Leadership, Cycles, and Risk: What this generation already understands – and why it matters

The Forbes Under 30 Meetup held on 6 February 2026 at the Mandarin Oriental Savoy was far more than a series of inspiring presentations.

For smzh, as an event partner, it provided above all the opportunity to closely observe how the next generation of entrepreneurs thinks, makes decisions, and navigates uncertainty.

Across all contributions, one message stood out clearly:

Leadership today is no longer defined solely by vision, but by execution capability, discipline, and the ability to manage risk.

Scaling is not acceleration – it is structure

When Elias Kleimann spoke about the scaling of drone technology, the discussion extended far beyond technology itself.

True scaling does not mean speed at any cost, but rather timing, structure, and resilience.

Companies that grow internationally must build stability long before growth becomes visible.

This very principle also shapes the approach of smzh:

Sustainable success emerges before momentum - not only under pressure.

From visibility to responsibility

When Chiara Koopmans – one of the few representatives of the Forbes Under 30 Class of 2025 – spoke about asset tracking, the discussion was not solely about technology.

It was about transparency – and the responsibility that arises from it.

What becomes visible must be also manageable.

This principle applies not only to industrial processes, but equally to entrepreneurial and financial decision-making.

Growth thus becomes a system that must be actively managed.

This mindset is one we encounter with increasing frequency at smzh – particularly among founders of this generation.

The human factor remains decisive

Another, but equally central, perspective was introduced by Felix de Leon.

In an era of increasing automation and artificial intelligence, he reminded us that genuine experiences cannot be replaced.

People do not go to a DJ for perfect algorithms, but for presence, energy, and emotion.

This conviction is also shared at smzh:

Trust, experience, and human judgment remain decisive - including in the world of finance.

Innovation only unfolds its impact through execution

With Jontey Lee, the focus shifted from innovation to disciplined execution at scale.

Electromobility is no longer a vision, but a question of operational excellence, capital discipline, and strategic clarity.

Here, too, a parallel with the world of finance becomes apparent:

Ideas only create impact when they are translated into robust, functioning structures.

Markets are cyclical – they do not collapse, they reveal behavior and test our discipline

Markets are not in a state of exception – they are doing what they have always done: following cycles.

Human behavior, by contrast, often reacts only once pressure builds.

Simplified narratives and blame-shifting then replace sober analysis and disciplined decision-making.

At the same time, the investment environment remains fundamentally attractive – provided decisions are made in a structured, long-term manner and beyond short-term trends.

Learning from the world’s most dangerous waves

The topic of risk became particularly tangible through Nic von Rupp.

In big-wave surfing, risk cannot be avoided – it is anticipated, respected, and managed.

This very principle also applies to entrepreneurship and wealth structuring:

It is not volatility that is dangerous, but a lack of preparation.

This mindset likewise shapes the approach of smzh:

Anticipating scenarios, building structures, and making clear decisions – even under pressure.

A Seat at the Table | Where tomorrow’s leaders think bigger

After the Forbes Under 30 Meetup concluded, one central question emerged: What's next?

Beyond the stage, the spotlights, and the official agenda, it became clear that many of the most valuable conversations take place after the event – in smaller, confidential settings, free from staging or predefined roles.

Against this backdrop, smzh is initiating an exclusive Entrepreneur Roundtable on 24 February, designed for a curated group of Forbes Under 30 list makers, shortlisted profiles, as well as selected founders and high potentials.

Moderated by Gzim Hasani, CEO of smzh ag and member of the Forbes Under 30 jury, this format deliberately forgoes panels and presentations.

No public event. No stage. Instead, a table where substance, perspective, and long-term thinking matter.

About us

smzh ag is an independent Swiss financial services provider advising private and corporate clients across Retirement provision and Insurance, Mortgages and Real estate, Finance and Investments as well as Taxes and Law.

Our services are designed to adapt to different life and business stages – whether through structured financial planning, a comprehensive 360° financial check-up, or ongoing strategic support.

Rather than focusing on individual products, we focus on situations, objectives, and decisions that matter over time.

Financially ahead.