Paul Ernster has taken the helm of Luxembourg’s young business leaders’ federation, betting on a leaner, faster structure ahead of its 50th anniversary.
At its General Assembly at Cercle Cité, the FJD named Paul Ernster president, succeeding Gérard Thein, with Caroline Thill as secretary general. Under “Evolution with Compact Power”, the 600+ member federation aims for faster decisions before its 8 June 2027 jubilee.
We sat down with Paul Ernster to ask how a leaner committee, a focus on AI and the FJD’s 50th anniversary will shape his 2026-2027 term as president.
“We want to prove that a historic, 50-year-old institution can operate as lean, fast, and focused as a modern startup.”
Paul Ernster, President of Luxembourg Federation of Young Business Leaders
With the committee reduced from 22 to 12 members, which concrete decisions or services will become faster for members, and how will you keep the 600+ members engaged?
Our “Evolution with Compact Power” approach means we are replacing endless discussions with clear, direct responsibilities. By reducing the committee from 22 to 12 members, we can organize events much faster and communicate more effectively. To keep our 600+ members engaged, we are focusing on high-quality, targeted formats. Alongside our major conferences, we are introducing exclusive “Deep Dives” in small groups, ensuring deeper networking, less noise, and more tangible takeaways for every single member.
Which two or three economic or technological shifts will the FJD tackle first during your 2026-2027 term?
First, we are heavily focusing on Artificial Intelligence and its real-world implementation for businesses. This is why our Study Trip 2027 will take us to Montréal to visit leading AI research centers like the Mila Institute. Second, we are addressing the critical need for agile leadership and decision-making under intense geopolitical and economic pressure, a topic we already successfully kicked off with our “Situation Room” keynote at the General Assembly.
“Embrace the speed of change and do not let heavy, outdated structures slow you down.”
Paul Ernster, President of Luxembourg Federation of Young Business Leaders
Beyond the celebration on 8 June 2027, what legacy do you want this anniversary to leave for the FJD and for Luxembourg?
Beyond the celebration on 8 June 2027, I want this 50th anniversary to leave a lasting legacy of agility. We want to prove that a historic, 50-year-old institution can operate as lean, fast, and focused as a modern startup. If the FJD can successfully implement “Compact Power”, we hope to inspire other Luxembourgish organizations and businesses to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and focus purely on impact.
What is your message to Luxembourg’s entrepreneurs and young business leaders?
My message is simple: Embrace the speed of change and do not let heavy, outdated structures slow you down. Reduce the noise, focus on what truly matters, and surround yourself with a strong, trusted network. Together, through shared experiences, “Seriously fun”, and bold decisions, we can navigate any challenge and continue to drive Luxembourg’s economy forward.