How business leaders can renew democracy | Daniella Ballou-Aares
Apr 15, 2024
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Business and democracy leader Daniella Ballou-Aares discusses the crucial role of business leaders in protecting democracy, urging engagement in politics and showcasing initiatives like the Leadership Now Project. They explore the intersection of business, government, and democracy, highlighting the importance of reinforcing trust in democratic systems. The chapter also emphasizes the vital role of business in supporting public interests and democracy, advocating for business-community partnerships to drive positive change.
Business leaders have a responsibility to engage in protecting elections and the rule of law for the stability of democracy.
Business leaders can actively contribute to preserving democracy despite challenges and emerging authoritarianism by leveraging their influence and resources.
Deep dives
Business Leaders' Role in Safeguarding Democracy
The podcast discusses the role business leaders play in protecting democracy, particularly focusing on the Leadership Now Project. The speaker highlights the importance of business leaders getting involved in politics to ensure the stability of democracy. By sharing personal experiences and examples like the Turkish government's actions and the events at the U.S. Capitol, the speaker emphasizes the need for business leaders to actively engage in civic affairs for democracy to thrive. The podcast stresses the impact of business leaders being civically informed and proactive towards safeguarding democratic values.
Challenges and Opportunities for Business Leaders
The episode addresses the shift in perspective for business leaders towards safeguarding democracy. It reflects on historical contexts and current global trends where democracy faces challenges. The speaker underscores the changing landscape where business leaders now have the opportunity to actively contribute to democratic preservation. By highlighting cases like South Africa's apartheid end facilitated by business leaders, the episode emphasizes the pivotal role business leaders can play in upholding democratic principles despite challenges and emerging authoritarianism.
The Approach of the Leadership Now Project
The podcast delves into the operational strategies of the Leadership Now Project in preserving democracy. It discusses the collaborative efforts of business leaders in various states to support election integrity and combat threats to democratic processes. The episode showcases successful initiatives like public statements reinforcing election legitimacy and the support for election officials facing threats. The Leadership Now Project's emphasis on higher ROI strategies at state and federal levels and the collective action of business leaders underline a concerted effort to protect democracy and uphold democratic values.
How much should business leaders speak out about threats to democracy? It's a question many corporations are wrestling with these days. Business and democracy leader Daniella Ballou-Aares shows why companies have both the ability and the responsibility to engage in protecting elections and the rule of law — and why their bottom lines may depend on doing so. After the talk, Daniella joins Modupe for a conversation on business, politics and the year ahead.