Some Achieve Greatness: Lessons on leadership and character from Shakespeare and one of his greatest admirers

Description

How are we to endure this global leadership drought? There's a reason we often use the word 'Shakespearean' to describe dramatic times: William Shakespeare is our best analyst of human behaviour and motivation. A man well acquainted with turmoil, he produced works bristling with wit, profound empathy and a deep understanding of the best and worst of our nature. His words still ring with relevance today; they might just contain some of the answers we're looking for. Australians are weary of the farcical spectacle of mid-term prime ministers being shoved through the revolving door, scandalous failures of governance in financial institutions and the moral abyss in Church stewardship. Throughout the mess of Brexit, chaotic unpredictability of the Trump administration and Covid-19 - the gravest leadership challenge since World War II - stable, reliable, sensible leadership has been in short supply. Having spent a great deal of the last seventy-something years studying, performing and directing Shakespeare's plays, John Bell has absorbed timeless lessons in life, character and leadership from the Bard - and put these to good use running two successful theatre companies. Some Achieve Greatness presents invaluable lessons to help us navigate this unpredictable time. 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.' 'Should be mandatory reading for all our leaders and aspiring leaders.' David Williamson 'John Bell on Shakespeare is always riveting, but John Bell on Shakespeare through the lens of leadership is a revelation. Packed with insights, this is inspirational reading for anyone who aspires to be an effective leader - and anyone who wants to understand why so many leaders fail while others prevail.' Hugh Mackay "Poetical, profound and practical leadership advice from the Bard and the Bell. It just doesn't get better than this." Jane Caro

John Bell is one of the nation's most illustrious theatre personalities. Award-winning actor, acclaimed director, risk-taking impressario and torch-bearing educationalist, Bell has been a key figure in shaping the nation's theatrical identity as we know it over the past 50 years. As co-founder of Nimrod Theatre Company, Bell presented many productions of landmark Australian plays, and in 1990, Bell took on an even greater challenge, founding The Bell Shakespeare Company. Bell's unique contribution to national culture has been recognised by many bodies. He is an Officer of the Order of Australia and the Order of the British Empire; has an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the Universities of Sydney, New South Wales and Newcastle; and was recognised in 1997 by the National Trust of Australia as one of Australia's Living Treasures. As an actor and director, his many awards include a Helpmann Award for Best Actor (Richard 3, 2002), a Producers and Directors Guild Award for Lifetime Achievement and the JC Williamson Award (2009) for extraordinary contribution to Australia's live entertainment industry. "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." Hamlet