Episode 77 - Influencers #13 - Mahatma Gandhi

Battling with Business

In the latest episode of the "Battling with Business" podcast, Chris and Gareth delve into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi as part of their Influencers series. They aim to understand what made Gandhi such a significant leader and draw contemporary lessons from his approach.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Gareth examine how Gandhi’s deep-seated beliefs and values fuelled the profound changes he championed. They contrast Gandhi's emergent strategic influence—stemming from his unwavering consistency and lived principles—with the more deliberate strategies of other leaders previously discussed on the podcast.

A striking comparison arises when Gareth reflects on Ayman Al-Zawahiri, the former leader of Al Qaeda. Gareth notes that while the US and Coalition tried to build a narrative around operations, Al-Zawahiri did it the other way around, conducting their actions around their core message. Similarly, Gandhi's strength lay in his authentic embodiment of his fundamental beliefs. This comparison underscores the idea that genuine actions in line with one's values have a more lasting impact than constructed narratives. However, this is where the similarities end as Ghandi's empathy and resolute belief in pacifism in achieving the change he wanted in the world stand in stark contrast to acts of violent terrorism and insurrection.

Ultimately, Chris and Gareth highlight Gandhi's unique position as a leader whose commitment to pacifism and servant leadership set him apart. They conclude that his influence was not a result of strategic planning, but rather a natural outcome of his steadfast adherence to his principles.