One of the most influential global leaders in the aviation industry – Michael Bell, Senior Partner and Global Sector Leader for Aviation and Aerospace at Korn Ferry – is coming to Bulgaria at the invitation of Jesús Caballero, Chief Executive Officer of SOF Connect, to jointly take part in the Future of Work Summit 2025 on October 21, organized by Capital newspaper.
The two will participate in the panel “Evolution of Leadership”, discussing how the role of leaders is transforming in an era of global uncertainty, artificial intelligence, and the entry of new generations into the workforce.
Michael Bell is a name of exceptional authority within the international aviation community. For more than 30 years, he has been a trusted advisor to leading airlines, airports, and aerospace organizations. He has led over 1,300 executive and board-level searches worldwide, including for the airports of Abu Dhabi, Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, London, Los Angeles, and Toronto, as well as for Airports Council International, the global airport industry association, and many others. Before joining Korn Ferry, Mr. Bell served as a senior consultant with McKinsey & Company. Today, he is a frequent speaker at prestigious forums across five continents, where he shares his expertise on building sustainable and visionary leadership in aviation.
“In Korn Ferry’s 2025 global survey of CEOs, 44% believe their employees need new skills to equip themselves for AI-driven business. In Korn Ferry’s 2025 survey of 15,000 professionals, almost half indicate they prefer a hybrid work arrangement. How are YOU preparing for these and other new realities that will define the Future of Work?”, commented Michael Bell.
“Leading an airport today means navigating constant change — from rapid technological shifts and evolving passenger expectations to economic pressures and political instability that can affect the entire aviation ecosystem overnight. What truly matters is how you respond. I believe in staying curious, listening to people, and encouraging innovation at every level. Challenges will always be part of our reality, but with the right vision and a motivated team, they become opportunities to adapt, grow, and move forward.”, said Jesus Caballero.
He will share his personal perspective on leadership in a dynamic environment and discuss how the management of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport is adapting to rapid technological changes and global challenges. Mr. Caballero will explain how he combines a human-centered approach with digital innovation, how he builds motivated and multicultural teams, and how artificial intelligence is already transforming the way decisions are made in the aviation business.
The Future of Work Summit 2025 is a leading business forum organized by Capital that brings together experts, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from various industries to discuss the future of work — from the impact of artificial intelligence and digitalization to the evolution of leadership, organizational culture, and sustainable work models.