I have just completed my doctoral research into a new paradigm for business leadership education for a post-WW2 world order.

I cast my research net wide to learn from the wisdoms of global business and societal and political leaders from the developed and developing worlds the answers to the Socratic questions: What kind of future do we want? What kind of society will create this kind of future? What kind of business does this kind of society need? What kind of business leader does this kind of business need? Their synthesized answers were challenged and enriched by the synthesized wisdoms of all Nobel Laureates over the past decade.

To my surprise, the global leaders and thinkers talk the ‘same language’ – all desiring and working towards a common end Statement of Visions arising from their synthesised wisdoms:

• To deliver a world order of inclusive globalisation (WOIG: that probable world order where human security in the broadest sense has been assured, and where the bulk of humanity benefits from globalisation).
•  A society that finds its greatness in protecting both its humanity and its economy as a whole.
•  World-class businesses (or enterprises) – robust across business cycles, with global stewardship as their dominant raison d’être.
• Global leaders with an ability to envision the WOIG, and then to lead thereto, in an entrepreneurial and path-breaking manner while exerting leadership qualities associated with the Golden Rule of Humanity (love for, and reaching out to one’s neighbour – as enshrined by all world religions and ethical traditions). 

Unknowingly, all global leaders and thinkers call for a planetary turn-around from a world order of destructive globalisation to a world order of inclusive globalisation.

Can this be true?

Yes! Because it provides for a common way forward for humankind to strive for the dream it carries within itself....a meaningful life in a safe, clean, prosperous, sustainable environment with dignity and hope.

Yes, we can read headlines in our lifetime, such as:

• Regarding broad human security
• The USA’s carbon footprint reduced by 50%!
• The underworld economy reduced from 3^rd largest to 30^th largest global economy!
•  Regarding the benefits of globalisation:
•  The new global market of 3 billion people previously living on less than $2/day – flourishing!
•   Africa, now a net exporter of food!

An oracle? No, we can deliver on humankind’s inner dream!

Yes, we can – if we reach out in love to each other, and reach outside ourselves for wisdom and courage!

Jopie Coetzee
University of South Africa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership
www.jopiecoetzee.co.za