A Conversation on Leadership and Jobs

Last week friends of HOPE were treated to a riveting discussion around the state of the American condition of job economy and the role leadership plays in determining the way forward.

Surrounded by the ambiance of Santa Monica’s Casa del Mar, Operation HOPE hosted another piece in the HOPE Conversations Series with John Hope Bryant, HOPE founder and business bestselling author. On Wednesday, November 16, Bryant led two of the most powerful speakers in America today, Civil-rights icon and HOPE Global Spokesman Ambassadors Andrew Young and Gallup Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton in a Conversation on Leadership & Jobs.

Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup for 15 years, shared thoughts from his latest  book, Coming Job Wars asserting, “What everyone in the world wants is a good job.” In a provocative book for business and government leaders, Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton described how this undeniable fact will affect all leadership decisions as countries wage war to produce the best jobs. Drawing on 75 years of Gallup studies and his own perspective as the company’s leader, Clifton explained why jobs are the new global currency for leaders.

The voice of reason and experience, Young helped give texture and perspective to the discussion. Author of An Easy Burden, an inspiring autobiographical memoir, Young illuminated some of his experiences during of the turbulent 60’s and the historic civil rights campaigns in the South, relating it to issues of today.

The event concluded with a fast-paced question-answer session from the audience.

3 Responses to “A Conversation on Leadership and Jobs”

1. Dee Rawls says:

   December 1, 2011 at 1:03 pm

   Absolutely excellent dialogue about the paradigm shift of the US attitude on hope. At one era, hope did not disappoint, but now it seems the hope of the citenzenry defines disappointment.

   America has been built on ethics of bravery, freedom, pride, and to see Americans decimated to the designation of lemmings is tremendously disheartening.

   And, Atlanta is a deficient culture for entrepreneurship, even. The pursuit of a job in Atlanta is a viral epidemic. Instead, with so many industries and so many talents being centered here – Atlanta should become a beacon for greatness symbolic of the ’96 Olympic Games.
2. Clifton L. Johnson says:

   December 20, 2011 at 4:38 pm

   John,

   Keep up the great work my brother! It is good to see you “Living A Life That Matters” and making a difference in our Urban Communities, the World, and the lives of our young people who are the the key to the future. I am proud of you!

   Clif Johnson
3. SherryL says:

   December 20, 2011 at 6:23 pm

   Right on Dee. The discussion presented a great dialogue on the future of jobs and entrepreneurship. America’s not down and out quite yet.