Former gov urges grads to lead with vision, heart
Former Gov. Deval Patrick urged graduates of Bentley University to use their positions of privilege and short-track to influence in a way that benefits society, but largely steered clear of direct political rhetoric.
“Coasting along and simply doing no harm is not enough in normal times, but these are not normal times. The world around us is in turmoil,” Patrick said in a commencement address. “When your time comes, I’m asking you to lead with vision, lead with boldness, lead with heart.”
In his 23-minute speech, Patrick said changes around the future of work, addiction and economic mobility will need strong leaders and encouraged the graduates to find a purpose for their lives beyond their comfort.
“Issues like addiction or economic disruption, that leave disorientation and despair in their wake, have now reached broadly enough that we are all having to face big questions about the nature of community and the future of work,” Patrick said. “The economy is changing rapidly, and for many, in unfamiliar and disruptive — indeed, frightening — ways.”
Earlier this year, Patrick told a public radio station in Kansas City that a 2020 run was “on my radar screen.” Patrick traveled to Alabama last year to campaign for Doug Jones during the Senate race there. His address largely avoided politics, instead focusing on corporate and nonprofit leadership.
“We need elected leaders to worry less about winning elections and more about the hard and long-term work of interconnecting policies such as transportation, housing, web access, portable health care, even criminal justice, that make it possible for people to adapt to change, enable economic mobility and help foster a just society,” Patrick said, in his only direct remarks on politics.
Still, Patrick did make a vague reference to leaders using the country’s uncertainty to sow discord.
“Everybody’s anxious, and anxiety is combustible. Sometimes, leaders use that anxiety to fuel fear and division,” Patrick said. “Better leaders use it to fuel the future.”
Since leaving the State House’s corner office, Patrick has been working for Bain Capital Double Impact fund, which invests in companies that can provide financial returns while improving society.
“You are on a path to assume positions of leadership, with titles and access, with privilege and prestige and power. Maybe money will come along with it. I wish you all of that and more,” Patrick told the graduates. “Lord knows the world needs you.”