Oslo Business Forum 2025 – The Big Shift

Two inspiring and educational days are over - filled with strong lectures, important perspectives and energy around strategy, management, technology and the possibilities of the future. In addition, this year's conference marked the 10th anniversary of the Oslo Business Forum – a milestone that shows the importance the arena has taken on for managers.

🔑 My most important takeaways:

🎯 Strategy and growth:
B. Sternfels reminded us that future winners must aim high, move fast and build organizations that continuously adapt to change. He highlighted the importance of learning, humour, warmth and resilience – and emphasized growth and AI as top management priorities. M. Buckingham delivered a strong message: "Love is the most powerful force in business" – real value creation is about meaning and belonging.

🤖 AI and technology:
P. Lakhani showed how AI can be used strategically to create competitive advantage, while T. Mauri introduced "Agility is the new stability" and raised the importance of ethical reflection. P. Malmgren encouraged more creativity: "The big things that matter need better imagination from us."

👩‍💻 Generations and culture:
Dr. E. Filby showed how younger generations are constantly driving development forward, while Gen. X is most positive about AI and tech. She also pointed out why physical interaction and shared arenas are still crucial for learning, culture and innovation – even in a hybrid everyday life.

❤️ Leadership and human power:
S. Sinek reminded us of "What you search for, you will find" – leadership starts with meaning and optimism.
D. Kander delivered some of the conference's most concrete and powerful messages: "Never goal alone" - "Always ask: Who can help me do this?" – and "Success can be your biggest blind spot." She challenged us to cut low-value tasks and focus on value vs. effort.

🏆 Team and trust:
Aksel L. Svindal showed how winners are built through openness and collaboration: "Trust your team, share all good data – and don't forget the 7 o'clock dinner. Celebrate together."

🧭 Change as a driving force:
A. Rinne introduced the Flux mindset and showed how uncertainty can be used strategically, while G. Petriglieri reminded us that emotions are a competitive advantage in management.

💡 The common denominator from the stage was clear: The leaders of the future must combine strategy, technology and human insight - and the ability to create culture, pace, curiosity and trust in a time characterized by major changes.

Next Chapter – The Human Edge (2026):
OBF 2026 builds on this year's learning as it is about unlocking the strengths that no machine can replace. In an age of disruption, leaders must rely on creativity, courage, trust and persistence, and build cultures where people and ideas can flourish.

A big thank you to Christoffer Omberg and the entire skilled and pleasant(!) OBF team for an impressive, professional and inspiring event - both professionally and personally strong from start to finish! 🙏