Jim Clifton

For decades, the primary social concerns in the world have been the longing for peace, freedom, religious expression, democracy, or even owning a home. The primary concern of many people - for the first time - is just to have a good job. Creating good jobs focusing on the emotional economy, innovation, and entrepreneurship will ultimately drive long-term business and economic growth. While there are five billion people in the world aged 15 years or older, only 1.2 billion formal, full-time jobs are currently in existence.

In this talk, Jim Clifton addresses:
What governments, businesses, and leaders can do to help create engaging jobs and workplaces, which are so desperately needed.
The role city leaders and local authorities play in supporting and promoting these efforts.
How leaders can promote entrepreneurship and create healthy businesses, starting by positioning people in roles where they naturally fit - the very key to job creation.

Over the next 30 years the success of nations and the enterprises that are created will be driven not by political or military force but by economic might - which is determined by the ability of leaders to create jobs and stimulate sustained GDP growth.

Modern America is at a unique juncture. High-level government policies and organizational strategies impact not only the future of America, but also the foundation of its key institutions and national issues, rooted in America's past. Every citizen is affected by the state of the national economy, and America's presence on the global stage. Education plays a vital role, from how our past education has shaped people in key roles in commerce and public life, to how our future leaders will be educated. The national debate on the Affordable Care Act remains high on everyone's radar. In over 75 years of global insight and research, one of Gallup's most significant findings is that - for the first time - the primary concern of many people is to have a good job, and the life it enables one to lead. Creating good jobs with a focus on the emotional economy, innovation, and entrepreneurship will ultimately drive long-term business and economic growth, and produce thought-leaders who will help shape the conversation and have future impact on America's most pressing societal concerns.