LEADERSHIP

VIDEO (19 MIN)

The Second Most Important Ability for a Leader

If the ability to listen is arguably the most important quality of a great leader, what’s the second? A sense of humor ranks high, according to Dan Glickman, who served 18 years in Congress, was secretary of agriculture in the Clinton administration, and will soon retire as executive director of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program. He points to former presidents like Reagan, FDR, and Lincoln. “Nobody was funnier than Lincoln,” he says, adding that being able to laugh at yourself gives you an edge at persuasiveness. We asked Glickman to reflect on this past year and to share what he expects from our country under President-elect Joe Biden’s leadership. Watch his conversation with longtime colleague Peggy Clark, executive director of the Aspen Global Innovators Group.Watch.

LEADERSHIP

PODCAST (25 MIN)

The World Needs Women in Leadership Roles

Today’s women are warriors and peacemakers, athletes and artists. Women in leadership roles can play a crucial role in leading us toward a better and more equitable future, and women must be part of the solution to current global crises. Former US secretary of state Madeleine K. Albright and former prime minister of New Zealand the Honorable Helen Clark are trailbreaking leaders and powerful advocates for women’s empowerment. They speak with the Aspen Institute’s Forum on Women and Girls Co-Chair Peggy Clark about women’s roles on the global stage now and into the future. Listen.

SOCIETY

ARTICLE (1 MIN)

What Got Us Through 2020: Staff Picks

In a year like no other, we had more time than ever to consume media. Here’s a look back from the Aspen Ideas staff. Some of our faves are heady and serious, others are unapologetically escapist! In no particular order — and with a nod to some oldies that helped to smooth our frayed 2020 nerves — we hope you’ll enjoy our quirky and not-so-comprehensive list.

Hybridity, Not Rugged Individualism,Is America’s Competitive Advantage

Forbes, December 16, 2020

By Dan Porterfield, president and CEO, Aspen Institute

The Six New Rules of Business: Creating Value in a Changing World

January 11

In her new book, Judy Samuelson describes the profound shifts in attitudes and mindsets that are redefining our notions of what constitutes business success She unravels the old rules that focused solely on profits, shareholder mindset, and the bottom line — leading to corporate greed and short-termism — and offers a new set of rules that enable executives and leaders to think and manage differently, by embracing a new definition of business success. Samuelson, founder and executive director at the Aspen Institute Business & Society Program, will discuss The Six New Rules of Business with Elliot Gerson, executive vice president at the Aspen Institute.Register.

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