Rise of philosopher-manager in corporate leadership

Translating it to modern world, philosopher-manager cultivates critical thinking, inquisitiveness and inquiry.

- AKSHAT PRATAP SINGH

With Apple’s market capitalization soaring beyond $2.1 trillion, eclipsing the GDP of nations like Italy, Brazil, and Canada, and Amazon boasting a workforce surpassing the populations of Estonia, Cyprus and Luxembourg, with its 1.5 million employees, it is becoming increasingly clear that corporations are not just playing the geoeconomic game—they’re setting the board. In a world where corporate giants rival nations in economic might, and proprietary technological innovations hold the power to reshape the very fabric of society, one might wonder: why do the principles of philosophy seem to apply to political leaders alone?

For centuries, philosophers have fervently debated what the quintessential qualities are that define a ‘good’ leader. Yet, among the plethora of theories, none has resonated as profoundly with the contemporary world as Plato’s philosopher-king.

The concept of the philosopher-king stood as the central pillar of his vision for his Ideal State—Plato’s utopia where the wisest rule to create a just, virtuous, and rational society. This was because, at his very core, Plato believed that until philosophers become leaders, or until leaders become philosophers, there is no road to real happiness, either for society or for the individual.

The idea that philosophers should become leaders emanated from Plato’s belief that the philosopher possessed the required knowledge, intellectual acumen, and rigorous training necessary to assume the mantle of leadership.