Leadership Series

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The ‘Leadership Series’ features our interviews with highly distinguished current and former leaders across government, academia, business and the non profit sector – the purpose is to provide advice and inspiration for the next generation of leaders that want to make a difference through public service.

Insights Leadership Series

A Life of Purpose, Fairness and Progress: An Interview with Lord Neil Kinnock

GRI sat down with Lord Neil Kinnock to reflect on his influential life in politics as former Leader of the Labour Party and the deeply valuable advice he has for the next generation of public servants.

Insights Leadership Series North America

A Life of Service: An Interview with Secretary Panetta

GRI sat down with Secretary Leon E. Panetta, former CIA Director and US Defense Secretary under President Obama, to discuss his illustrious career in public service and advice he has for the next generation of leaders.

Guest Post Leadership Series

The Fight For Equality: An Interview with Gloria Steinem

GRI sat down with the inspirational activist and feminist pioneer, Gloria Steinem, to discuss her exceptionally influential life and the advice she has for the next generation of civic leaders.

Insights Leadership Series Politics

Reflections on a life of public service: An Interview with Lord Heseltine

GRI sat down with the Rt Hon Lord Heseltine, former Conservative deputy prime minister and defense secretary of the United Kingdom, to discuss his political philosophy, private sector experience and proudest achievements in public service.

Economics International Leadership Series North America Politics

Democracy and the Next Generation: An Interview with Eric Schultz, Senior Advisor to President Obama

GRI’s Basim Al-Ahmadi sat down with Eric Schultz, President Obama’s current Senior Advisor, to discuss his previous role in the White House, advice for aspiring public servants, Obama’s post-presidential vision and other important topics.

Economics International Leadership Series Politics

A Life in Politics and Advice for Aspiring Leaders: An Interview with Sir Vince Cable

GRI’s Basim Al-Ahmadi sat down with the Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable to reflect on a distinguished career in public service, the state of British politics and advice he could provide the next generation of leaders.

Economics Europe Leadership Series Politics

The Gatekeeper for PM David Cameron: An Interview with Kate Fall 

GRI’s co-founder Basim Al-Ahmadi sat down via Zoom with Kate Fall to discuss her pivotal role as Deputy Chief of Staff under Prime Minister David Cameron.

Insights International Leadership Series Politics Under The Radar

The Power of Values: An Interview With an Obama Foreign Policy Speechwriter

GRI’s co-founder Basim Al-Ahmadi sat down via Zoom with Terence Szuplat, one of President Obama’s longest serving speechwriters.

Covid-19 Guest Post Insights International Leadership Series

GRI interview: Princeton historian discusses Covid-19 and macro risks

GRI recently sat down (virtually) with financial historian Harold James to discuss Covid-19 and emerging macro risks. James is the Claude and Lore Kelly Professor in European Studies and Professor