Rethinking Geopolitics: Thierry Malleret on Hope, Nature, Leadership, and Change

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna Lucca speaks with Thierry Malleret, economist, author, and founder of Summit of Minds. Thierry reflects on his diverse career spanning investment banking, think tanks, government roles, and leadership at the World Economic Forum. He discusses pressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and geopolitical risks, emphasizing the need for stakeholder capitalism and nature-based solutions.

Thierry also shares his creative side as a novelist. His latest book, Deaths at Davos, is a geopolitical thriller that uses fiction to explore power dynamics, greenwashing, and the stakes of global decision-making. Writing fiction, he explains, is ‘fun!’, allowing him the freedom to address critical issues without the constraints of non-fiction.

A Non-Linear Journey to Global Insight

Thierry Malleret’s career is anything but conventional. From investment banking and think tanks to government advisory roles and leading programs at the World Economic Forum, his path has been intentionally diverse. 

“When I started 40 years ago, it was seen as crazy not to follow a clear trajectory. But I found that boring. By doing something different every few years, I exposed myself to new people, ideas, and influences.”

 This approach shaped his ability to connect dots across disciplines and inspired his founding of the Summit of Minds—a platform for fostering cross-generational dialogue and promoting nature-based solutions.

The Lessons of Davos

During his time at the World Economic Forum, Thierry was struck by the unique mix of participants—corporate leaders, policymakers, academics, and artists. Yet he also observed a stark contrast between public personas and private realities.

 “Many CEOs are incredibly focused on the bottom line, which often limits their ability to inspire,” 

he notes. However, exceptions stood out: “Some leaders balance success with curiosity and empathy, which gives me hope.” Thierry’s most inspiring encounter? The late Umberto Eco: “He was gentle, brilliant, and profoundly wise—a reminder of the power of intellectual humility.” Davos remains a transactional space for many attendees, but Thierry believes its potential lies in fostering hope and collaboration: “The more difficult the situation becomes, the more we are compelled to act decisively.”

Nature as an Economic Cornerstone

Thierry is passionate about emphasizing nature’s critical role in sustaining economies. “Nature accounts for 50% of our economy,” he states plainly. Through Summit of Minds gatherings in places like Chamonix and Canada, participants witness firsthand the degradation of natural landscapes. “Seeing glaciers retreat visibly in summer is a wake-up call,” Thierry explains. These immersive experiences are designed to inspire action on natural capital while encouraging investment in startups that merge technology with nature-based solutions.However, he acknowledges the challenges of polarization: “We’ve lost participants who dismiss climate concerns as ‘woke.’ But without engaging diverse perspectives, we won’t move the needle on meaningful change.”

Fiction as Freedom to Explore Truth

Thierry’s creative outlet as a novelist allows him to explore global challenges through storytelling. His latest thriller, Deaths at Davos, examines themes like greenwashing and geopolitical influence within a fictionalized summit setting. “Writing fiction is liberating,” he says. “It allows me to address urgent issues without the constraints of non-fiction.” The book also reflects his professional experiences: “To write something credible, you draw from your own life and observations.”

The Importance of Local Action in Politics

Thierry highlights the critical role of politics at the local level in driving meaningful change. While global collaboration is essential, he emphasizes that sustainable progress often begins with addressing issues within one’s immediate community. Thierry believes that acting locally creates tangible results and fosters trust, which are vital for building momentum toward broader systemic solutions. He and his wife embody this philosophy through initiatives like the Good for Nature Prize, which supports startups blending technology with nature-based solutions. By focusing on practical, localized efforts, Thierry demonstrates how small, intentional actions can ripple outward, inspiring others to take responsibility in their own communities and contributing to global progress.

Cross-Generational Dialogue Sparks Change

Thierry sees younger generations as key agents of transformation: “They won’t travel on private jets or ignore sustainability—they demand responsibility.” He highlights how cross-generational conversations can profoundly influence older leaders: “When children challenge their parents on climate action, it often creates an epiphany that leads to real change.”Yet he stresses that collaboration is essential across all age groups: “Younger generations bring energy, but breakthroughs happen when we combine their passion with the wisdom of experience.”

What the World Needs Most Right Now

When asked what the world needs most today, Thierry’s answer is clear: “The right policies. Everyone knows what needs to be done—it’s not a mystery—but we’re failing to act collectively.” He underscores the importance of global collaboration: 

“Every astronaut says the same thing after seeing Earth from space—we’re all bound by one destiny. Yet we continue to divide ourselves instead of working together.”

Thierry remains hopeful despite these challenges: “Humanity has always risen to crises with decisive action. My hope lies in our ability to do so again—if we choose to.”

If this talk resonates with you, check out these other episodes too:

• Raj Sisodia – The Value of Conscious Capitalism
• John Fullerton – Finance and Economics for a Regenerative Age
• Christopher Evatt – The Need for Transformational Change