Women in Leadership Panel at SSBM Geneva

On 5th April 2026, SSBM Geneva hosted a thought-provoking Women in Leadership panel discussion, bringing together distinguished experts from medicine, law, and academia to explore how leadership is shaped by experience, the role of women in emerging AI strategy, and the key priorities for young women aspiring to leadership roles.

The discussion highlighted the evolving expectations of leadership in a rapidly changing global environment, with particular attention to diversity in decision-making and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in strategic governance.

Key Themes of the Discussion

The panel addressed several timely and interconnected topics, including:

How professional and life experience shape individual leadership styles
Whether women are sufficiently represented in shaping AI strategy at executive and board levels
The essential skills and focus areas for young women aspiring to leadership positions
The importance of interdisciplinary thinking in modern leadership environments
The role of mentorship and visibility in advancing gender-balanced leadership

The speakers emphasized that leadership today requires adaptability, ethical awareness, and the ability to integrate technological understanding with human-centered decision-making.

Distinguished Panelists

The discussion featured an exceptional group of speakers: Dr. med. Mia Alqam Simcox, the Academic Dean of SSBM Geneva, Dr. Olesya Meskina, Head of Academic Programs at SSBM Geneva, Dr. Bethânia Monteforte Sasseron, Lecturer at SSBM Geneva and Mary Mayenfisch Tobin, LLM Lawyer and Lecturer at SSBM Geneva. The session was expertly moderated by Dr. Iva Buljubasic, DBA Mentor at SSBM Geneva.

A Forward-Looking Dialogue on Leadership and AI

A central focus of the discussion was the intersection between leadership and artificial intelligence. The panel reflected on whether women are adequately represented in shaping AI-driven strategies at senior levels and emphasized the importance of inclusive perspectives in ensuring ethical and balanced technological development.

Speakers also shared insights on the competencies young women should prioritize, including critical thinking, cross-disciplinary knowledge, communication skills, and the confidence to engage with emerging technologies.

The Women in Leadership panel at SSBM Geneva reinforced the institution’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and preparing future leaders for the challenges of a rapidly evolving professional landscape. The event concluded with a shared recognition that leadership is increasingly defined not only by experience and expertise, but also by adaptability, collaboration, and a strong commitment to shaping responsible innovation.