Bertie Ahern
Ireland’s Prime Minister from 1997-2008
Bertie Ahern was Ireland’s 11th head of government since independence and also the youngest ever elected. He served from 1997-2008 and brought tremendous economic prosperity, peace and global political prominence. His reputation for working hard and connecting with average citizens were as important to his political success as his global recognition as a world-class leader.
Ahern implemented bold economic initiatives that included corporate tax incentives and education reform. His efforts laid out a welcome mat for corporations, making Ireland a very attractive location for foreign companies.
Known as a dedicated negotiator focused on the end result, Ahern brought divergent parties together in Ireland and Europe, and urged them to set aside centuries of conflict to create lasting peace and prosperity. His experiences make him uniquely suited to exploring other world trouble spots and explaining how conflict can prevent entire geographic regions from achieving economic prosperity.
Having started his political career as a teenager, Ahern has won 12 different elections and served in countless ministerial, party and governmental roles. He was appointed minister for finance on three occasions and minister for labour on two. He was the first person since 1944 to be elected prime minister on three successive occasions. At each step, he laid the foundation for a renewed Ireland that will benefit future generations of Irish.
Topics
Peace through Inclusive Dialogue: Ireland’s Journey
International conflict and war continue to be age-old concerns that threaten the economic prosperity of the global community. While centuries of conflict continue in so many parts of the world, there are too few success stories. Bertie Ahern’s much lauded effort to bring peace to Northern Ireland is one of those stories. In 1998, the British and Irish governments and most of the Northern Irish political parties established a framework for power sharing so that peace could finally come to Ireland. Ahern’s role was pivotal in bringing ideological opposites to the negotiating table and keeping them there when others had lost hope. The World Economic Forum recently appointed Ahern to the Agenda Council on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. He regales audiences with a thoughtful and history-infused presentation as only an Irishman can, by sharing: the historical significance of Ireland’s late-20th-century peace process, the delicate strategy and skills he employed to achieve success, how to find common ground and strike a deal, what other countries, corporations and even individuals can learn from his approach.
The Celtic Tiger: Ireland Leads as a Model for Change
Globalization is creating a profound shift in wealth, and leveling the playing field as rapidly developing economies surge into the forefront. Few countries, however, have experienced more remarkable growth than Ireland, which in the last 10 years saw its population increase by 15 percent, its unemployment rate drop to half that of most other European states and its foreign investments skyrocket. This economic turnaround, called the “Celtic Tiger,” is the culmination of former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern’s key strategic decision-making, consensus-building, peace-making and change management, all of which of positioned Ireland as the top globalized country in the world. Highlights of Ahern’s approach include an attractive corporate tax rate, lower income taxes and a social partnership between trade unions and the business community. Ahern engages audiences in a dialogue about Ireland’s economic model and how other emerging national economies and businesses of any size can replicate it. Audiences will learn about:
· The international evolution of globalization
· The transformative economic policies he implemented
· His experiences in attracting foreign investment
· How open dialogue and consensus building can lead to incredible results
· How other countries can benefit from the lessons learned in Ireland
Prime Minister as CEO
Leading the turnaround of an entire country is akin to the constant evolution companies and organizations must undergo to remain competitive. Bertie Ahern dedicated his career to re-inventing his country’s economic and political stakes in global affairs. He persuaded his fellow politicians and citizens to accept short-term sacrifices to achieve long-term gain. His ability to persuade his constituents to follow his vision provides lessons for even the most seasoned executives. In this thought-provoking presentation, Ahern describes:
· His approach to developing and executing a successful long-term vision
· How to persuade employees, customers and stakeholders to participate and embrace change
· What every leader must do to achieve large-scale success
· How to successfully bring people with you by building consensus
Leadership in Changing Times: What it Takes to Succeed
Leading a nation, organization or team of any size is a roller-coaster ride. Bertie Ahern shares what it takes to remain consistent while adapting to changing circumstances. He explores with audiences how to develop a culture of trust and faith necessary to lead effectively. After serving 11 years as prime minister, he left office with tremendous popularity ratings following a successful career he began at a local grassroots level. He unified a factional party and inspired tremendous devotion. Ahern’s success is directly attributable to his profound leadership skills combined with his dedication to public service. In this engaging presentation, Ahern advises audiences on:
· The challenges and obstacles he faced on his path to leadership
· What people naturally need from a leader
· Key tactics to use when negotiating
The Future Role of the European Union on the World Stage
The future role of the European Union (EU) is an important part of any conversation regarding global power shifts. The stakes are high, as emerging markets in Asia and Latin America may overtake traditional wealth dynamics. Bertie Ahern’s works for EU enlargement means that today, 27 democratic states are united around a commitment to open markets, democracy and peace. As president of the European Council in 2004, Ahern negotiated a European constitution against all odds. Ahern engages audiences with his recounting of how nations as diverse as England, France, Germany and Italy could come to common agreement under his brokerage. He provides extraordinary insight into:
· An assessment of the benefits and challenges facing the EU
· His predictions for the future of the EU and what it means to the U.S.
· The changing geopolitical landscape
Book Bertie Ahern, as a speaker now
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