In an era where artificial intelligence and sustainability are no longer optional but foundational, Vandana Jagwani, Founder & Partner of Vandals and Creative Director at Mahesh Notandass, took the stage at the World Economic Forum to outline the future of the “Next Economy.”

Speaking at the We-Lead Lounge (P73) on January 20, she served as a key panelist for the high-level session: “Who Powers the Next Economy? Entrepreneurship, Capital, and Global Impact in an AI-Driven, Sustainable World.”

Scaling with Soul: Luxury in the AI Age

As a leader in the luxury and fine jewellery sectors, Vandana Jagwani provided a unique perspective on how heritage brands can navigate the rapid shift toward automation while maintaining the “human touch” essential to high-end retail. She emphasized that for founder-led enterprises, scaling across borders requires more than just capital—it requires a commitment to trust and narrative.

“Innovation and AI are the engines, but trust is the currency of the next economy,” Vandana Jagwani noted during the discussion. “For luxury brands to scale responsibly, we must align our technological advancements with long-term value creation and a genuine commitment to sustainability.”

A Global Exchange of Ideas

The session, moderated by Tripti Shinghal Somani (Founder & CEO of Womennovator), brought together a diverse group of policymakers and industrial leaders to explore how startups can remain resilient in an AI-centric landscape.

Vandana Jagwani was joined on the panel by:

• Deepak Kumar: Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
• Kalpana Murmu Soren: Member, Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.
• Marta Zięba-Szklarska: Founder & CEO, COUNT’em Group.
• Asif Iqbal: President, Indian Economic Trade Organisation.

The dialogue focused on the critical alignment of capital and sustainability, specifically how emerging markets like India can leverage AI to drive global impact without sacrificing social or environmental ethics.