Which (business) people should go into politics?

As we haven’t talked about anything but politics and the American elections lately, MBA Channel has gathered one more poll: Which (business) people and professions do everyday people view as most capable of switching from the economy into politics? Who would do well in politics and who would even make a brilliant world leader?

Picture: cunaplus / fotolia

We’ve gathered quotes from a Facebook survey for MBA Channel as well as quotes that we found in the Financial Times and the Guardian comment section. These quotes are in no way representative but they include people from the US as well as Europe and Australia. These are their opinions:

“Microsoft founder Bill Gates has redefined himself, devoting incredible amounts of money, time and energy to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. There is not another business leader who has proved himself so shrewd while also showing a profound sense of community.” (Quote in the Financial Times)

“Elon Musk, chief executive of electric carmaker Tesla, as the earth seems to be a battlefield and he dreams of taking us to another planet.” (Quote in the Financial Times)

“Musk .... because he s got visions, balls and brains .... and he’s a doer not a talker....” (Quote from a Facebook survey for MBA Channel)

“I would choose Michael Bloomberg, the media owner and former New York mayor. He has the ability to manage large organisations, a proven track record of running a government and an ability to use data to make decisions regardless of politics — something that many politicians sorely lack.” (Quote in the Financial Times)

„Michael Bloomberg. His vita as a business man and mayor of New York show that. He has proven often enough what he can do. I hoped he’d put himself forward as an independent candidate in the US.” (Quote from a Facebook survey for MBA Channel)

“Indra Nooyi, chief executive of PepsiCo, has the qualities to make the best world leader. She understands cultural diversity and has the ability to manage across racial, political and economic backgrounds. She is also incredibly humble and honest — characteristics that would be invaluable in our current political environment.” (Quote in the Financial Times)

“Sir Richard Branson. Having built his business empire from relatively humble beginnings, he combines eco aspirations with pushing the boundaries of innovation, while giving his highly skilled employees the autonomy and support to succeed.” (Quote in the Financial Times)

“Yvon Chouinard, founder of outdoor product company Patagonia. He has never compromised on his company’s values. For instance, although it would be better for the company if people bought new equipment when theirs is damaged, he is committed to repairs because this makes sense for society overall.” (Quote in the Financial Times)

“I would rather go for someone like Jane Goodall, who's not a business woman at all, yet looking at the growth of the Jane Goodall institute there is quite some good business behind. And that for a good cause. We need people putting humanity and our environment first instead of greed, someone humble and wise...” (Quote from a Facebook survey for MBA Channel)

“Lawyers do not make good presidents or prime ministers. The role of a lawyer is to give advice and take instructions from their clients. The responsibility for decisions is not theirs and they will go to great lengths to avoid having the buck stop with them. From Nixon to Blair to Obama. It is a mistake to empower ones advisers to the point that they start giving you orders.” (Quote in the Guardian)

And my own opinion: “I think we need someone with brains as well as charisma in world politics and ideally a woman in a position of power to break up the stereotypes. Amal Clooney or Michelle Obama seem to be good options in my eyes.”

We couldn’t find a consensus but Elon Musk and Michael Bloomberg seem to be the contenders for the top spot here. Share your own opinions with us in our very own comment section.

Read more at Financial TimesandThe Guardian

Barbara Barkhausen