“The effective leaders of tomorrow will be moved by curiosity and empathy”

Amy Edmondson is one of the speakers of the QSP Summit, which takes place in Porto and Matosinhos between June 30 and July 2, one of the main European events of management, leadership and innovation.

Asked about the advice she would give to emerging leaders in Portugal, the expert in leadership, psychological security and organizational culture points to curiosity.

“ Start with curiosity, find matters for which you are passionate, that matter to you, that consider it worth investing your time and energy ", lists.

Consequently, “curiosity will be the force that will push you to ask better questions, both to your colleagues and to your subordinates and friends” and, “when you start asking better questions, you start to get smarter immediately.”.

Therefore, “I believe that tomorrow’s effective leaders will be leaders driven by curiosity and empathy,” he continues.

Considered the world’s highest reference in psychological security and organizational learning, Amy Edmondson argues that “much empathy” is needed in leaderships.

“ I think we need humility in a deep sense, not in the sense of false modesty, but in the sense of recognizing that we do not have all the answers and that, with this humility, with this curiosity and empathy, we can progress slowly but surely in solving problems and involving people in this journey”, Amy Edmondson reinforces.

As for what the leaders will be like in five years' time, academics prefer not to make predictions.

“My hope – and perhaps a possibility for more education, more awareness – is that, given our extraordinary technologies, our extraordinary human capabilities, when well used, have the potential to solve major problems, to work together for this,” he says.

And leadership “is a vital force for this to happen,” the academic stresses.

In summary, “I would say that we have the potential to involve people again in a model of hopeful and positive leadership, the kind of leadership needed in the face of extraordinary uncertainty.”.

This potential exists, now “whether or not we will act according to this potential is an open issue”, says the academic, who will speak at the QSP Summit on July 1.

In its 19th edition, the event brings together more than 3,500 participants, about 100 speakers and seven thematic stages dedicated to economy, artificial intelligence, strategy, human behavior and creativity.

Under the theme “Leading the Future Economy”, the 2026 edition proposes a reflection on the challenges that are redefining companies, leaders and markets.