Pernilla S. Corizza began her leadership journey at a remarkably young age; at merely ten years old, she assumed her first leadership position. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion for understanding leadership as a practice rooted in connection, accountability, and the ability to inspire growth in others. Over the years, Ms. Corizza has transitioned from various leading roles to becoming a global leadership strategist, committed to assisting leaders from various cultures in leading with enhanced awareness, humility, and influence that transcends geographical boundaries. In her role as Sweden’s Ambassador to the Global Festival 2025, she persistently advocates for leadership that values diversity, psychological safety, and transformative impact.
A Steadfast Leader
During her childhood, Ms. Corizza observed how leadership based solely on authority or hierarchy can lead to divisions within teams and communities. Her initial leadership experience at the age of ten wasn’t focused on exerting control; instead, it was about helping younger children discover their motivation and courage to learn and attempt new things. This early experience emphasized empathy, responsibility, active listening, and creating genuine connections. Reflecting on it now, Ms. Corizza says, “It grounded my belief that effective leadership must start with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. Even though, of course, I didn’t know those words at the time. It was intuition.”
Transforming Teams
Ms. Corizza assists teams in moving beyond short-term metrics by promoting psychological safety and encouraging open dialogue, thereby facilitating genuine collaboration. By aligning individual values with organizational purpose and clarifying shared goals, she guides teams from working in silos to embracing a collective mission. In doing so, transactional interactions evolve into meaningful, purpose-driven work that inspires lasting impact.
Down to Earth
Ms. Corizza is grounded through her self-leadership practices, including reflection, mindfulness, and a profound connection to her core values. Guided by a well-defined “why” that directs her decisions and sets her boundaries. Ms. Corizza maintains a conscious awareness of ambiguous situations, ensuring that she does not stray from her values or lose herself in the process. Through this journey, she has learned to honor her own needs and no longer sacrifices them for external demands.
“Within me, there is a deep stillness that runs parallel to strong creativity. I’ve learned to recognize when to pause, breathe, and reset, which keeps me centered and present,” she says. “My self-worth is no longer up for negotiation; it is firmly rooted and confirmed internally, rather than relying on external validation. This balance allows me to offer authentic, grounded support to leaders navigating pressure and complexity.”
The Inspiring Factor
Ms. Corizza draws inspiration from the energy and fresh perspective that young leaders bring; their bold innovation and global mindset act as powerful drivers of transformation. Global Festival 2025 provides a unique platform where generations, industries, and cultures converge to exchange ideas, build meaningful networks, and co-create solutions that advance a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The Catalyst
Ms. Corizza believes bringing various perspectives into a common environment fosters an atmosphere conducive to trust-building and cross-cultural comprehension. Events like Global Festival 2025 spark meaningful conversations that pave the way for partnerships, collaborative projects, and networks that go beyond geographical boundaries, facilitating ongoing cooperation well beyond the festival.
Redesigning Leadership
Ms. Corizza advocates for self-awareness and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of leading from a foundation of inner clarity and empathy. Moreover, Ms. Corizza places significant importance on inclusive and adaptive communication, mastering the art of dialogue across diverse cultures and perspectives. In addition, she promotes purpose-driven decision-making that aligns business outcomes with societal and environmental considerations.
The Evolution of Leadership
Evolved leadership embraces complexity with a sense of humility, adaptability, and empathy. It strikes a balance between technological advantages and human-centered values, ensuring that innovation is designed to benefit people rather than the reverse. This form of leadership is rooted in purpose and is conscious of its systemic impact.
Advise to Emerging Leaders
Ms. Corizza emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries as essential principles. Leadership is akin to a marathon rather than a sprint. “Cultivate self-leadership by recognizing the blind spots, limitations, and values to ensure sustainable leadership.” “Furthermore, foster supportive communities; no leader can flourish in solitude.”
The Future Roadmap
Ms. Corizza intends to further enhance her efforts in global leadership development by introducing new programs, masterclasses, and workshops designed to enable top leaders to excel in the face of complexity and change. Remaining in her role as Sweden’s Ambassador to Global Festival 2025, Ms. Corizza seeks to promote collaboration across continents and generations, empowering leaders to generate enduring, positive effects within their organizations and communities.