San Francisco WEF Global Shapers Interview
While on a work trip to San Francisco in July I had the opportunity to meet with the local Shapers Community. An initiative of the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community is a network of hubs and people who are making an impact in their local communities.
1. What’s your name and where are you from?
Hi! I am Leeor Groen and I am originally from Brisbane, Australia.
2. Which hub are you with?
I am active in the Zurich, Switzerland Hub which is where I have been living and working since 2016.
3. What brings you to San Francisco?
I am a Principal at Blockchain Valley Ventures and am here in the Bay Area to meet with local VC’s and partners from our network. With offices in Zurich and Singapore, we focus on the European and Asian markets but now look to expand our global footprint and work closer with local VC’s in the world’s tech capital; Why compete when you can collaborate?
4. What are you working on?
Together with the team in Switzerland, I am the Co-Chair of the 2020 Pre-Davos Summit held each year ahead of the WEF’s Annual Meeting. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Annual Meeting in Davos and we are working hard to put together a landmark event that will bring together the next generation of global leaders in Zurich and commemorate this milestone appropriately.
5. What’s your passion, what matters to you and why?
I am passionate about people and no expression resonates stronger with me than ‘remember the past, act in the present, shape the future’. With my own family having emigrated from Yemen and Europe, I have from a very early age been driven to ALWAYS stand-up for what is right, get involved in the community around me and simply act. With this clear sense of purpose and obligation to give back, I am a Founding Member of the World Innovations Forum Foundation in Switzerland and work closely with a group of incredibly motivated people in order to fundamentally redefine the mechanics of development aid and realize our vision to ensure prosperity for all nations through innovation.
6. What does being a part of the Global Shapers Community mean to you?
The Global Shapers is a unique community filled with impactful, open-minded and driven people who are contributing to important matters all around the world. Being part of this network is a privilege that offers so much and is a base for connecting with like-minded people no matter where you find yourself.
7. A final word about you?
Despite an unrelenting commitment to realizing my dreams and goals, you will always find me with a smile on my face and excited by the (often irrationally optimistic) idea of making a difference; be it in politics, technology, finance, the environment or society as a whole.
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An initiative of the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community is a network of Hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities.
