Robots that fold our laundry might sound futuristic, but don’t justify a new way of operating. And AI that reads our email or searches the web in new ways, won’t tackle the world’s biggest problems. Jake Loosararian, Gecko Robotics Co-founder, explains how technologies such as AI and robotics could do more to tackle stubborn challenges – such as infrastructure failure, to protect lives and prevent catastrophes – if only they had the right data. He breaks down: how big data gaps have held back innovation for the physical world, and how smarter approaches to infrastructure can improve efficiency and safety in sectors like manufacturing or mining, all while reducing emissions. He also offers key questions leaders can ask to better understand what information has informed their AI and why that's critical to continued trust in the technology. Lastly, he takes us through the moment he knew he needed to start Gecko Robotics, the sleepless nights he pushed through to bootstrap it in its early days, and the unique way he has merged worklife and family life to spend more time with his wife and four children.

This interview was recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 2025.

About this episode:
Gecko Robotics
https://www.geckorobotics.com/

Episode transcript:
https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/jake-loosarian-gecko-robotics-data-gap-ai/

Future of jobs report
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/

Meet the Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA
Listen: https://tinyurl.com/ys2dtftj
Read: https://tinyurl.com/fbym95jy

Radio Davos - Tech poised to change the world: Top Ten Emerging Technologies 2025
Watch: https://youtu.be/QVTprDQdrZE
Listen: https://tinyurl.com/2nb3c246
Read: https://youtu.be/QVTprDQdrZE

Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts:

YouTube: - / @wef

Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164

Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560

Forecasts say we’ll need to double food production by 2050 - a tall order given 40% of the earth’s land has been degraded over decades by mining, unsustainable farming and climate change. The head of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Ibrahim Thiaw takes us through this complex issue that impacts economies, human well-being and global security. He breaks down what’s needed to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land and the policies and technologies that can make a difference. He also shares how drought devastated his family and community when just a child and how the destruction and despair he witnessed inspired him to dedicate his life to environmental issues. As he closes out his role as executive secretary this summer, he shares how leaders can sharpen their focus on the issues that matter most.

About this episode:

https://www.unccd.int/

Transcript:
https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/ibrahim-thiaw-unccd-land-restoration-climate

Related report:
Business on the Edge: Building Industry Resilience to Climate Hazards

Related podcasts:
How one global health leader prepares teams for the toughest scenarios: Gavi CEO

The 'triple strength' leaders must develop to drive a sustainable future: OMV CEO

We’re ‘losing the war’ on modern slavery: What business leaders can do - HPE’s John Schultz

Former gymnast and current USA Gymnastics CEO and president Li Li Leung joined the organization after after a turmoil-ridden period marked by an abuse scandal, bankruptcy and rapid leadership turnover. She talks to Meet The Leader about what she did in her first days to rebuild trust with athletes, coaches and gymnastics communities across the country and build new policies that met their needs. She also shares what’s needed for psychological safety and the slate of new mental health resources created at the organization, from therapists to emotional support dogs, that are supporting both athletes and coaches. Lastly, she shares what the sport has taught her about discipline and accepting feedback, and what’s key to coaching teams on results that matter.

About this episode:
USA Gymnastics
https://usagym.org/

Future of jobs report
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/

Related Podcasts:
Meet the Leader - Ballerina Misty Copeland: Unlocking potential and a leader’s most ‘vital’ role
https://tinyurl.com/yd7zc3yc

Radio Davos - How sport can save lives: Homeless World Cup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsXULphhSzo

Meet the Leader - Adam Grant: Future leaders won't succeed without this key trait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buVVIpttzUA

Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - / @wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560