A New Kind of Leader in 2022
The world is seeing seismic shifts, crisscrossing every aspect of how we live, work and play. And never has the need for changemakers been more clear. This year's Future 50 leaders meet that moment—and then some. They're turning uncertainty into opportunity—shattering expectations and turning audacious ideas into reality.
Take Cariuma's David Python, who's building a big sneaker brand with a remarkably small carbon footprint. Anbang Jin is helping power up renewable energy projects across China and beyond, while Shahad Alazzaz is forging her own path in Saudi Arabian design—while still paying homage to the region's traditions.
No corner is left untouched by their status-quo-shattering ambition. In government, Bolor-Erdene Battsengel is transforming Mongolia into a digital innovator. And in the automotive biz, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe is driving eco-conscious change in the auto industry.
If there's one thread that runs through all of the powerful stories in this year's Future 50, it's the bone-deep belief that one person, and one project, can affect real change.
"If each of us lived a bit more sustainably, we would build impact," Garvita Gulhati told us. She knows what she's talking about: While still a teenager, she convinced restaurants in India to rethink their water waste and, in just a few years, helped save more than 10 million liters (2.6 gallons) of water.
Fearless and unflinching in these tumultuous times, they're determined to deliver positive social impact. Zoya Lytvyn is transforming education in Ukraine—and not letting a pandemic or military invasion stall progress. And pro basketball player Bismack Biyombo donated his entire US$1.3 million salary from the past season to fund hospital construction in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He sees every project in his war-torn home country as an opportunity "to save as many lives as possible."
While uncertainty abounds, it's clear that the rising generation of project leaders is poised to charge ahead. And we can't wait to see what they do next.