Wellbeing in the Age of AI
April 16, 2026
Photographs: Pétur Fjeldsted.
The President and Jesper Brodin discuss leadership and AI.
The President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, discussed leadership, wellbeing and AI with Jesper Brodin, former CEO of IKEA and chair of the B Team, at the Wellbeing Economy Forum 2026.
The President and Jesper discussed the role of leaders in times of rapid social change, where challenges stemming from artificial intelligence, climate change, growing inequality and a shifting international context call for a new approach to policymaking and leadership. They discussed in particular far‑reaching impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries, education, jobs, climate issues, and democratic discourse.
Jesper Brodin emphasized that business leaders, including those in tech companies, need to adopt new ways of working and take responsibility for the global impact of their operations. “We must redefine success; it’s not about winning at everyone else’s expense. No one needs to be left with the short end of the stick. Profitability and positive social and environmental impact go hand in hand,” Brodin said. “We need courageous leaders who dare to be optimistic, set bold goals, and take action to change the world for the better.”
Young leaders from around the world took part in the dialogue, sharing their vision, experiences, and the challenges they face when it comes to artificial intelligence, health, quality of life, equality, and sustainability.
The President of Iceland is the Patron of the Wellbeing Economy Forum. It brings together international leaders, politicians, scholars, business representatives and institutions to address the pressing issues of our time, including the growing burden of chronic diseases, climate change, social inequality and lack of trust in institutions. Emphasis is placed on practical solutions and policymaking that support wellbeing as a measure of societies’ success.
Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, and Jesper Brodin, chair of The B Team and former CEO of IKEA, discussed leadership and prosperity in the age of artificial intelligence.
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