each other were our most powerful keys - not only to move forward, but to protect the very foundations of our societies and our democracies that are at stake right now?
Here are the key messages of my speech:
Authoritarian voices divide us to stay in power
Authoritarian voices succeed by dividing us and creating mistrust between us. They make us feel small, intimidated, and powerless, because fear and disconnection help them stay in control—especially in times of uncertainty and economic pressure. Let’s start seeing these patterns for what they are so that we can step out of feeling like victims and begin to regain our power.
What if kindness and empathy for each other were our strongest response?
What if our most powerful response right now was the opposite of dominance and fear? What if our hope, openness, warmth, confidence and empathy were actually the strongest tools we have - not only to move forward, but to protect the foundations of our societies and our democracies. This kind of leadership doesn’t come from being louder or more dominant, but from kindness, care, and creating a sense of togetherness again. That’s our strongest key against authoritarian power: to stay deeply connected to each other.
We are not powerless: let’s be the light in someone else’s darkness
We don’t need titles or positions to for that - this kind of leadership starts within each of us. In times that feel dark, our everyday acts of courage, warmth and kindness can be the light for someone else, getting them out of their numbness and overwhelm, reminding them of their strength, hope and power again. And when we choose to be that light, even in small ways, that courage spreads - and together, we can lift each other up, hold each other together - and look forward again.
Let’s step forward in 2026
And if my words could be a little light and give you courage today, I know that you can do it, too. Let’s spread this confidence and move forward together.
If you would like me to contribute with this speech at your conference, podcast or interview panel in early 2026, let’s be in touch: You can request me as a Keynote Speaker, interview guest or moderator here.
Thank you for stepping forward in 2026,
Helene
Behind the scenes: Recording “The Leadership We Need in 2026”