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Discourse dissects mental health issues haunting leadership

Discourse dissects mental health issues haunting leadership

Express Tribune26-04-2025
As mental health challenges continue to rise across Pakistan, with over 24 million people affected, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development at the IBA Karachi has stepped forward to address the crisis through an innovative lens - leadership and entrepreneurship.
Joining hands with Synapse - Pakistan Neuroscience Institute, "Crucial Conversations: Stories of Impact," aimed at exploring how purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and innovation can support emotional well-being across sectors.
IBA-CED Director Dr Lalarukh Ejaz kicked off the session with her opening remarks where she doubled down on three clear aims of the session. "Firstly to open up real conversations, then to dissect real opportunities and inspire a new wave of innovation," she said.
The panel titled "Roots of Impact: Purpose, Pressure & Perspective" discussed the emotional toll of leadership and the importance of values, self-awareness, and vulnerability in building resilient institutions.
German Consul General Dr Rüdiger Lotz gave the keynote address titled "Strengthening Entrepreneurial Support Systems for an Emotionally Healthy Society."
Dr Lotz emphasised the need for cross-sectoral partnerships and systemic support structures to empower individuals, especially youth, in navigating emotional challenges in today's volatile environment.
The final panel, "Thriving While Building," focused on the startup ecosystem examining the mental health issues of entrepreneurs under pressure.
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