Disability Pride: Diversity and Inclusion

When Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland, took to the stage at Pendulum Summit 2025, she brought more than just political experience — she brought a masterclass in calm, values-driven leadership in the face of extraordinary global pressure. The youngest prime minister in Finland’s history, and at the time of her appointment the youngest world leader, Sanna Marin led her country through a period marked by seismic challenges — from a global pandemic to energy shortages, war in Europe and economic turbulence. Her insights struck a chord with leaders across every industry, reminding us that resilience and clarity of purpose are more important than ever in today’s volatile world. From Optimism to Overwhelm: A Leader Thrust Into Crisis Sanna began by reflecting on the moment she stepped into leadership — full of hope and ambition, ready to enact progressive policy reform. But instead of rolling out her domestic agenda, she was immediately faced with an onslaught of crises that required fast, decisive and morally anchored decisions. She described how navigating those storms — from Covid-19 to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — meant balancing long-term vision with rapid, real-time action. It was a powerful reminder that leadership often means adapting to the unexpected while never losing sight of your core values. Female Leadership on the Global Stage Sanna also spoke candidly about the unique dynamic of Finland’s coalition government during her tenure — five parties, all led by women, four of them under the age of 40. This was more than a political fact — it was a cultural shift. A visible statement that young, diverse and empathetic leadership is not only possible, but essential in shaping a more resilient future. Rather than conforming to outdated leadership models, Sanna and her colleagues led with emotional intelligence, collaboration and care — a style often dismissed in boardrooms but increasingly recognised as a strength in the modern era. The Power of Values-Based Leadership At the heart of Sanna’s talk was the idea that values are not something to lean on when convenient — they are the foundation for leadership, especially during crisis. “Every decision must be anchored in something bigger than politics or popularity,” she said. “You need a compass — and for me, that compass has always been fairness, equality and sustainability.” This message resonated deeply with Pendulum’s audience of business leaders, many of whom are grappling with how to lead ethically in times of uncertainty, pressure and change. Lessons That Transcend Politics While her background is political, the lessons Sanna shared apply far beyond government. Her talk offered valuable leadership principles for anyone responsible for guiding people, navigating risk or building culture. From balancing competing priorities to maintaining transparency during difficult decisions, she showed what it truly means to lead under pressure — with grace, principle and purpose. Key Takeaways from Sanna Marin’s Talk Crisis reveals character – Leadership is not just tested in good times, but shaped in the hardest moments. Values must guide every decision – Leaders who act with integrity build trust, unity and long-term impact. Empathy is a leadership strength – Emotional intelligence is not a weakness; it is a competitive advantage. Collaboration beats control – Collective leadership, especially across diverse voices, creates stronger outcomes. Young and female leaders belong at the top – Age and gender are not barriers to effectiveness; they bring fresh perspectives and courage. Resilience requires clarity of purpose – When everything around you is uncertain, your principles must remain steady. A Standout Voice at Pendulum Summit 2025 Sanna Marin’s session was a standout moment of Pendulum Summit 2025 — not just for her impressive CV, but for the humility, wisdom and grounded strength she brought to the stage. She reminded every leader in the room that power isn’t just about position — it’s about how you use your platform to create change, protect others and stand for something greater. Her talk left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of what true leadership looks like, and a lasting appreciation for the power of values in shaping our future. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.

