Pedro Hernanz on Leadership, Uncertainty, and Purpose: “We need moments that help us think better, decide better, and lead better”

In a recent interview with Revista Capital, Pedro Hernanz Managing Director of WOBI Spain and Portugal – offered a sharp and thoughtful perspective on the challenges facing today’s leaders, and how WOBI’s mission is evolving to help them navigate a world where uncertainty is not just the norm, but a constant force reshaping the way we work, lead, and create value.

Hernanz describes a business environment defined by constant change—driven by geopolitical tensions, AI, environmental crises, and economic unpredictability. In this context, he argues, the old tools of leadership are no longer enough. Instead, leaders must cultivate resilience, agility, and a deep understanding of purpose to successfully guide their organizations through complexity and disruption.

The ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information, build resilient teams, and maintain cultural alignment has become more critical than ever. According to Hernanz, one of the most pressing concerns among leaders today is talent: not only finding people with the right skills, but those whose mindset and sense of purpose align with the company’s culture. Shared values and a clear mission are emerging as the true drivers of loyalty and performance.

For the Director, leadership today must be bold, human, and transformative. It’s about balancing performance with empathy, strategy with vulnerability, and results with responsibility. “Purpose is what gets people out of bed in the morning and inspires them to be the best version of themselves,” he insists.

This belief in the power of purpose isn’t just theoretical—it’s what defines WOBI’s value proposition. Hernanz highlights that beyond the live events, being a part of WOBI offers leaders a rich ecosystem of digital content accessible anytime through its app,with flexible, high-impact formats tailored to the demands of executive life. It also includes year-round opportunities for networking —both digital and in person—fostering meaningful connections that extend far beyond the forum itself. This ongoing learning experience helps executives stay ahead in a world where, according to surveys, 75% believe their management knowledge will be outdated within five years.

While WOBI’s digital ecosystem offers invaluable ongoing support, Hernanz stresses that nothing compares to the unique energy and insight of in-person experiences: “The ‘present moment’ experienced live, and the energy and impact of speakers on stage, is truly priceless.” These moments take shape most powerfully at the World Business Forum, which returns to Madrid on November 12–13 under the theme The Power of the Unpredictable. This year’s speaker lineup reflects the urgency and ambition of today’s leadership challenges: Brené Brown will explore the role of vulnerability in leadership, Adam Grant will delve into how to unlock talent and rethink performance, and Peter Diamandis will open a window into the future through the lens of exponential technologies. Other notable voices include Gary Hamel on strategy, Nathalie Nahai on AI and the future of work, Anne Chow on organizational transformation, and Inma Shara on creativity.

In the end, Hernanz believes that leadership is not just about staying ahead of trends—it’s about building the kind of companies that make society better. “Better leaders make better companies,” he says. “And better companies make a better world.”