Bono compared to Abraham Lincoln as a great world leader

Larger Text

Print

E-mail

29 Comments

Bono: Example of a great world leader

Tweet

An influential Washington Post columnist has likened Bono to Abraham Lincoln and said he is a great world leader.

Nancy F. Koehn, a historian, at the Harvard Business School, and author, celebrated Bono’s 50th birthday by celebrating the Irish musician and campaigner for his great skills as a leader.

She said “Bono, like Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago, has not let himself become isolated in an elite atmosphere. He has used his touring and travels as classrooms to help him understand the hopes, dreams and tribulations of his fellow citizens, whom he often calls his brothers and sisters. And he has used this knowledge to light his way, his music and his leadership.”

Koehn looked back at his achievements over the last five decades. “It is worth briefly taking stock of his journey thus far--a journey of purpose, impact, passion, and humor. It is a path with lessons for leaders from all walks of life,” she said.

An unusual choice perhaps as an ideal world leader, Koehn first looked at all the things which Bono is not. “He has never been the CEO of a major company. He has never held public office or scored a big campaign contribution. He did not graduate from an elite university. He did not make most of his considerable wealth in the global equity or debt marks,” said Koehn.

And yet this rock star from Dublin has “influence that extends from the 100,000-seat stadiums that U2 plays to the White House, Vatican, and Downing Street to debt forgiveness and medical aid to Africa.”

The son of a postal worker, his mother died when he was only 14. How is it that Bono became a man who could “convince Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Jesse Helms to increase America's aid to Africa more than fourfold, from around $2 billion in 2000 to $8 billion in 2009?” she said.

Koehn seems to believe that at the centre of Bono’s power and influence is the band, U2. She said, “The story of U2's success is one of commerce as much as art. At its center is the creation and stewardship of a very powerful brand.”

She also commented on the business model that U2 have developed, one consisting of the four musicians and their every present manager, Paul McGuinness. Koehn commended the model as one which is formed on “experimentation, ongoing reinvention, and a consistent willingness to challenge industry standards.”

Print

E-mail

Tweet