TED Business How business leaders can renew democracy | Daniella Ballou-Aares
May 26, 2025
Daniella Ballou-Aares, Founder of the Leadership Now Project, champions the role of business leaders in protecting democracy. She discusses the critical need for companies to engage in civic activities, especially in an era of rising authoritarianism. The conversation highlights how proactive involvement not only safeguards democratic values but also benefits business sustainability. Ballou-Aares emphasizes the power of public-private partnerships in fostering trust and calls for inclusivity among leaders to uphold democratic principles.
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Friend's Story of Fear in Turkey
- Daniella shared how her Turkish business school friend faced fear and guilt as authoritarianism rose and her company was targeted.
- This illustrated the dangers when business leaders stay out of politics under autocratic threats.
Personal Experience of January 6
- On January 6, 2021, Daniella experienced the Capitol attack firsthand while shielding her children from the violence.
- This event marked a new stage in American democracy's decline for her.
Business Must Defend Democracy
- Modern business leaders assumed democracy and rule of law would persist, but rising authoritarianism demands active defense.
- Today's business leaders have the obligation and power to act to protect democratic systems.