If dishonesty is nowadays a prevalent issue, with self- presentation valued more than personal character, then the rise of “high- potential” networks is at least partly to blame. I will now focus on several of these networks, with my emphasis on the Global Shapers Community, a network associated with the World Economic Forum. My aim here is to provide some historical background on these networks, as well as comment on their consequences, both positive and negative, for the individuals invited to join. Throughout this analysis, I will argue that these networks, while serving as tremendous networking opportunities for members, provide individuals with a sense that they are far greater than they actually are. To my knowledge, there has been little, if any, public critical examination of networks such as Global Shapers over past years. It is my hope that this serves as a first step in generating some discussion on the topic. As a Global Shaper myself, much of the following analysis involves anecdotal, personal reflection.

THE GLOBAL SHAPERS COMMUNITY

Networks for “high- potential” young leaders are ubiquitous: universities, nonprofits, corporations, and countless other institutions now develop leadership pathways for ambitious people, with words such as “talent,” “rising star” and “emerging leader” used in order to describe the kinds of individuals sought. On the surface, these networks seem harmless, if not laudable. But there is reason for criticism of these sorts of initiatives, which are often less impactful than we might think.

Among the most prominent of these networks is Global Shapers, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, founded in 2011 by the executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab. According to its website, Global Shapers “is a network of Hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities.” Members must fall between the ages of 20 and 30 at the time of nomination. At the time of writing, 419 hubs exist globally, totaling 5,819 members. Not surprisingly, the first hubs were launched in major cities such as New York, London and Los Angeles. Over time, midsized cities such as Edmonton and Atlanta have grown their own presences, along with hubs in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.