Obama inspired, say business leaders
The exclusive dinner with former United States president Barack Obama on Thursday night was a lesson in leadership, business leaders said.
Obama spoke about China’s place in the world, the importance of diversity, dealing with the global financial crisis, and the decision on the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Westpac general manager of consumer banking and wealth Simon Power said hearing Obama speak was a once in a lifetime experience.
‘‘He’s magnetic. An extraordinarily engaging speaker and a brilliant listener,’’ Power said.
Power said Obama also spoke about how decision-makers think in terms of probabilities, citing the bin Laden mission as an example.
‘‘He talked about surrounding yourself with good people, understanding your weaknesses as a leader and the importance of diversity in leadership in all forms, gender, ethnicity and thinking.’’
The dinner for about 1000 people at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre was hosted by New Zealand’s poet laureate, Selina Tusitala Marsh, and saw Obama questioned by one of New Zealand’s most well-known actors, Sam Neill.
Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope said the only discussion on trade between New Zealand and the US currently was regarding Hawke’s Bay wine, which is the third largest imported wine into the US.
Hope said Obama talked highly of New Zealand as a strong and useful partner in challenging times.
‘‘It was important to hear from such a powerful world leader about how New Zealand was working,’’ Hope said.
‘‘Obama said he hadn’t come here during his presidency because there were no problems, everything was smooth sailing between the two trade partners.’’
Hope said Obama’s advice was relevant to all leaders in the audience, from students to executives.
Despite the New Zealand US Council receiving nearly $170,000 a year of public funding, Obama’s office barred media from attending the event.