The Dr. John Bedker Leadership Podcast

The 39th President of the United States will be laid to rest this week in Plains, Georgia. Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and resilience. Steadfast in his core values, his respect for others, and his lifelong quest to do the right thing are cornerstones for Jimmy Carter, the leader. He has been attributed to living a life of the beatitudes. It seems an appropriate and accurate description.  Jimmy Carter’s post-presidency, without the backdrop of the political stage, shows Jimmy Carter as a true leader.

Happy Holidays! As we close out 2024 I encourage everyone to think about this past year - where we’ve been, when we are, and to think about charting the course for the coming new year. This episode focuses on a Thought Leader, Paul Krugman, who has done just that. For the past 25 years, Paul Krugman has written opinion pieces for the New York Times. He is retiring. Today, we read his last column.

Innovation is the foundation of America’s success. From our very beginnings to today we have ridden innovation wave to innovation wave. We are now entering our sixth wave of innovation, the move from fossil fuels to green and sustainable technologies. Highlighted in this episode are two companies, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Each seeks to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) to public transportation - piloted vehicles carrying up to four passengers, and payloads up to 1,000 pounds. 

Donald Trump is the President-elect of the United States of America. He has won the Electoral College, the popular vote, The US Senate, and the US House of Representatives. He has literal control of the Supreme Court and is immune from prosecution in his presidential acts. He is in control.  Leadership could not be more important in these troubling times. This episode offers a brief response to what leaders can and should do when our elected leader is not a leader.

With one week to go until the Presidential election in the United States, I thought it important to pause, and exhale from the barrage of media to seek votes and final campaign contributions. This episode celebrates an unknown, but truly exemplary leader, Thelma Mothershed Wair. She passed away this past week. She was a member of the Little Rock Nine, and the first black girl to integrate a previous white-only high school.

The 2024 Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson. Their work “for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity” is particularly timely as we approach election day in the United States. “Societies with a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit their population do not generate growth or change for the better.” A very timely message as we approach the election.  Vote.

On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve of the United States cut interest by 50 basis points. This is a clear signal that it is time for monetary policy in the United States to be recalibrated. The dual mandates of the Fed to seek full employment and stable inflation brought about today’s long-awaited decision. An exemplary leadership moment by Jay Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Happy Labor Day 2024! This episode recognizes the worth and dignity of labor. Quotes on labor are given from Sophocles, Adam Smith, John D. Rockefeller, and Richard Freeman. The tension between capitalism and democracy, the tension between shareholders and workers, and the balancing act that leaders must navigate to strive to ensure that a rising tide does raise all boats, the challenge to do the right thing; this is the challenge of leaders on this Labor Day.

Steve Kerr, the Coach of the Olympic Gold medal-winning U.S. men's basketball team is showcased. Following the Olympics, coach Kerr was asked to speak in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention. He spoke on leadership. It is important in this year's election and leadership is important in our lives. Steve Kerr raises five points for every leader to emulate.

This episode raises the spectre of the future of international relations.  Who prevails in the United States presidential election in November will define the value proposition of our role in diplomatic leadership.  Will we choose war or will we choose diplomacy?  Will we create, maintain, and fund alliances to defend those in need or will we not?  Our vote will determine the answer to these key leadership questions and the future of our world order.

 

 

 

 

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