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

Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 59 minutes 10 seconds

Metaphor or Facts? Logic or Emotion? Which is the best way to not only reach an audience but have that audience act?

In this excellent thought-provoking talk by entitled “The Science of Communications” sponsored by the AMS Journal’s AMS workshop, we hear from a variety of scientists and communications experts who tackle the idea of how to best communicate scientific discovery to an apparent apathetic world. The take-aways from these various opinions are bountiful, and if you listen all the way through, you’re mind will no doubt be racing about how effective your own efforts at communication are, whether they be personal or business related.

In the video, you’ll hear from American Meteorological Association’s Dr. Anthony Socci discusses the apparent value of “framing” a conversation or marketing message to yield greater adoption of an idea. . .particularly one that is new, or unpopular.

Socci is followed by professor of political science at The University of Michigan, Dr. Arthur Lupia. Lupia discusses decision-making, and how people make those decisions without good, solid information. In the field of politics, as Lupia this issue is endemic, and he talks about the corollaries to the Green Movement.

Molly Bentley, contributor to BBC Science, tackles the idea of how to simplify the extremely complex knowledge possessed by scientists into information that can be digested and embraced by a lay audience. This somewhat comical discussion of how such scientific discovery is presented to the non-scientific community currently, may serve as a reminder of just how many companies try to explain unsuccessfully their own products and mission to customers. It’s a case for technical writing at its best!

There is a lot here in this talk, feel free to skip around a bit, or listen all the way through. There is a lot to learn, and a lot to take notes about if you are a communicator, or even just someone responsible, or interested in, someone clearly understanding, embracing, and acting upon your message.

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!

Reading time: 3 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 58 minutes 21 seconds

What I really enjoy about politics, when it works, is that it’s a lot like a small business in that it’s essentially about people seeking solutions for a variety of issues at hand every single day. At least that’s the case when our political leaders are actually “working” and not politicking, which, of course lends itself to a whole different group of challenging skill sets including public speaking and persuasion. . .again, skills critical skills for any business leader.

So, in the spirit of learning, and with politics aside, let’s take a quick look at former Prime Minister of Britain, Tony Blair. As with every feature on LunchLearning.com, Mr. Blair’s, we find offers up many opportunities for continued learning. His communication and presentation skills are, without question, top-notch, and his ability to move a mass of people (both in favor and in opposition) behind a goal is almost legendary. And yet even in light of these talents he has also suffered great setbacks, and what some would consider a lengthy fall from grace. Whether you agree or disagree with his policies, his effect on government or the current status of the general populace’s admiration for him, there is no doubt Tony Blair has achieved a level of success worth looking into.

In this discussion with representatives from Yale University, Mr. Blair addresses questions on his policies, his path to office, and the challenges of the world today. There are TONS of lessons for business in this talk. Listen and enjoy.

Things to look out for in this talk with Tony Blair:

1. How to position your argument in a way that makes sense even to someone who might disagree with you.
2. Notice his awareness of both his panelist colleagues as well as his seating audience.
3. Notice how he pauses before addressing serious questions. . .planned or not. . .this is a very powerful way to demonstrate reflection when answering a question. This is one of Blair’s strengths as as speaker and it’s possessed also by other great speakers like Reagan, Churchill, Obama and yes, Clinton.
4. Every business owner and leader has to make tough strategic decisions. Mr. Blair’s response to the difficulty posed in not being able to please everyone is worth watching beginning at: 22:10 through 28:37.
5. Keep in mind the tendency these days of political leaders to leverage their exposure for passions of which they can pursue free of *some* political encumbrances. Rather than sitting on our laurels when we’re done with business. . .ask “what’s next?” And keep going!
6. And, of course, his sheer diplomacy in addressing the last question of the conversation: Who’s better? The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. Brilliant.

Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 41 minutes 52 seconds

I’m actually embarrassed that until yesterday, I had never heard of the amazing woman known as “Granny D.” And, perhaps unless you’re from the glorious state of New Hampshire, maybe you’ve never heard of Granny D (aka Doris Haddock) either. Well, boy howdy, we’re going to change that for you today.

Doris Haddock is (today) a 99 year-old woman. Yet, a mere five years ago in 2004, Granny D ran for the vacant Democratic senatorial seat in New Hampshire against, then incumbent, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) in the 2004 election. And, while Granny D didn’t win the election, she did debate Senator Gregg, and did manage to earn her right to claim 34% of the vote for her efforts. Incredible.

This story first came to me only last night actually, after watching “Run Granny Run,” an HBO film that I happened to catch on Hulu.com. To say the account of Mrs. Haddock’s run for Senate as a 94 year old is inspiring, goes without mention, but I believe I failed to mention that at age 89, Granny D also walked from California to New Hampshire over a two year period in support of campaign finance reform. She was 89!

If this story doesn’t make you wonder about the possibilities of your own potential in life, I’m not sure what else could help. Seriously…89 years old and walking across the country? 94 years old and debating a somewhat entrenched, and experienced Senator and pulling in 34% of voters. Wow.

Run Granny Run, indeed. Granny is nearing her 100th birthday. . .we wish her well, and even more vigor with the addition of each new digit to her age.

Read more about Doris “Granny D” Haddock’s in Wikipedia bio

Reading time: 3 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 57 minutes 45 seconds

I’m a sucker for an underdog story. And who isn’t really? If you’re at all capable of being inspired, then you’ve got to love learning about people who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve the “impossible” …

Sometimes, these underdog stories are of men and women who come from humble beginnings, yet go on to change the world. . .other times, they’re stories of men and women of means who also go on to change the world in the face of an underdog cause, and sometimes they’re stories of people just like you and me, who overcome obstacles in their own universe to change their own lives and surroundings in a positive way. Regardless of their wealth, education, upbringing or geographic location, these underdog serve to teach us a very valuable lesson: that persistence with an eye toward a single, or multiple goals, can yield great results. And the wisdom of hindsight that comes from learning from such underdogs is what this week’s LunchLearning.com is all about.

This week, we’re going to take a look at several men and women who have risen up from their own individual worlds, to leadership role in the geopolitical arena. This is a “politics-aside” learning week, and I’ll try to pick people who allow us to straddle this line as much as possible. But what we’re attempting to do with this week’s lessons is not harp on politics, but rather take a look at vision; good or bad, successful or unsuccessful, and how we can take some of these principles and apply them to our own lives and businesses.

So, with that in mind, today, we’re going to hear a little bit from Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. If you’re not familiar with Minister Lee, or even Singapore for that matter, his story, and the story of Singapore is one of incredible possibilities. In this talk with Charlie Rose, Minister Lee talks with Charlie about how Singapore evolved from a third-world country after WWII, into the first-world country it is today. This week they even had Formula One racing running through the streets of the city-state!

Here’s a good background on Lee Kuan Yew from Wikipedia. Pick up Lee Kuan Yew’s memoirs if you’re looking to learn even more about him, his leadership style, and the combined efforts that have resulted in Singapore’s admirable place in the world today. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Singapore, I’d recommend “From Third World to First : The Singapore Story: 1965-2000″