In this episode of the Civic Forum, Rory Truex, an associate professor from Princeton University, discusses the intersection of democracy and the business community with Daniella Ballou-Aares, the founder of The Leadership Now Project. The conversation explores the importance of business engagement in democratic processes, the challenges of forming cross-partisan coalitions, and the role of informed business leaders in promoting rule of law and economic stability. Daniella shares insights from Leadership Now's initiatives, such as the 'Pass the Torch' campaign and advocacy on H1-B visas and electoral reforms. The episode also touches on responding to authoritarian threats, state capitalism, and crafting effective forms of influence through public statements, private actions, and strategic investment in pro-democracy candidates and policies.

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Follow Daniella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniella-ballou-aares-b117a/

00:00 Introductions

01:19 The Business Community's Role in Democracy

08:58 Impact of Political Climate on Business

15:11 Strategies for Effective Advocacy

23:32 Solidarity and Collective Action

28:06 Business Responses to Social Issues

29:17 Public Pressure on Corporations

31:15 Corporate Advocacy and Effectiveness

36:09 Domain-Specific Activism

38:00 Authoritarianism in the Tech Industry

43:48 State Capitalism and Industrial Policy

52:19 Career Advice and Personal Reflections