A behind-the-scenes look at Impact’25 in Poznan, Poland.
When Barack Obama looks at you, smiles, and says, “Let’s take a picture”—you say “Yes, we can”. Fast.
I barely had time to process that I’d just shaken hands with one of my personal heroes when I found myself holding my phone and taking a selfie with him backstage at Impact’25. And just like that, I got a selfie with the 44th President of the United States.
But more on that in a moment.
The Magic of Impact’25
This year marked the 10th edition of Impact, and it truly felt like a milestone—not just an event, but a living ecosystem of ideas, energy, and connection. Over two days, thousands of attendees gathered across 10 stages, joined by Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, world-class entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and cultural icons.
It was my 6th time at Impact as a moderator, and I was excited to be hosting two stages this year:
- The Main Impact Stage in the mornings, alongside the brilliant Gabi Drzewiecka and Bianca Lopes,
- And Stage 1 in the afternoons, which was all about deep dives and bold conversations.
What was the main theme this year? For me, it was Transformation. From climate policy to artificial intelligence, from inclusive leadership to ethical innovation—we covered the full arc of where our world is heading. And boy, did we have a lot to talk about.
Highlights That Will Stay With Me
Meeting John Kerry
Backstage before his fireside chat on the economic impact of climate change, I had a short but meaningful conversation with John Kerry.
I got to thank him personally—for his years of service, and for fighting so hard to make the Paris Climate Agreement happen. As a father, I told him it mattered to me not just politically, but generationally. He smiled, shook my hand, and said, “Thank you, I appreciate it a lot.”
Hosting voices that matter
This year’s speaker list was stacked with brilliance, and I had the honor of introducing many of them personally:
- Anna Lembke, Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford and author of Dopamine Nation, delivered a powerful talk on the neurological cost of our digital dependencies. With clarity and compassion, she unpacked how modern tech hijacks our reward systems—and how we might reclaim our focus and mental health.
- Rose Hackman, journalist at The Guardian and author of Emotional Labor, reminded us that productivity isn’t just spreadsheets and KPIs. It’s also the often invisible work—comforting, listening, empathizing—disproportionately expected from women, and rarely acknowledged as labor. Her keynote was a call to rethink how we value care in society and business.
- Olga Tokarczuk, Nobel Prize-winning author, closed day one with a deep and poetic fireside chat about storytelling, truth, and the responsibility of the writer in times of complexity. Listening to her speak was like holding stillness in your hands.
The Next Era of AI
One of my favorite sessions to moderate was the panel discussion titled “The Next Era of AI”, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Jakub Borowiec (PwC), Lucja Barbaszewska (Cisco), David Roberts (Allegro), and Marek Zoledziowski (Group One).
Together, we explored the human side of AI transformation. I asked how AI was reshaping not only their industries—but their day-to-day roles, leadership styles, and values.
From Jakub’s perspective on data-driven consulting to ?ucja’s experience on the frontlines of digital infrastructure, from David’s journey through AI in e-commerce to Marek’s take on AI and storytelling—it was a rich, grounded conversation. And a strong reminder that AI isn’t just changing what we build—it’s changing how we lead.
Fireside Chat: AI Meets Quantum
As a lifelong tech nerd, this next one was a dream come true. I had the pleasure of hosting a fireside chat with Scott Crowder, Vice President at IBM Quantum—a brilliant mind leading one of the most ambitious efforts in quantum computing worldwide.
We dove into the intersection of AI and quantum, talked about the race to make quantum practical, and why it could unlock breakthroughs in fields like drug discovery, materials science, and cybersecurity. His ability to make the complex feel tangible—and the future feel very near—was deeply inspiring. Having a front-row seat (literally) to this conversation reminded me why I love what I do.
The Barack Obama Fireside Chat
The highlight of Impact’25 for many of us was the fireside chat between Barack Obama and historian Timothy Snyder—a conversation that was both profound and personal.
They talked about the state of democracy, the threats of disinformation, the necessity of civic courage, and the long arc of history. The hall was packed. The audience leaned in.
And when it ended, I found myself backstage, in a brief, extraordinary moment with a man who has long shaped the way I think about leadership, communication, and human dignity.
He said “Hi”, extended his hand, and I shook it. And then he said, “Let’s take a picture.”
I still haven’t stopped smiling.
A Universe Called Impact
Impact is unique. There is no event on the planet quite like it. Because it’s not just about smart content or famous names. It’s about community—a space where people truly listen, where ideas don’t just land, but take root. And it wouldn’t be what it is without the people who make it happen.
To the entire Impact team—especially Krystian Wolak, Joanna Kasprowicz, Marta Liberska, and the creative force behind this 10-year journey: thank you for your trust, your vision, and your relentless pursuit of excellence.
Thank you for letting me be part of it.
See You in 2026?
Impact’25 may be over—but the ideas we shared, the conversations we sparked, and the people we met will continue to shape what’s next. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what we build together.
Until then—stay curious. Stay kind. And always, always keep making an impact.