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    WebinarPositive Vision of the Future 2009 60 min

    The Economic Crisis: What Next?

    CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING ABOUT THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS with John Perkins, New York Times Best Selling Author of CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HITMAN THE HIT MEN STRIKE HOME What Next and How to Deal With It The current crisis is a classic hit by economic hit men (EHM) – except this time the victims are us. Drawing on personal experiences described in his New York Times bestselling book, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins explains how tools honed during the past four decades in developing countries are enabling the extremely rich to purchase businesses and real estate at fire sale prices; defend abolition of health care, education, and other social programs; and justify privatization of the public sector. However, crises offer opportunities. Perkins presents a plan for transforming the economy and describes ways each of us can employ our individual passions and skills to not only prosper but also create a world we will be proud to pass on to future generations. John Perkins' tell-all memoir, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, which is translated in 30 languages, spent 7 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list in hardcover, and more than 12 weeks on the extended list. John has lectured and taught at universities and learning centers on four continents and is a regular lecturer for the Omega Center and at universities and corporations all over the country. John Perkins worked for the international consulting firm of Chas. T. Main from 1971 to 1981, where he held the titles of Chief Economist and Manager of Economics and Regional Planning but, in reality, was an economic hit man. John Perkins is founder and president of the Dream Change Coalition, which works closely with Amazonian and other indigenous people to help preserve their environments and cultures.

    Presenter

    JP

    John Perkins

    After this webinar, you will:

    1. Have a plan to transform your company during this economic downturn
    2. Employ your individual passions and skills to lead you to growth
    3. Prosper and create a world that you will proud to pass on to future generations.

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.The current economic crisis utilizes tactics previously honed over four decades in developing countries.
    • 2.These 'economic hit men' tactics enable the extremely rich to purchase businesses and real estate at fire-sale prices.
    • 3.Crises are used to justify the abolition of social programs and the privatization of the public sector.
    • 4.Crises also offer opportunities for individuals and leaders to transform the economy toward sustainability and equity.
    • 5.Understanding the systemic roots of economic instability is crucial for effective leadership and proactive responses.
    • 6.Leaders can apply these insights by fostering ethical decision-making and advocating for equitable business models.

    The "Economic Hit Man" Thesis Applied Domestically

    Drawing on his memoir, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins argues that the current economic crisis is not a random event but a calculated one. The webinar explains how the tools and strategies used by "economic hit men" (EHM) in developing countries for decades are now being applied domestically. This perspective provides a critical framework for understanding the systemic roots of economic instability and global finance.

    How Economic Crises Benefit a Few

    According to Perkins, an economic downturn provides a unique opportunity for powerful financial interests to consolidate wealth. Key mechanisms include:

    • Asset Acquisition: The extremely rich can purchase businesses, real estate, and other assets at "fire sale" prices, expanding their holdings.
    • Privatization: Crises are used to justify the privatization of the public sector and the abolition or reduction of social programs like health care and education.
    • Wealth Consolidation: These tactics facilitate a financial paradigm that concentrates wealth, exacerbates inequality, and challenges societal resilience.

    An Opportunity for Transformation

    While the analysis is critical, the webinar emphasizes that crises also create opportunities for significant, positive change. Perkins presents a plan for transforming the current economic system into one that is more sustainable and equitable. The session focuses on how to move from reacting to circumstances to proactively shaping a better future.

    A Leadership Framework for a Sustainable Future

    Leaders can use the insights from this webinar to re-evaluate their organization's priorities and impact. This involves:

    • Ethical Decision-Making: Prioritizing long-term societal well-being over short-term financial gains.
    • Equitable Models: Advocating for business strategies that promote fair wealth distribution and sustainable practices.
    • Community Investment: Resisting pressures toward excessive privatization and instead investing in initiatives that strengthen communities.
    • Shared Vision: Empowering employees and stakeholders to contribute to a collective vision of a responsible and just economic future.

    By understanding the underlying patterns of economic crises, leaders can anticipate challenges, drive positive change, and lead conversations that challenge conventional thinking.

    This session delves into the foundational causes of economic crises, drawing parallels between historical global economic strategies and contemporary financial challenges. It unpacks how powerful economic forces operate and highlights opportunities for individuals and leaders to navigate and actively shape a more equitable future. The insights remain highly relevant, offering a critical perspective on global finance and societal resilience.

    What you'll learn

    • How economic tools, historically applied in developing nations, can influence domestic economies during crises.
    • The mechanisms by which economic downturns can lead to wealth consolidation and privatization efforts.
    • The concept of "economic hit men" and their role in facilitating financial paradigms.
    • Strategies for transforming economic systems and fostering a sustainable future.
    • How individual actions and passions contribute to broader economic and social change.

    Who this webinar is for

    • Leaders and managers seeking to understand the systemic roots of economic instability.
    • Professionals interested in global finance, political economy, and social impact.
    • Individuals concerned about wealth disparity and the future of social programs.
    • Anyone looking to empower themselves with knowledge to effect economic transformation.
    • Activists and policymakers focused on creating a more just and sustainable world.

    Why it matters now

    Economic volatility and wealth inequality continue to be pressing global issues. Understanding the underlying structures and historical patterns that contribute to these crises is crucial for effective leadership and informed decision-making. The session provides a framework for analyzing current events and developing proactive responses, equipping leaders to anticipate challenges and drive positive change rather than simply reacting to circumstances. This perspective encourages a re-evaluation of business practices and societal priorities.

    How leaders can apply this

    Leaders can apply these insights by critically evaluating financial strategies and their broader societal impact within their organizations and communities. This includes:

    • Fostering ethical decision-making that considers long-term societal well-being over short-term gains.
    • Advocating for business models that promote equitable wealth distribution and sustainable practices.
    • Investing in initiatives that strengthen communities and resist pressures towards excessive privatization.
    • Empowering employees and stakeholders to contribute to a shared vision of a responsible economic future.
    • Leading conversations that challenge conventional economic thinking and explore innovative solutions for systemic challenges.

    About this session

    Key takeaways

    Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on Future Focused. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from John Perkins's direct experience.

    Who this is for

    CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for positive vision of the future inside their organization.

    Why it matters now

    Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about Future Focused.

    How to apply it

    Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.

    Frequently asked questions

    Topics

    Future Focused

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