Roman Krznaric, a social philosopher and author with a PhD in political science, dives into how historical insights can shape our future. He introduces the game-changing concept of 'cathedral thinking' and discusses the power of empathy in driving social change. Roman reflects on lessons from past crises, highlighting the importance of community and long-term strategies, like those seen in Edo's sustainable practices. He also emphasizes empowering youth through voting and discussions, urging a blend of history and innovation for a brighter tomorrow.
The Mastery of Business and Empathy program promotes purpose-driven leadership, equipping leaders with empathy and strategic tools for contemporary challenges.
Empathy is vital for effective leadership, fostering collaboration and understanding diverse perspectives to drive meaningful social and political transformation.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of historical insights and radical hope in decision-making, encouraging leaders to integrate intergenerational perspectives for a sustainable future.
Deep dives
Mastery of Business and Empathy
The discussion highlights the emergence of a program called Mastery of Business and Empathy (MBE) as an alternative to traditional MBA programs. This innovative approach focuses on equipping leaders with tools, strategies, and networks that prioritize purpose and empathy in leadership. It recognizes the complexities of contemporary challenges and aims to develop leaders who can navigate these troubled times effectively. By fostering a deeper understanding of both business and the human experience, the MBE program seeks to create a new class of leaders for the 21st century.
The Role of Empathy in Leadership
Empathy is identified as a critical skill necessary for effective leadership, allowing leaders to understand diverse perspectives and foster collaboration. The podcast discusses how conversations and seeing the world through others' eyes can drive meaningful social and political transformation. Drawing from the past, leaders are encouraged to integrate empathetic practices into their decision-making processes, ultimately cultivating stronger relationships within their organizations and communities. This emphasis on empathy serves as a foundation for creating positive social change.
Temporal Intelligence: Learning from History
The concept of temporal intelligence, which involves the ability to think across multiple time horizons, is integral to addressing present and future challenges. Historical insights are emphasized as valuable resources for understanding contemporary issues, highlighting that past crises share similarities with today's problems. The podcast illustrates that learning from history is not solely about recognizing mistakes but also about finding inspiration in successful social movements and innovations. This approach encourages leaders to incorporate a broader temporal perspective when formulating strategies for the future.
Trust and Social Innovation
Trust is portrayed as the essential glue holding societies together, and its erosion can lead to civilizational breakdown. The podcast references Ibn Khaldun's concept of 'asabiyah' (social solidarity) as a crucial element in maintaining societal cohesion. Furthermore, social innovations, such as communal practices in resource management and democratic systems, are showcased as historical examples of resilience. By reflecting on these practices and fostering trust within communities, the potential for meaningful change and collaboration increases.
Radical Hope and Intergenerational Responsibility
The discussion encourages fostering a sense of radical hope, emphasizing the importance of valuing intergenerational perspectives in decision-making. The podcast highlights initiatives, such as giving children votes to empower their voices, as examples of integrating future generations into political discourse. It stresses that embracing the wisdom of the past while addressing present challenges can galvanize people toward collective action. By prioritizing the needs of both current and future generations, society can work toward cultivating an inclusive and sustainable future.
Roman Krznaric is a phenomenal thinker, writer, social philosopher with a PhD in political science who has written books I cherish, such as The Good Ancestor, How to Think Long Term in a Short Term World, Empathy, The Wonder Box and his latest book, History for Tomorrow, Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity. In this conversation we chat about how history can inform future planning, explore the concept of cathedral thinking and dive into what hope means in the current state of the world.
