Business Lessons from sucessful entrepreneurs and business leaders: LunchLearning.com

Reading time: 3 - 5 minutes

Video Time: 1 hour 34 seconds****Q&A starts at the 40 minute mark****

Mary Robinson’s resume of civil service work is impressive; she was President of Ireland from 1990-1997 and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. In this in-depth interview with Fred Andrle at Ohio State University, she discusses eloquently her continuing global human rights efforts.

One issue tackled right off the bat is the role of women in politics. The question of whether or not female leaders are inherently different or better than male leaders is raised, and while Robinson contends throughout the interview that women do bring a different perspective to the table than men, she’s quick to point out her view doesn’t mean that one gender is inherently better than the other in the realm of civil service. Her assertion that having more women in political and leadership positions is essential to progress is a simple but extremely relevant claim. The contributions females can and have made to public service are indispensable and we must continue to support and promote the progress of female leaders. Clearly, the issue of the role of women in the world comes up often in this interview, and there is much for us to learn as Robinson talks about her experience with women’s issues across the globe.

Robinson earnestly encourages us to become more active in our communities, and to research ways that we can affect global issues like human rights and poverty, and despite her knowledge of some very devastating situations throughout the world, she remains optimistic. Her thoughtful and often quick-witted answers illustrate her extensive knowledge and wide-ranging experience, and will certainly keep you intrigued throughout the interview. Hopefully her optimism and enthusiasm will inspire you to make a difference in your life and your community either through your own efforts at giving back or with ideas as to how you can create, or tailor your own business, in a way that helps address these world concerns.

Important points to focus on in the interview:

1. Her story of “the light in the window” while she was the President of Ireland, which shows her creativity in leadership.
2. The discussion of her efforts with the Council of Women World Leaders and other important organizations.
3. Her reaction to how the U.S. perceives the possibility of a woman president and the issue of sexism.
4. The discussion on women’s health issues, in which she passionately argues that this needs to become a priority.
5. The issue of global poverty, what efforts have been made to combat it and specifically how the private sector has become involved.
6. Her suggestions on how the individual can get involved in global issues and make a difference –Take notes!
7. Her discussion of the much accepted notion that the education of adolescent girls is essential to the success of developing nations.
8. The final twenty minutes of the interview which is the question and answer portion- it starts off with the problem of poverty here in the U.S. and what we as individuals can do to help.

Enjoy, and happy learning!

Reading time: 4 - 6 minutes

Video Time: 23 minutes 16 seconds

Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich on Twitter) is probably best known for his role as the Republican Speaker of the House in constant opposition to the policies of the Clinton administration. Though it’s been ten years since he’s left the House, his political ambitions and opinions haven’t diminished. But perhaps they’ve changed a bit?

In this short but tidy interview with Stan Pottinger of PlumTV (@PlumTV on Twitter), Gingrich proclaims passionately that the people are tired of democrat versus republican politics, which. . .surely. . .is not a new proclamation. No doubt, we’ve heard this assertion over and over again by many political figures. . .especially during election years. And, given this “new” approach by a politician whom many would consider fervently partisan, Stan Pottinger is quick to point out the irony of Gingrich’s seemingly new stance on politics. Gingrich, who was arguably once at the helm of partisan politics, simply smiles and discusses the importance of finding a common ground without sacrificing your own beliefs. For the cynic, Gingrich’s cooperative attitude is clearly in contrast with his past. . .to the optimist, it’s proof in the pudding that even the most seemingly inflexible, and extremely passionate person, can change their mind. I’m reminded of a great quote attributed to another politician/economist leveled with the charge of inconsistency, John Maynard Keynes, who shot back at his foes with: “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?” Brilliant, and we’re ALL entitled to the same.

This, of course, is an extremely important lesson for anyone, particularly entrepreneurs and those of us having to make tough decisions in our business professions. If a man who was once so synonymous with polarization and partisan politics is now asserting that we must work together, why can’t we set ourselves in the direction of aiming to do the same? Working together despite differing opinions or ideologies is something that we as a country and, let’s face it, we as individuals continually struggle with constantly., and yet, if we are willing to take up this challenge and do our best, we’ll find it becomes an essential component to our success.

One issue for which Gingrich is working on across partisan lines is the problem of climate change. Although discussed somewhat briefly during the beginning of the interview, be sure not to miss it. One of his main ideas includes addressing this crisis and other environmental issues with an entrepreneurial approach, and he believes that incentive-based programs that promote new technology and innovation are the key to resolving these problems. For more background on Gingrich’s environmental policy position, check out his new book, “A Contract with the Earth.”

Gingrich also discusses his upbringing and family life. . .relaying the importance his family and relatives placed on reading, learning, and a strong work ethic. The notion that you can be whatever you put your mind to is one we hear often, but most likely don’t take too seriously. Perhaps we believed this when we were children, but it faded as we got older and became bogged down by real life. But maybe we should consider it once again, and know that people are reinventing themselves all the time, everyday.

Other interesting tidbits to look for in this interview include Gingrich’s opinion of the Clintons, his views on the current Republican Party, and his new nonpartisan project called American Solutions. Enjoy!