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Silje Vallestad
I build ecosystems to drive impact, connect people to catalyze partnerships & innovate to bring positive change. #SaudiArabia, #RCRC, #YGL, #WEF
Silje Vallestad is an accomplished entrepreneur, innovation leader, and advisor with an extensive background in technology, business, and social impact. She currently holds a position as an Advisor at a Confidential Government organization.34
Professional Background
Vallestad has a diverse career spanning nearly three decades, marked by entrepreneurial pursuits and innovative thinking. Her expertise includes:
- Building tech companies in Silicon Valley
- Advising enterprises and government bodies on innovation
- Organizing large-scale events, such as Norway's largest Global Investor Summit
- Venture building for established companies seeking portfolio diversification1
Achievements and Recognition
Silje Vallestad has received numerous accolades for her work:
- Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum
- Recognized as one of the Top 20 Nordic Thinkers by Nordic Business Forum
- Awarded Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry
- Appointed as a Female Entrepreneurship Ambassador by the European Union
- Winner of the Rosing Creativity Prize1
Education
Vallestad has a strong educational background, including:
- Undergraduate degree in World Religions, public administration, and social economics
- Master's degree focusing on strategy, business, and public-private partnerships
- Executive programs in leadership, innovation, and sustainability from institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Stanford1
Notable Projects
One of Vallestad's significant initiatives is FutureTalks, which aims to engage young people with global leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of humanity and technology. She has also secured investments from notable figures, including Jada Pinkett Smith, who played an active role in launching bSafe, one of Vallestad's projects, in the United States.2
Current Role
As an Advisor at a Confidential Government organization, Vallestad likely leverages her extensive experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology to provide strategic guidance on various initiatives.34 Her expertise in building transformative projects and cultivating practices to boost organizational innovation performance is likely valuable in this role.1
Highlights
Youth empowerment has always been a topic I’m deeply passionate about. From my own teenage years where I co-founded organizations and projects to connect young and established leaders, to now when I’m the older leader focused on lifting youth up.
One of the key sessions for me at World Economic Forum in Riyadh last week was definitely the roundtable on the role of youth to accelerate the SDGs organized by Misk Foundation. I loved our conversations that really boiled down to two words: Access and Empowerment.
Thank you MISK for inviting me to speak! I love everything you do ❤️. And spending time with fellow YGLs in The Forum of Young Global Leaders is always a treat! Especially when I also can facilitate connections between the leaders of tomorrow and today!
#worldeconomicforum #misk #youth #saudiarabia #wef #riyadh #youthempowerment #youthleadership
For the first time World Economic Forum hosted a summit in Saudi Arabia. A historic and proud moment for the kingdom, and an incredible program with impactful conversations, inspirational presentations and incredible fellow delegates. So many meetings - planned and serendipitous - and multiple dialogues to be continued over the coming weeks.
I leave filled with inspiration and drive! Thank you Your Excellency Faisal Alibrahim and Børge Brende for your leadership in making this summit happen! To your incredible teams, and to all my fellow YGLs attending the event and as always bringing energy and passion. #wef #saudiarabia
