How do you measure the balance of power between business and politicians in an economic slowdown? In the third and widest Insider Power 100 yet, we reckon the balance has shifted further towards the public sector.
Welcome to Insider’s Power 100 list for 2008. It looks different – we have 25 new entries, giving more space to academics, listed company bosses and some prominent politicians. We also have a new number one in Rhodri Morgan, after Peter Hain’s untimely departure.
There are a few other trends – most of the property tycoons on the list have moved down. It’s no reflection on them, but we believe a fair reflection of market conditions.
Politicians and the public sector get a good show, as we believe their decisions on investment and contracts will become more important to the economy as it slows down.
Some individuals can move between business, politics and sport with ease. One such is Roger Lewis, the chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), who moved up to fourth place. He has shaken up the venerable institution and given Wales a grand slam this year. He is also a popular speaker on the conference scene, talking at Plaid Cymru, Institute of Welsh Affairs, NHS and local council conferences recently.
It is the latest stage in a career that has taken him from pop music through ITV and then the WRU – but he sees a common thread: “If you distill the essence of the jobs I have had,” he says, “they are about identifying and nurturing talent to create content that is compelling and engaging.
“It is all about bringing together a team of people with the right capability, attitude and integrity. You need the vision, mission, purpose and values. At that point, if you have a clear idea of what your purpose is, you start entering into the world of politics.
“We want to make Wales a better place and create a better life for the people of Wales. That is what gets me out of bed in the morning – making everyday life more enjoyable.”
The link with business is that rugby in general, and the WRU in particular, generate wealth. “We are probably the biggest brand in Wales at the moment,” he adds. “That brings a huge business, political and social responsibility. If we get that right, Wales will do well by us.”
So what makes one person powerful? Brian Morgan, director of the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre at UWIC, has a few ideas: “You have to demonstrate an ability to get things done. You have to show some passion – you don’t see many successful people who hide their light under a bushel. And you’ve got to get your timing right – there is no point in jumping on a bandwagon when it isn’t on anyone’s agenda. That is where a lot of people get it wrong.”
A strong personality and networking skills are also essential. But there may be something darker, adds Morgan: “More than anything else in Wales, you need to be devious. You have to be incredibly careful not to upset the wrong people. This gives rise to the problem of people being reluctant to make decisions.”
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