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The Myth of the Strong Leader?

Tom Sutcliffe discusses leadership with Saatchi & Saatchi boss Richard Hytner, businesswoman Heather Rabbatts, academic Archie Brown and former political advisor Jonathan Powell.

Tom Sutcliffe asks whether it's better to lead from the front, or advise from the side-line. The Deputy Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi, Richard Hytner celebrates the latter: those who wield influence and authority away from the limelight. Heather Rabbatts has experience of being a Deputy and a Chief Executive in both politics and business. The academic Archie Brown looks back at the history of political leadership and questions whether strong leaders are the most successful and admirable, while Tony Blair's former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell turns to Machiavelli's The Prince for a primer on the art of government.
Producer: Katy Hickman.

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43 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 May 2014 21:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Archie Brown

Archie Brown is Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Oxford.

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The Myth of the Strong Leader: Political Leadership in the Modern Age is published by Bodley Head.

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Jonathan Powell

Jonathan Powell served as Tony Blair's Chief of Staff from 1997-2007 and now runs the charity Inter Mediate, which works on armed conflicts around the world.

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The New Machiavelli: How to Wield Power in the Modern World is out in paperback.

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Heather Rabbatts

Heather Rabbatts is a qualified barrister, businesswoman and broadcaster.

Richard Hytner

Richard Hytner is Saatchi & Saatchi’s Worldwide Deputy Chairman.

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Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows is published by Profile Books.

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Credits

Presenter Tom Sutcliffe
Interviewed Guest Richard Hytner
Interviewed Guest Heather Rabbatts
Interviewed Guest Jonathan Powell
Interviewed Guest Archie Brown
Producer Katy Hickman

Broadcasts

  • Mon 12 May 2014 09:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Mon 12 May 2014 21:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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  • Start the Week

    Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday