Pioneering Sustainable Leadership: Insights from the Lucerne Dialogue 2024 with Domagoj Boljar, CEO of Earthbound™ Sneakers
The world is changing. So too must the way we lead. Leadership, in essence, is about influencing others towards a common goal. It’s about inspiring people. It’s about creating teams that can innovate and adapt. It’s about making a difference. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to a person doing just that – Domagoj Boljar, Co-founder and CEO of Earthbound™ Sneakers. Domagojen joyed attending the Lucerne Dialogue 2024, where I observed his approach to sustainable leadership first-hand.
Domagoj Boljar: Co-founder and CEO of Earthbound™ Sneakers
Domagoj Boljar is an inspiration. He stands as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs. A light in the realm of sustainable business. He co-founded Earthbound™ Sneakers, Croatia’s first B Corp certified sneakers, setting a new standard for the global footwear industry. Significantly, Boljar’s vision extended beyond business, influencing societal change through his commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
In a remarkable stroke of determination, Boljar secured OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified sneakers for his company. A testament to his commitment to producing environmentally friendly footwear. His leadership is marked by a deep-rooted sense of responsibility towards the planet and a relentless quest for sustainability.
Moreover, his leadership style emphasises mutual respect, collaboration, and empowerment. As a result, Earthbound™ Sneakers has fostered a culture that encourages innovation, fosters growth, and champions sustainability. Undeniably, Domagoj Boljar is not just a CEO, he’s a visionary leading the way in the realm of sustainable business practices.
Lucerne Dialogue 2024: An Overview
1. The Lucerne Dialogue 2024 event was a remarkable gathering of minds. In the beautiful surroundings of Merlischachen, near Lucerne, over 45 young leaders congregated from over 20 European countries. Their purpose? To tackle a significant European challenge: How can companies effectively strengthen democracies?
2. The annual event, known as Basecamp, showcased Europe’s brightest minds. It became a platform for sharing revolutionary ideas and fostering synergies across borders.
3. Domagoj Boljar was among these young leaders. Invited for his groundbreaking efforts in leading Croatia’s first B Corp, his insights were invaluable.
4. At Basecamp, participants engaged in robust discussions, shared unique experiences, and brainstormed innovative solutions. It was a melting pot of creativity and knowledge.
5. The event culminated in a thrilling pitching session, where leaders presented their ideas. An unexpected twist saw Boljar tasked with pitching for one of the teams, an experience he described as “one of the most exciting things I have ever done.”
Domagoj Boljar’s Participation at the Lucerne Dialogue
An Invitation to Remember
Being re-invited to the Lucerne Dialogue after a forced cancellation last year was a moment of gratitude for Domagoj. He extended his heartfelt thanks to Corina Jost and Florian M. Wußmann for their kindness and understanding.
A Thrilling Pitching Experience
In a twist that seemed straight out of a thriller movie, Domagoj was given the responsibility of pitching for one of the teams. This unexpected turn of events highlighted his quick thinking and adaptive leadership qualities.
Learning from the Best
Domagoj’s experience at Basecamp was further enriched by his fellow participants. He expressed his gratitude for the invaluable insights he gained from their shared experiences and knowledge.
A Special Thanks
Domagoj extended a special thanks to his fellow Basecamp participants. Their contribution to the event, sharing their own experiences and ideas, significantly enriched the experience for him and the others.
The Role of Young Leaders in Strengthening Democracies
Leadership is about influencing others towards a common goal. But when it comes to strengthening democracies, the role of young leaders becomes even more critical. Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energised spirits can breathe new life into old structures.
In societies where value systems are shifting rapidly, young leaders are instrumental in bridging the gap between generations. They understand the pulse of the youth, their aspirations, their fears, and their vision for the future. Thus, these leaders hold the keys to societal transformation.
In a democratic society, everyone has a voice. And leaders, especially young ones, can amplify those voices. They can inspire their peers to become active citizens, contributing to the democratic process.
Moreover, young leaders can influence corporate policies towards more inclusivity and social responsibility. They can push for sustainable practices, ethical business models, and promote transparency and accountability.
Finally, young leaders like Domagoj Boljar are showing us that it’s possible for businesses to be profitable and sustainable. Through their actions, they are demonstrating that businesses can and must play a crucial role in strengthening democracies and fostering societal change.
Domagoj Boljar’s Pitching Experience
Domagoj had the opportunity to pitch for one of the teams at the Lucerne Dialogue.
This unexpected task was, in his words, “one of the most exciting things I have ever done.”
Despite the pressure, Domagoj rose to the challenge and delivered an impressive pitch, reflecting his adaptive leadership style.
Lessons Learned and Insights Gained
The Lucerne Dialogue was not just an event for Domagoj Boljar. It was a journey of learning and growth. He walked away with newfound perspectives on leadership and a deeper understanding of strengthening democracies through business practices.
The event reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration. As leaders shared their experiences, ideas, and insights, it became clear that shared wisdom is a powerful catalyst for change.
Moreover, Boljar gained a better understanding of the role of young leaders in today’s changing world. He saw first-hand how their innovative ideas, energy, and commitment could transform societies and industries.
Unforgettable was the pitching experience. It was a testament to Domagoj’s adaptability, his quick thinking, and his ability to perform under pressure. This experience, he believes, has enriched him as a leader.
Finally, the event encapsulated the essence of sustainable leadership. It’s not just about profits and losses. It’s about making a difference. It’s about inspiring others to be better. It’s about leaving the world a little better than you found it.
Acknowledgements and Thanks
The journey to the Lucerne Dialogue was one of immense learning and insight for Domagoj Boljar. But, he recognises that it would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of many individuals.
He extends his heartfelt thanks to Corina Jost and Florian M. Wußmann for their understanding and for re-inviting him to the event.
A special mention goes to his fellow Basecamp participants. Their shared experiences and insights significantly enriched the event, making it a memorable one.
Finally, Domagoj extends his gratitude to the entire organising team. Their hard work and dedication ensured the success of the event, making it a valuable platform for young leaders to share ideas and collaborate.
The Lucerne Dialogue 2024 was an event of profound learning and networking for young leaders. It was a platform for them to share their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. For Domagoj Boljar, it was an opportunity to showcase his commitment to sustainable business practices. His participation, his unexpected pitching experience, and the insights he gained were testament to his growth as a leader and his commitment to his vision. His story inspires us all to embrace sustainable leadership, to make a difference. After all, leadership is not just about influence; it’s about impact.