Tomáš Sedláček (Not Only) on Hopes and Faith in Our Own Strengths

A clear highlight of the first day of eBF was the lecture by economist and philosopher Tomáš Sedláček, who injected a healthy dose of optimism into those doubting Europeans’ ability to withstand today’s crises. “I believe that countries like the Czech Republic, where democracy has been successfully re-exported, represent a significant hope for Europe. It is hard to find another system that could ensure peaceful and prosperous coexistence of nations. However, we must learn to stand on our own feet,” he told the audience. Our special guest’s faith was also rooted in the global reach of Czech companies in the field of green innovation.

At the Round Table with Radek Špicar

One of the innovations at this year’s eBF was the introduction of round table meetings, providing space for direct discussions between participants and speakers, including invited personalities and procurement leaders. Radek Špicar, Vice President of the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic, faced numerous questions, having been invited by moderator Marek Dubnický to participate in two round tables. Topics included energy challenges and trade wars as part of the broader competition for Europe’s competitiveness, with the continent facing many tasks ahead. “I see great room for improvement, especially regarding the barriers we have created ourselves within the EU’s internal market,” Špicar pointed out, adding that the much-feared Trump tariffs are “nothing compared to our own regulations.”

Motivation as a Challenge for Each of Us

This year, the thematic shift of the eBF program towards people and their development was evident on several stages. Among the speakers dedicated to people’s growth professionally and long-term was coach Romana Martincová. In her afternoon lecture on how to keep people motivated, she discussed the differences between employee satisfaction and engagement, as well as our external and internal sources of motivation. “Motivation is essentially a relationship. Each of us can do something to foster our own development,” shared the experienced HR manager, who also appeared on the main stage on Thursday.