Mike Southon's inspirational speech from the CMI Conference held in October 2010

1. Political Leadership – why does it matter?
Why political leadership really makes a difference
What lessons businesses can learn from politics
How political leadership helps shape economies
Mike Southon
Political and Business Columnist, Financial Times
mike.private@beermat.biz

2. Not These

3. Definitely These

4. The Jury is Out (History Will Decide)

5. Class of 2010

6. The Seven Year Cycles
You should try as many things as possible
You should make a serious attempt at something
You might decide to try something different
You are often at the peak of your powers
Represents maturity and self-awareness
You might want to plan your legacy
You become an Elder Statesperson
21 - 28
28 - 35
35 - 42
42 - 49
49 - 56
56 - 63
63 - 70

7. Class of 2010
1969 (41)
1961 (49)
1967 (43)
1966 (44)

8. Definitely These
Arrested 1963 (45)
President 1994 (76)
Assassinated 1865 (56) Prime Minister 1940 (66)
Assassinated 1948 (79) Assassinated 1968 (39) Slave Act 1809 (48)

9. Because
I have to
TO
CREATE
WEALTH
So Why Be A Politician?
Make
money
Make a
difference to
myself and
my family
Make a
difference
to the world Have fun
Freedom

10. SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
Creator
Trader
StarMechanic
Deal MakerAccumulator
SupporterLord
Grounded
Intuitive
Extrovert
Introvert

11. Politics vs. Business
“All political lives…end in failure”
Few businesspeople make good politicians
Branding: this time it’s personal

12. Driven By The Media
Present the vision
Carry people with you
Communicate well

13. Driven by Time
Politicians live and die every five years
“A week is a long time in politics”
The Other ‘Seven Year Rule’

14. Opposition is More Fun than Government
“Like being in a band”

15. Star
Mechanic
Deal Maker
Accumulator
Wealth Dynamics
www.wdprofiletest.com

16. Opposition is More Fun than Government
“Honour without responsibility”
“Like being in a band”
“Be careful what you wish for”
Secretary of State for Business 2010 (67)

17. Being in Government
Everyone else is ‘Lobby Fodder’
But for the elite, an even bigger horror awaits…..
Only fun for about 50 people
Constituents on your back, all the time…..

18. Something No Businessman Has to Face

19. The Civil Service
Expert at ‘deal making’ and ‘the ratchet effect’
Were here before, and will still be here after
Expert at raising issues and ‘grow-back’

20. August 1st
1971
The difference
between:
Money Wealth

21. How to Create Wealth – ‘Guanxi’
Treat people like you want them to treat you
Always help people (without going broke in the process)
Tell the truth

22. Definitely Him
Declaration of Independence 1776 (44)

23. Conclusions
Like business, it’s all about teams
A great politician understands ‘vision’ and ‘flow’
Entrepreneurship is about avoiding all of the ‘nonsense’

24. It’s Easy!
Nothing You Can Do that Can’t Be Done

25. Political Leadership – why does it matter?
Thank You!
Mike Southon
Political and Business Columnist, Financial Times
mike.private@beermat.biz