Investing in the fearless
2021! It is now the time to release the spirit of entrepreneurs and individual thinkers. We need to free ourselves from the fear of the pandemic, both to solve it and to avoid burning the economy and basic democratic principles alike.
It's only natural to be scared of Covid-19, this ruthless and invisible threat to global civilization and our modern way of life. We are afraid of it due to the intensity of the corona virus itself and we even get scared of other people, as they represent the invisible threat. But by reacting this way, Covid-19 may become obsessesive. We loose the ability to reflect further. To me it has been striking to see how fast citizens of the democratic world have accepted surveillance, governmental control of private travelling behavior and even who we are permitted to spend time with in our own homes - all this without much resistance. The reason is obvious: we do what is necessary to protect lives. However, 2021 marks a tipping point.
During the first phases of this emergency, good crisis management allowed for the most vital concerns (saving lives) to overthrow other principles (civil rights). Most people accepted the rules quite quickly and complied with them. Into the second year of Covid-19 it is time to adjust and find a more balanced approach. We do not want the government to decide who comes over for dinner. We do want to meet with people of our own choice and to socialize. Humans are social beings, remember?
Fear may also be dangerous. As the bold author Salman Rushdie wrote in «The Moor´s Last Sigh»: «With fear, it's all or nothing. Either, like a bullying tyrant, it rules your life with stupid binding omnipotence, or else you overthrow it and it´s power vanishes in a puff of smoke». The revolution against fear does not have to be courageous, it is the drive to do something much more straightforward, argues Rushdie: «The simple need to get on with your life».
Fear of the pandemic paralyses us. In addition, we already recognise negative new assymetries in power distribution, increased social and economic inequality and paradoxically, neglect of other serious illnesses since medical expertise focuses on corona. It is especially important to dedicate more attention and passion for young people to enable a brighter future.
It is time to act holistically, with respect, responsibility and bravery. In a conscious awakening of 2021, I would like to carve out three optimistic paths:
Stimulate innovators and the free souls
Worldwide, the pandemic has unleashed innovation at un rivalled speed within healthcare, the tech industry, the green economy and climate friendly businesses. I find this to be the most promising experience we have seen for decades. Here there is much more to come, both in startups and large scalable industries. If politicians genuinely wish to contribute to the greater good, stimulating innovation and R&D should be first on the list.
Innovative business people are showing more and more social responsibility and care for both the planet and humanity. A new «climate capitalism» and impact investing is on the rise. At this crucial point in history, politicians must be very careful with their default pattern of behavior; control, regulation, directives. We need to stimulate those who are willing to take risks. Finding a new balance in the space between state and private sector is essential.
As one of the leading entrepreneurs in German healthcare, Dr. Johannes Zwick says: «In 2020 we have seen how two poles collided, health versus freedom, state power versus citizen´s rights. We need to rebalance these important aspects of our lives. Apparently, entrepeneurs are considered incapable of being able to both shape their own destiny and take broader considerations. As entrepreneurs we have great responsibility in good times and bad. We know it.»
The Norwegian owner of Ferd, Johan Andresen, takes a similar approach, appreciating that huge responsibility comes with being privileged. Ferd is currently focusing substantially on social entrepreneurship and impact investing, with ambitions for sustainable and future fit businesses and a greener economy.
Nourish democracy and people’s right to speak up
Spending many years of my life as a journalist and Head of News and in Norway’s main media houses NRK and Aftenposten, I have lately been surprised by the lack of a more humble, honest and healthy public debate. My worry peaked when the Minister of Health got so angry with a well reputed anchor for questioning some Covid-19 measures. «You are creating uncertainty in the public on a serious matter», claimed the minister. What NRK's Fredrik Solvang in fact did, was simply to ask questions, regardless. That's his job. Journalists, writers, researchers and intellectual thinkers have vital roles to play right now and they must be free to do so without fear of reprimand or censorship.
Notwithstanding a common acceptance for the need to crush Covid 19, we cannot simultanously forget the basics of democratic values that are so precious to us. As citizens we should expect a less desperate and shortsighted conversation across the globe. There is enough propaganda, misleading news and conspiracy theories in unedited social media. Let us nourish explorative journalism, fact based analysis and vibrant debates.
Embrace uncertainty and think for yourself
In my opinion, the challenge in 2021 also speaks to us at a personal level. If you are too scared, you will never reach your own potential, neither in private life nor business. This time of crisis puts us all to the test, and it is hard. So many people are suffering and we should not ask for them to be fearless. But the rest of us, any one of us who can: let us try to be free from the fear of imperfection, embrace uncertainty and not merely react to other people's agendas. Taking personal responsibility may even give a stronger feeling of control, in my experience. When I first decided to accept and embrace uncertainty, I learned much more about myself and others. On a good day I even feel I perform better, because failure and mistakes opens up a new window of learning.
In addition, thinking for yourself is more exciting and rewarding. With increased self confidence, we can together promote cherished values and enable brave solutions.