Jeff Berman at Web Summit: Empathy Is the Most Underrated Scaling Strategy

One of the world’s largest technology conferences, Web Summit, continues to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders to discuss the future of innovation and business leadership.

During a short interview shared by the official Web Summit social media account, Jeff Berman was asked an interesting question: “Do global leaders lack empathy?” His response offered a surprising perspective on what he believes is one of the most underrated strategies for business growth.

According to Berman, many conversations about scaling companies tend to focus heavily on topics such as technology infrastructure, venture funding, operational efficiency, and market expansion. While these elements are undoubtedly important, he believes another factor is often overlooked: empathy in leadership.

Berman described empathy as one of the most underestimated scaling techniques in modern business leadership. In his view, organizations that grow rapidly often face internal challenges related to team alignment, communication, and workplace culture.

Leaders who demonstrate empathy are more likely to understand the perspectives and concerns of their employees. This can lead to stronger collaboration, higher employee engagement, and more sustainable growth over time.

Empathy also plays a critical role in building effective organizational culture. Fast-growing startups, in particular, often operate in high-pressure environments where teams must adapt quickly to constant change. Leaders who are able to connect with their teams on a human level can help maintain morale and productivity even during periods of intense growth.

Berman emphasized that empathy should not be limited to internal leadership practices. It also extends to customer understanding and product development. Companies that deeply understand their users’ needs are more likely to build products that resonate with their audiences and achieve long-term success.

In today’s competitive technology landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing that sustainable growth requires more than innovative technology alone. It requires leaders who can balance strategic decision-making with emotional intelligence.

Events like Web Summit provide a global platform where these ideas can be explored and debated. Each year, the conference gathers thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders to discuss emerging trends shaping the future of business.

Topics often range from artificial intelligence and blockchain to leadership culture, startup growth strategies, and global economic transformation.

Berman’s remarks highlight an important shift in how modern leadership is being defined. As organizations scale, success increasingly depends not only on technological innovation but also on human-centered leadership principles.

Ultimately, his message from the Web Summit stage was clear: the companies that scale most effectively are often led by individuals who understand people just as well as they understand technology.