Why associate your brand with this event? 

John Parkhouse and François Mousel. —“We are really proud to once again support the celebration of Paperjam’s Top 100 influencers. The Paperjam Top 100 shines a spotlight on the people in our country who are designing and shaping the future of Luxembourg, not to mention it being one of the best professional and social networking events around, when you look at the calibre and breadth of its list of participants. Although there is very diverse expertise, together these influencers, in the more traditional sense of the word, come together to shape the direction of the country, and that’s perhaps never been more important right now. This resonates with us at PwC because we identify with being a community of solvers that are tackling today’s problems. The goal for everyone here is to create long-term, sustainable success, which is the same goal we have. As one of the biggest firms in Luxembourg, we also strive to make a difference for our clients, for our people and in our communities. It’s a natural fit, really.  

What are you expecting from this event?

“I’m expecting to see some excitement as always, some deserving people honoured, and a great party at the end of the evening. What we have noticed is that every year this event, which grows in reputation and reach, becomes better in the sense that it strives to be more purposeful and to really represent the best of the best in Luxembourg. It is never easy, and what makes the Top 100 unique is that enormous effort has been made in the past to make it a celebration of the country’s best people, rather than a competition. For us it is a great opportunity to support this effort and be a part of this celebration, because there are so many people who have worked for and worked with PwC, and we are ingrained in the country. Despite the uncertain situation we all find ourselves in, Luxembourg’s overall economy is still one of the strongest in the eurozone. Luxembourg is a great country and those who help to build its past, present and future deserve to be listened to and applauded.  

What is the definition of “influential economic decision-maker” for you? 

“This is a great question because the term ‘influencer’ has been modernised and now carries connotations of social media and brands. But in a way, it still means the same thing, although perhaps at this event with a more traditional sense of gravitas, as we are talking about some of the top movers and shakers in our economy. It means not only having a presence, but also making such a significant contribution or impact that it ‘influences’ or changes things. Luxembourg is known for having the ability to change and adapt, and this is a part of our DNA. Keeping our economy strong, even in uncertain times, takes an orchestra of people – people in government, people with new ideas, people who can finance those ideas and people who can execute those ideas and people who can be ambassadors for those ideas. The key decision makers, the maestros, are those who have a presence, are listened to, and who ultimately have a major impact. They influence the present to create the future, they inspire or guide the actions of others.”