The ThoughtFront: Conversations Shaping Business event series, organized by Özyeğin University’s Faculty of Business and Graduate School of Business, brought together academia and industry to explore two critical forces shaping the transformation of the business world in 2026. Held during the spring semester, the sessions examined the evolving challenges organizations face through the lenses of inclusive leadership and the circular economy, exploring sustainable growth strategies and emerging approaches to leadership from diverse perspectives.
The first session, held on March 26, 2026, focused on inclusive leadership in the context of changing social and organizational dynamics. Moderated by Asst. Prof. Aybike Mergen, the panel featured Prof. Mahmut Bayazıt, Sevilay Pezek Yangın, and Ayşe Özpirinçci, who shared their perspectives on cultural transformation, the evolving dimensions of leadership, and how organizations are adapting to changing expectations. Drawing on examples from different disciplines, the panelists discussed how inclusive leadership can redefine organizational culture, employee experience, and sustainable success.
The second ThoughtFront event, held on May 7, 2026, explored the role of the circular economy in driving sustainable business transformation, as well as the opportunities and challenges organizations face in scaling circular economy practices. Moderated by Dr. Alptegin Albayraktaroğlu, the panel brought together Assoc. Prof. Ebru Tekin Bilbil, FIBA Group Sustainability Director Yasemin Sırali, and Borusan Cat Strategy and Sustainability Leader Gözde Atçı. The panelists examined the dynamics influencing the adoption of circular economy practices, with a focus on leadership, organizational transformation, ecosystem collaboration, and policy support.
Connecting academics from diverse disciplines and industry professionals, ThoughtFront continues to serve as a dynamic platform for exploring critical forces that drive the transformation of today’s business world, fostering knowledge exchange, and encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue.