Christine Armstrong delivering an insightful session on the future of work at Pendulum Summit 2025. Photo by Conor McCabe. The workplace is changing—fast. AI, automation, and hybrid work models are reshaping how we collaborate, communicate, and lead. But as Christine Armstrong pointed out at Pendulum Summit 2025, the real challenge isn’t just technology. It’s the people. “The difficult stuff—it’s not the policies, it’s not even the AI, it’s not the tech—it’s the people,” Armstrong told the audience. With her signature wit and data-driven insights, she broke down what’s happening in the modern workplace—and how leaders need to adapt or struggle in the decade ahead. Here are the top takeaways from her session: 1. Work Has Become Overwhelming—But It Doesn’t Have to Be One of the most common complaints in the modern workplace is the feeling of being always on. Employees are inundated with emails, Teams messages, and late-night WhatsApp notifications. Armstrong highlighted how this culture of constant communication does not necessarily lead to productivity. “I was talking to a lady doing my hair this morning. She said customers WhatsApp her at 10 o’clock at night about appointments and hairstyles. And if they stop messaging, she starts feeling anxious, so then she starts sending messages.” This endless cycle of communication can create unnecessary stress and burnout. Armstrong stressed the need for companies to set clear boundaries, allowing employees to focus on deep work rather than being in a perpetual state of responsiveness. “The key to productivity is focus. We have to create environments where people can work without being pulled in a hundred different directions.” 🔹 The solution: Leaders need to set boundaries around communication and be intentional about when and how teams interact. 2. Hybrid Work: What People Say vs. What Actually Works Hybrid work models have been widely embraced, but Armstrong challenged leaders to consider whether complete flexibility is truly the best approach. “People always say they want flexible work. They want to decide when to come in. But when we study how it actually works, we find that people do better with structure.” While many employees claim they prefer the freedom to choose when to come into the office, data suggests that fixed hybrid models—where certain days are designated for in-person work—often lead to better collaboration and productivity. “If you give employees complete freedom, they’ll choose one day a week in the office. Bosses won’t like that. So what happens? They start mandating specific days. And weirdly, when people move to fixed hybrid, they often find it easier.” Striking the right balance between flexibility and structure is key to a successful hybrid workplace. 🚀 Takeaway: Find the right balance between flexibility and structure—because too much of either can lead to disengagement. 3. Leaders Who Push Full Office Returns Risk Losing Top Talent As more companies push for a full return to the office, Armstrong warned that forcing employees back could lead to an unintended consequence: high attrition rates. “The challenge is that the people who leave first are often the ones you really don’t want to lose.” Recent data shows that 83% of CEOs expect a full return to the office within three years. However, Armstrong pointed to the example of Amazon, where a return-to-office mandate resulted in nearly 50% of employees applying for new jobs. Instead of issuing blanket return-to-office policies, she urged leaders to create a compelling reason for employees to want to come in, rather than relying on mandates. “You have to give people a reason to come in. It’s not just about having a desk—it’s about collaboration, connection, and community.” 🚀 Takeaway: If leaders push too hard, they risk driving away their best employees. 4. The Future of Work is About People, Not Just Technology While AI and digital transformation will undoubtedly play a major role in the future workplace, Armstrong reminded the audience that success in 2030 will still be driven by human relationships and communication. “We talk so much about AI, but let’s be real—most offices can barely get the printer to work.” While technology can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence—all of which will remain critical in the evolving workplace. 🚀 Takeaway: AI may be the future, but human connection will always be essential to success. 5. Leadership in 2030: Less Control, More Trust The traditional leadership model of control and micromanagement is becoming obsolete. Armstrong emphasized that future leaders will need to focus on trust, autonomy, and results rather than simply monitoring attendance or screen time. “Bosses who measure success by ‘who’s in their chair the longest’ are going to struggle. The best leaders will measure results, not presenteeism.” This shift means moving away from outdated notions of productivity and instead creating psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel motivated and empowered to perform at their best. 🚀 Takeaway: The future belongs to leaders who trust, empower, and support their teams. 6. Final Thought: Adapt or Struggle The Pendulum Summit audience applauding after Christine Armstrong’s session on the future of work. Photo by Conor McCabe. Armstrong’s session served as a wake-up call for leaders: the workplace is changing, and those who fail to adapt will struggle. Key takeaways from her talk included: Embrace flexibility, but set clear structures to maintain productivity. Reduce digital overload by creating communication boundaries. Recognize that AI is a tool, but people remain the priority. Move away from control-based leadership and focus on results. “The workplace is changing—fast. The leaders who adapt will thrive. The ones who don’t? They’ll struggle.” As businesses prepare for the future, Armstrong’s insights serve as a valuable guide for navigating the evolving workplace with confidence and clarity. Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business

