How Women Who Network Change the Game

The World Economic Forum has always been an exclusive place for prominent business men to convene and exchange ideas of how the world should run. But every year, we see something different on the promenade where the side events take place- more and more women are showing up and doing business together.  

business women networking at davos in switzerlandZalina Wälichli is the founder and CEO of Zalina Swiss Organic, a luxury skincare and wellness brand combining Ayurveda with Swiss innovation and modern science, catering  specifically to women of color. Among her many passions she is also  a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Cosmetic Science Formulator and advocates for women’s empowerment through wellness, technology, and sustainability.

Attending the World Economic Forum in Davos has been a long-standing dream of mine, proudly placed on my vision board as a symbol of impactful leadership, global collaboration, and meaningful change. To finally experience it in 2025 felt like stepping into the future I’ve envisioned—not only for my brand but for the world.

This year is particularly significant for me, as I’ve committed to making brave, bold decisions to advance my mission of empowering women, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable solutions in wellness and beauty. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Davos provided the ideal space for deep reflection and forward-thinking action. The harmony between the pristine natural beauty and the groundbreaking ideas being discussed created an environment where purpose and possibility converged.

What stood out for you?

Davos is a treasure trove of inspiration, but three key moments resonated deeply:

  • Brain Health, Longevity, and Accessible Digital Health (Brain House panel discussion): This session opened my eyes to the vast potential of digital health in democratizing access to wellness. The discussion explored how we can bridge gaps in healthcare systems, extending quality of life and longevity through technology—a theme that directly aligns with my work on the beauty & wellness app.
  • The Female Quotient at the Equity Lounge: This space was electrifying—a celebration of women’s achievements in sports, AI, and leadership while tackling crucial issues like gender equality and the power of data. One panel discussion, “Using Data to Improve Our World: Ending Data Disparity,” was especially impactful. It highlighted the importance of leveraging data to bridge systemic gaps in health, education, and opportunity. The insights shared challenged me to think about how data-driven innovation can also address disparities in beauty and wellness, particularly for women of color.
  • World Women Foundation Initiative – Women Leading the Intelligent Age: This initiative ignited bold conversations about redefining the role of women in AI and fostering collaboration to accelerate gender equity. The ideas shared were both inspiring and actionable, leaving me motivated to champion inclusivity and innovation in my field.

Each of these moments reinforced the power of collective action and the urgency to design solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and impactful.

What was the impact for you?

The impact of Davos 2025 has been transformative, both personally and professionally. The insights gained from the panel discussions have refined my vision for 2025, encouraging me to prioritize inclusivity and representation in health, beauty, and wellness projects. The breathtaking Swiss landscape offered clarity and grounding, reminding me that sustainability must remain central to my work—not just for individual well-being but also for the health of our planet.

Additionally, being surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps provided moments of clarity and grounding. The beauty of the landscape reminded me that sustainability must remain central to my work—not just for the wellness of individuals but for the planet as a whole.

Do you have any networking tips to share?

  1. Lead with curiosity: Ask meaningful questions that show genuine interest in others’ work and perspectives.
  2. Be intentional: Focus on connections that align with your values and goals—quality leads to meaningful opportunities.
  3. Use shared themes: The unique setting of Davos naturally inspires discussions about innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Let that guide your interactions.
  4. Follow up with impact: After Davos, reach out with thoughtful follow-up messages that build on your conversations.
  5. Embrace diversity: Seek connections outside your immediate industry or comfort zone—you’ll be surprised by the insights they bring.
 
Meet Barbara Cresti, a Global Marketing Executive.( ex Amazon.)
 

What brings you to Davos?

 

I attended Davos driven by my passion for topics that are critical to shaping our collective future – AI, gender parity, and sustainability. These are areas I deeply care about and work to contribute to, so hearing directly from experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds around the world was incredibly motivating. I’ve followed the World Economic Forum online for years, but I was especially curious to experience the sideline conversations in person. These felt more actionable and grounded compared to the formal discussions in the congress hall. This curiosity, combined with a desire to immerse myself in the exchange of ideas, inspired me to take part.

What stood out for you?

