On 10 February, more than 1,100 global chief executives gathered in Sydney as YPO EDGE 2026 officially got underway. The event opened with a powerful reminder that leadership, at its best, is as human as it is ambitious.
Set against Australia’s vast horizon, EDGE began expansive in perspective, grounded in purpose and unafraid to explore what leadership looks like in a world shaped by rapid technological change, environmental urgency and deep human interconnection.
Awe as a leadership practice
Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg welcomed chief executives to EDGE Sydney, asking them to look inward and inviting them to slow down and reconnect with awe, wonder and beauty as essential forces for renewal, not as indulgences.
— Louie Schwartzberg, Award-winning Filmmaker share
Through breathtaking imagery drawn from nature’s smallest and grandest moments, Schwartzberg made a compelling case for beauty being more than decoration. Rather, he says, it is a catalyst that shapes behavior, sustains life and reconnects us to what matters most — especially at a time of global breakdown and breakthrough.
His message resonated deeply with an audience accustomed to speed and scale, offering a rare pause to reflect on presence, humility and stewardship. “Beauty motivates behavior,” he says, “because we protect what we love.”
Creative courage in an uncertain world
Academy Award–winning actress and producer Nicole Kidman shifted the room’s energy with a candid conversation about courage, choice and responsibility — lessons shaped over four decades at the top of a demanding global industry.
Through her work on screen and at her production company, Blossom Films, Kidman has evolved from performer to cultural leader, using her platform to champion diverse voices, mentor emerging talent and advocate for integrity in storytelling. For the leaders in the room, her message landed squarely in familiar territory: leadership is defined by the decisions made once success is achieved.
— Nicole Kidman, Academy Award-winning Actress; Producer, Blossom Films share
Kidman spoke openly about navigating fear in moments of uncertainty, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes creative industries and business models. She urged leaders to reframe discomfort as a source of momentum.
“Use fear as a tailwind, not as a headwind,” Kidman stresses, offering a practical, no-nonsense reminder that leadership often requires moving forward before clarity fully arrives, resisting the temptation to talk endlessly instead of acting.
“It’s kind of better not to talk about it and just to do it,” she says. “Get on with it.”
When innovation is quiet and relentless
While Schwartzberg invited leaders to see differently, BMW research engineer Stella Clarke showed them what happens when curiosity is matched with persistence.
Clarke shared the behind-the-scenes reality of developing the world’s first color-changing car. Long before it became a TIME Best Invention, it was simply an uncomfortable idea without permission that took years of incremental progress, drew skepticism from peers and experienced repeated failures.
— Stella Clarke, Research Engineer, BMW Group share
Her story struck a chord with CEOs who understand that meaningful innovation rarely arrives fully formed or on schedule. “Disruption isn’t loud. It’s persistent,” Clarke says.
Clarke reminded the audience that failure is not a detour from innovation; it is the terrain itself. “Failure is never comfortable, but you learn from it.”
And often, she notes, discomfort is the clearest signal that something worth pursuing is taking shape. “Next time you have an idea and it doesn’t feel comfortable,” Clarke says, “hold on to it. You may be where innovation starts.”
A global gathering, grounded in place
As YPO’s premier global event, EDGE brings together leaders from across industries and continents for an experience that blends learning, reflection and connection. In Sydney, that journey is enriched by the cultural and spiritual wisdom of Australia’s Aboriginal custodians — reminding participants that leadership, like storytelling, shapes both present realities and future generations.
Through immersive experiences and bold conversations, EDGE 2026 invites leaders to elevate perspective, lead with heart and pursue excellence in harmony with technology, nature and humanity.
And if the opening moments are any indication, this EDGE is less about answers — and more about asking better, braver questions.
EDGE is YPO’s premier thought leadership annual event. For three days in Sydney, more than 1,100 chief executives from 66 countries will convene for a transformative experience with dynamic sessions, hands-on experimentation and immersive networking experiences. EDGE fosters a culture of trust, respect and inclusiveness, where global leaders emerge with solutions to drive change and help shape our collective future. YPO EDGE is exclusively for YPO members. Learn more about EDGE.
