Kydd Boyle, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Bedrock, recently had the privilege of attending the NEXUS European Summit, an event that gathered next-gen leaders in philanthropy, impact investing, and social innovation from across Europe.
In this article, Kydd shares his key takeaways from the summit, highlighting the impactful discussions on social change and how families can cultivate their values and purpose to drive meaningful transformation beyond financial wealth.
NEXUS, a global community with over 6,000 members from 70 countries, brings together young investors, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and allies to catalyse leadership and solutions across political, societal, financial, environmental, and justice domains. The European summit convened over 100 delegates, each from diverse industries, to explore how we can collectively drive meaningful impact.
As a first-time attendee, I approached the summit with a mix of curiosity and scepticism, wondering how effective such gatherings could be. What unfolded exceeded my expectations and challenged my inner cynic.
The event began with a group session designed to connect us on a human level. We were placed in groups with strangers whose only identifiers were their first names and asked to share what motivates us and reflect on childhood memories. For a stereotypical British male like me, this exercise of open vulnerability in a room full of strangers felt deeply uncomfortable—but it turned out to be incredibly powerful. It was an opportunity to reflect on our personal motivations, to escape from transactional networking, and connect on a deeper level. The organisers playfully welcomed us to an “impact cult,” the humour softened the intensity of the experience and fostered genuine connections.
The summit featured an exceptional lineup of speakers who shared their personal journeys and insights, leaving a lasting impression. Ben Goldsmith spoke movingly about how the tragic loss of his daughter deepened his connection to nature and inspired him to dedicate his energy to its protection. Paul Polman and Christian Polman led an intergenerational session on the importance of living by principles and avoiding the trap of despair that can arise from focusing solely on maintaining the status quo. In a compelling fireside, Sarah Woodcock and Princess Eugenie discussed the pivotal moment that sparked the Princess’s dedication to her work with the Anti-Slavery Collective.
Throughout the event, a wide range of topics was explored, from philanthropy to sustainable food systems. Yet, what stood out most was how these grand ideas were intertwined with the deeply personal. Between sessions, we regrouped with our “home teams”—those initial groups of strangers—who, quickly, became a source of camaraderie and inspiration.
The NEXUS European Summit left me both uplifted and challenged. It was a reminder that we can—and should—connect our personal sense of purpose with the broader world, becoming agents of change in the process. I left with a simple thought challenging my inner sceptic: that it can feel grandiose to connect your work to a larger societal purpose but that the alternative is more self-serving. The seeds are there in each of our careers, the simple act of defining values and purpose can help nurture them. I’m inspired to lean into my work with individuals and families, helping some of the most fortunate people to become more purposeful about their legacy.
At its core, NEXUS is more than just a summit; it’s a call to action. It’s an opportunity to align values, foster community, and ignite the spark needed to address the world’s most pressing issues. Leaving the summit, I felt more equipped—and inspired—than ever to be part of that mission. I’d encourage all those curious to learn more about their potential to have impact to experience NEXUS, especially if, like me, they have an inner sceptic.
If you feel a call to action but don’t know where to start, we can help. From defining the purpose behind your philanthropy to articulating your giving strategy, we can assist you in being strategic and maximising your impact. Please reach out to info@bedrockgroup.ch for more information.
Author: Kydd Boyle, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Bedrock
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