From Boardrooms to Government: The Influence of Business Leaders on Politics

What happens when business leaders swap boardrooms for the halls of government? Tevi Troy joins us to unpack this fascinating transition with insights from his book, "The Power and the Money." Together, we navigate the evolving political alliances in the business world, especially the shift from traditional industrial powerhouses to tech giants and cultural influencers like Silicon Valley and Hollywood, and their impact on political landscapes. Discover how figures like Elon Musk are not just captains of industry but pivotal players in shaping electoral outcomes and influencing other CEOs.

Ever wondered what it’s like for top executives to rub shoulders with the political elite? Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of the Bush administration, offering a glimpse into the quirky yet complex dynamics between corporate giants and government officials. We share a humorous story involving snack and fast-food execs, underscoring the unique challenges business leaders face when stepping into government roles. From the skepticism of permanent bureaucrats toward political appointees to the career ramifications of serving in the Trump administration, we explore the tension between running a government and a corporation.

Could a future Trump administration revolutionize government-business relations? We explore the possibilities, discussing Trump’s leadership style and its potential normalization within the Republican Party. As Elon Musk's influence looms large, we consider the hurdles of legislative and regulatory constraints alongside the hope for modernized government processes. Tune in to hear our thoughts on Trump’s disregard for press criticism and how this could pave the way for both disruptive changes and newfound efficiencies, all while ensuring we don’t regress into outdated practices. As we wrap up, we extend a heartfelt thanks to Tevi for his invaluable insights and wish him success in his new role at the Reagan Institute.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.