Young Global Leader and CEO of Operation Hope, John Hope Bryant, kicks off the debate with the case for Passion. Mr Bryant argues that Passion must be at the core of business, that it is the only thing which will keep you committed for the long haul. According to John, you can make money with a short term focus but you can build a business and a reputation, and maybe even a legacy, with a long term focus.

We hear from another of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders: Professor Sandeep Parekh of the Indian Institute of Management responds with the argument for Power. Lack of power – renders passion, profit and purpose ineffective says the professor but he cautions that power without a proper purpose, correct alignment of profit structures and ‘legitimate’ passion would do more damage than good.

If you put purpose first, profits will follow - that’s the stance of, Vikram Akula, CEO of SKS Microfinance. Company leaders should focus on a greater purpose than quick profits he says. Representing the World Economic Forum’s Social Entrepreneur community, Mr Akula insists that if you do right by your customers, especially in downtimes, they will stay loyal as things improve. The result will create a tremendously supportive customer base.

Geoff Riddell the CEO of Zurich Financial Services Global Corporate highlights the public benefits of private profit. Mr Riddell warns that disregarding profitability, especially in tighter times, would be to abandon the best measure for evaluating use of resources when delivering values to customers and societies.