Global Ambition: Not For Everyone
Fat cats trapped in golden cages struggle to find their keys.
Looking at the current global landscape, it's reasonable to speculate whether many leaders are primarily motivated by self-interest.
Despite global responsibilities, their actions often seem confined to local, self-serving interests. This is glaringly apparent in the persistence of wars, escalating geopolitical tensions, growing wealth disparities, and the worsening global climate crisis, all indicating a widespread neglect of the greater good.
Ambition plays a significant role in shaping these leadership dynamics.
In leadership, ambition is a vital force, but its expression varies greatly. Most leaders today fit into one of two categories: those driven by personal ambition with a drive to retain power, and those aiming for wider, globally beneficial objectives.
A closer look at real-world examples highlights these contrasting leadership styles:
Leaders Focused on Personal Gains
Leaders in this group are marked by their pursuit of self-interest, often at the expense of others and the planet. Their approach is insular, short-term, and limited, grounded in a zero-sum mindset where one's gain is perceived as another's loss. We see this in examples including:
The pharmaceutical industry, with some companies prioritising profits over patient welfare. The opioid crisis in the U.S. was worsened by pharmaceutical firms that aggressively marketed opioids while understating their addictive nature.
Companies in fossil fuel industries like ExxonMobil which have been criticised for their role in exacerbating climate change while funding anti-climate science campaigns.
In mining, for example, Rio Tinto has faced backlash for destroying an ancient indigenous site at Juukan Gorge, Australia, for profit.
In times of economic contraction, when conventional business models maintain profits, the likelihood of such leaders shifting focus is minimal. They resemble fat cats trapped in their golden cages, having misplaced the keys to change, remaining static until disruption forces change.
Leaders with Global Ambition
Fortunately, there are leaders with global ambition who aspire to generate value beyond mere personal gains. They effectively leverage global resources, including advanced technology, comprehensive data analytics, and diverse networks and talent pools, to foster progress. At the same time, they secure profits in business. We see this in examples such as:
The championing of sustainable energy and smart grid technology by Jean-Pascal Tricoire, the Chairman, and immediate past CEO of Schneider Electric.
The development and proliferation of Linux, started by Linus Torvalds. Based on principles of collaboration and open access, Linux has transformed software development, offering a free, adaptable, and sturdy operating system, indicative of leadership using technology for the common good.
Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, founder of Aravind Eye Hospital. He leveraged global concepts like McDonald's efficient, scalable model to revolutionise eye care in India. His approach combined this with advanced medical technologies and practices from around the world, adapting them to a local context. By providing high-quality, affordable eye care and using revenues from paying patients to subsidise those unable to pay, millions have been treated.
The Keys to the World
Globally ambitious leaders possess the metaphorical keys to the world. They embrace strategies to do more as new tools and technologies come online. They focus on creating better alternatives rather than maintaining power by controlling and correcting the status quo. They unlock the doors to a better future.
The fundamental difference between these leader types lies in their vision and impact. While self-interested leaders concentrate on personal gains, often neglecting wider implications, globally ambitious leaders aim to employ global resources for inclusive and sustainable progress.
An Invitation to You
For those aspiring to be globally ambitious leaders, 2024 stands as a critical year.
This path isn't suited for everyone; many find comfort in the status quo and may not see the relevance in this approach. If that’s you, please hit the unsubscribe button.
However, for those committed to fostering win-win outcomes, and who recognise a personal risk in following the status quo, this invitation is for you: read on. This marks the beginning of a pathway to influential and impactful leadership.