 

A few key themes really stood out. First, the slow progress in gender parity, especially in tech, was sobering. Despite decades of effort, systemic and cultural barriers remain, and men still dominate executive roles, wielding the power to shape technology and wealth. It’s a stark reminder of how much work still needs to be done. The criticality of developing AI in an ethical way to eliminate gender and other biases was another powerful takeaway. The potential for AI is immense, but so are the risks, particularly when progress is driven by profit over equity and humanity.

The larger conversation about the unstoppable rise of AI also struck me, particularly the complexity it brings and the economic divides it could deepen—especially between rich and poor nations. I was also struck by how fragmented the setup at Davos felt, with events spanning public, private, and association interests. It mirrored the siloed and often disjointed way we approach global challenges, and it was hard to pinpoint a cohesive focus for this year’s forum.

That said, I left inspired by the insights, connections, and conversations I had. However, it was bittersweet to realize that many of the issues I was advocating for 25 years ago in tech inclusion still remain unresolved today. It underscored the need for sustained, collective effort to address the root causes of inequality.

What was the impact for you?

 

On a personal level, this experience reinforced my commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, starting at home with my teen son. It made me reflect deeply on how to instill values of equity and respect in the next generation. On a broader level, I’m inspired to continue contributing to this mission of inclusion and equality at scale, particularly in tech and AI.

It also renewed my passion for the opportunities AI brings when aligned with human creativity. Seeing real-world examples of how technology has already contributed to good was incredibly motivating. I left with a stronger belief in the power of collaboration – of connecting minds, amplifying ideas, and working together to solve complex challenges. The potential is there; we just need to align our efforts more cohesively.

Do you have any networking tips?

 

As a first-time attendee, networking was challenging. While being part of the World Woman Agenda group was a fantastic starting point, I felt that the experience could have been more effective with better tools. For instance, an app allowing participants to connect ahead of time, view LinkedIn profiles, shared interests, and Davos schedules would have been invaluable. Being able to prepare upfront would have allowed for more intentional and meaningful conversations.

I also found myself wishing for more interactive sessions – not just with the speakers but also with fellow participants. Creating opportunities for dialogue, rather than just passive listening, would have added so much value. Pre-connecting with local attendees from Switzerland would have been another great way to ease into the experience and make it feel more collaborative.

For others navigating networking in spaces like this, my advice is to go in with an open mind but also a clear focus on your goals. Identify the people or topics you want to engage with most, and don’t be afraid to take the first step in starting conversations. Meaningful relationships are built on genuine exchanges, so prioritize quality over quantity – and always follow up after the event.

women who network at the top of the mountain in switzerlandJulia Dudenko is a Group Chief Information Security Officer. She is also the AI community chair at  a multi-industry family owned private equity entity.

What brings you to Davos?   

Searching the truth about AI, cybersecurity and quantum from the best brains on the planet. Entrepreneurial drive to expand my network and build long-term relationships. Philanthropic mission to establish responsible and human-centric AI development and represent Equality for Females in tech.

What stood out for you?  

Three topics particularly stood out: AI, Trump and Female Empowerment. 

What was the impact for you?

Expansion of my mindset, inspiration, energy surplus and wonderful encounters with absolutely brilliant people. Hope for the humanity, based on facts and conversations on cross boarder collaboration.

Do you have any networking tips? 

Open your mind to make incredible encounters. Open your mouth to freely speak out your vision and offering to the world. Open your heart to make true human connections. Open your eyes and see opportunities.

 

 

Lidia Zabala is an Event and Community Manager at Artemis Women’s Health Foundation


What brings you to Davos? 

Davos is such a melting pot during the World Economic Forum, I love being here. I started my career abroad, in a very international setting, and really enjoy meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. In addition, there are thousands of sessions where one can learn from top experts and industry leaders, connect the dots and meet entrepreneurs, change makers and innovators that usually wouldn’t be together in the same room.


What stood out for you?

There’s quite a unique atmosphere in Davos. Everyone comes together to hear about the latest innovations, speak about solutions, connect with one another and learn something new. I really like the friendly atmosphere, which makes networking easier and fun.


What is your networking strategy?

It is important for me to build meaningful connections. My networking strategy is based on authenticity, mutual interests and purpose. If you’re thinking of coming to Davos next year, choose the themes you are most interested in, plan ahead the sessions you would like to attend and make a note on the people you would like to meet – and then bring your best attitude and a smile

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