As the curtains close over a month on from Pendulum Summit 2025, the energy and inspiration from this year’s event continue to resonate across the business and leadership community. Over two action-packed days, the Convention Centre Dublin hosted the world’s top thought leaders, visionary speakers, and an audience of ambitious professionals—all united under this year’s theme: Future-Focused Leadership. Here’s a recap of the event that’s already being hailed as the most impactful Pendulum yet. Pendulum Summit MC Mandy Hickson kicking things off at the beginning of Day 1. Picture by Conor McCabe Key Highlights That Defined Pendulum 2025 1. World-Class Speaker Line-Up The stage was graced by an extraordinary mix of global icons and innovative thinkers. Standout moments included: Sugar Ray Leonard on resilience and championship mindset. Andre Agassi sharing his journey from sports icon to entrepreneur. Mandy Hickson, the trailblazing fighter pilot, on fearless leadership. Nick Santonastasso, who left the audience inspired by his story of defying physical limitations. Dr. Lollie Mancey delivering thought-provoking insights on workplace culture and performance. Mary Portas OBE, the retail guru, emphasizing the power of Purpose-Led Business. David Meade captivating the crowd with his blend of mind-reading and performance psychology. A fantastic lineup of Pendulum Talks speakers taking the stage on both days of the summit. These voices, along with many others, delivered more than just keynotes—they sparked action. Attendees walked away with strategies to lead with clarity, navigate change, and elevate their teams to new heights​. Andre Agassi speaking at Pendulum Day 2. Picture by Conor McCabe 2. A CEO Dinner to Remember The exclusive Viatel CEO Dinner at Anantara The Marker Dublin was a highlight for many. This intimate evening featured fine dining, fireside conversations with speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities. This invite-only event provided a platform to forge lasting business relationships while gaining leadership insights from some of the most successful names in the industry. Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Pendulum CEO Dinner. Picture by Conor McCabe 3. Networking & Connections Pendulum Summit has always been more than just a conference—it’s a global networking hub. Whether over breakfast bites, coffee breaks, or at the buzzing Expo, the connections made here often lead to lasting collaborations and game-changing partnerships. The introduction of the Pendulum Summit app with advanced networking technology enhanced these opportunities, allowing delegates to connect digitally before, during, and after the event​. Delegates seizing networking opportunities after one of the coffee breaks at Pendulum Summit 2025. Picture by Conor McCabe 4. Professional Development & CPD Accreditation Attendees left not only inspired but also with tangible professional development credits. As a CPD-accredited summit, delegates earned certification that adds real value to their professional growth while boosting their leadership toolkit​. 5. Embracing the Future of Work This year’s focus on Future-Focused Leadership addressed key topics like: Digital Transformation High-Performance Team Building Purpose-Driven Leadership Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Mental Resilience & Well-being Disruptive Innovation and Crisis Management The message was clear: To lead in 2025 and beyond, businesses must prioritize adaptability, emotional intelligence, and forward-thinking leadership​. Dr. Lollie Mancey captivating the audience with her insights on workplace culture and the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of leadership at Pendulum Summit 2025. Picture by Conor McCabe The Energy That Fuels Transformation What sets Pendulum apart is its atmosphere. As one attendee put it, “You leave feeling like anything is possible. The energy in the room is electric, and every conversation, every insight shared felt like a stepping stone towards something greater.”​ This sentiment was echoed throughout social media as the hashtag #PendulumSummit trended with snapshots of the vibrant crowd, inspirational speaker moments, and the much-loved Pendulum After Dark celebration. Pendulum volunteers enjoying some downtime at the Pendulum After Dark party. Picture by Conor McCabe Looking Ahead to Pendulum 2026 If this year’s event is anything to go by, Pendulum Summit 2026 is set to raise the bar yet again. The early buzz suggests another powerhouse line-up and even more tailored leadership content. Tickets are already in demand, with early-bird packages available now for teams looking to secure their place at the world’s leading business and self-empowerment summit. Visit here for more information.