The Pope & The CEO: John Paul II's Leadership Lessons to a Young Swiss Guard
John Paul II's witness to the reality of God's grace in the life of man, as divine presence and guidance, so inspired and touched the life of one of his body guards, a Swiss guard, that when the latter became an entrepreneur and a CEO, he set himself to emulate the virtues of leadership of the Pope. In this book, the Swiss-Guard-turned-CEO gives a personal witness to the successful application of the Pope's leadership virtues in the life of a CEO and offers the same to CEOs and his readers. The book is thus an excellent tribute to the memory of the Pope and a commendable guide to successful entrepreneurship.John Paul II's witness to the reality of God's grace in the life of man so inspired and touched the life of one Swiss guard, that when the latter became an entrepreneur and a CEO, he set himself to emulate the virtues of leadership of the Pope. In this book, the Swiss-Guard-turned-CEO gives a personal witness to the successful application of the Pope's leadership virtues and offers the same to other CEOs and all of his readers. The book is thus an excellent tribute to the memory of the Pope and a commendable guide to successful entrepreneurship. --Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and PeaceAndreas Widmer has given us a true gift by sharing his firsthand experience of Pope JPII's personal habits so that we can incorporate these in our own leadership journey. By making the Pope accessible and by appropriating the Pope's demeanor into his own personal and work lives, Andreas gave a us a role model who is truly worthy of the word and shows us that it is possible to achieve the sanctity of leadership even in the context of business.Andreas Widmer gives us a true gift by sharing his firsthand experience of Pope JPII's personal habits so that we can incorporate these in our own leadership journey. By making the Pope accessible and by appropriating the Pope's demeanor into his own personal and work lives, Andreas gives a us a role model who is truly worthy of the word; he shows us that it is possible to achieve the sanctity of leadership even in the context of business. --Carolyn Y. Woo, Dean, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame; newly named President and CEO of Catholic Relief ServicesAndreas Widmer is an honest man, a good man, and an insightful man. His reflections on what he learned from perhaps the greatest Christian of our time offer all of us a powerful example of leadership at work. --George Weigel, Pope John Paul II s Biographer, Distinguished Senior Fellow of Washington s Ethics and Public Policy CenterWhat we find in Andreas Widmer s book is the fruit, both of his own disciplined and [shrewdly perceptive] scrutiny of his life, and of the influence on that life of the years he spent, not only in close proximity to Blessed John Paul ll, but in what turned out to be a close friendship. It is a story suffused with the luminescence of wisdom and holiness. --Thomas Howard, Author--Endorsements"Andreas Widmer has produced an excellent management tool for those of us who believe the teachings of the Church will enlighten our path and guide us to succeed in every endeavor.John Paul II's relentless defense of freedom helped shape the XX Century. He was a living example of what can happen when the virtues of faith, hope and love merge with wisdom, a positive attitude and strategic thinking.From the C-Suite of large corporations to the day-to- day small entrepreneur, the lessons of The Pope & The CEO are right on target." --Juan J. Daboub, Ph.D., Former Managing Director of the World Bank and Former Minister of Finance of El Salvador, entrepenuer and businessman. He is the Founding CEO of the Global Adaptation Institute.--EndorsementsInThe Pope and the CEO, Andreas Widmer gives a striking testimony to the heroic holiness of life of Blessed Pope John Paul II, which he, as a young Swiss Guard, was blessed to witness at close hand. He offers a most powerful testimony, showing how the holiness of Pope John Paul II inspired and continues to inspire him, also through some most difficult times in his life, to strive for what the saintly Pontiff aptly called the high standard of ordinary Christian living. It is my hope that Widmer s book will draw many, especially those engaged in business, closer to Blessed Pope John Paul II and, through him, to Christ to Whom, through the Blessed Virgin Mary, he gave his whole being, right up to the last moment of his life. --Cardinal Raymond Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signaturabr>"In The Pope and the CEO, Andreas Widmer captures John Paul's deep commitment to the human person and provides an engaging and insightful look at how this understanding of the human person is necessary for personal and professional flourishing. The book captures the essence of the tradition and teachings on the human person and the good life, and provides compelling and clear guidelines for applying these ideas to current business and professional challenges." --Anna Halpine, Founder of the World Youth AllianceAndreas insights from daily life with a great man like John Paul II drives home the point that business decisions can be made from purely human motives OR with God's inspiration for us and for our work. The anecdotes and insights make The Pope & The CEO a worthwhile read" --Claire Huang, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Bank of America Merrill LynchIn a world which often sees the Gospel of Truth and the world of business as polar opposites, Andreas Widmer sees, understands, and develops the connections. As Benedict XVI has repeatedly reminded us, we are all called to be saints. In The Pope & the CEO, Widmer shows how the words and actions of Blessed John Paul II provide living guidance for all those charged with high responsibilities in the marketplace: guidance for prudent and morally-wise business decisions, and guidance about how to pursue holiness in our everyday lives. --Samuel Gregg, Director of Research, Acton InstituteWhen I first met Andreas, he told me, I was converted to Christianity under the personal witness of Pope John Paul II. This claim was so unique and stunning, that I was immediately drawn to his testimony. Imagine learning under the tutelage of the CEO of Christianity, and allow yourself to learn how to be a CEO from the personal and deeply insightful comments by Andreas Widmer, a Former Swiss Guard of Pope John Paul II. --Richard E. OmohundroMy friend, Andreas Widmer, found his faith while protecting Pope John Paul II as a member of the Vatican s legendary Swiss Guards. The experience changed his life and continues to guide his quest to integrate his faith into being a husband, father, CEO and marketplace leader. In The Pope & The CEO, Andreas shares with us his personal memories and the lessons learned from of one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century. John Paul s powerful example of faith, humility and love will challenge you to discover your calling and put your faith into action. --Dale Dawson, Founder & CEO. Bridge2RwandaPope John Paul II will probably be best remembered for his role in overturning communism in Poland and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. Less well known are his many other achievements as a leader. As a former Swiss Guard at the Vatican, Andreas Widmer has given us a rare insight into the life of the Pope and his style of leadership. Observing the inspirational leadership of the Pope close up inspired Andreas --EndorsementsAs the title suggests,The Pope and the CEOis an attempt really well done to articulate an account of the many connections between Christian faith and entrepreneurial-managerial activity. The key to Widmer s argument is the suggestion that the market, the business, the economy can themselves be the place for reciprocity, fraternity, civilization. Under one condition: that the enterprise is not seen only as a machine to make money. As John Paul II taught to the Author, money and profit are weak incentives if we want to move people at the level of their most noble and powerful energies. The narrative of the book is rather original. Between personal recollections of the two years spent as a Swiss guard and the accurate report of the multifarious activities undertaken since he left the Vatican, Widmer provides us with a useful guidebook for people who really desire to achieve successful leadership.The Pope and the CEOis a beautifully written book that ought to be read by all those who realize that our time is characterized by a deep crisis, that is not simply economic and financial, but also cultural and ethical. Its reading will certainly contribute to the generation of new ideas and pave the way for new venues of research in managerial studies. --Stefano Zamagni, Prof. of Economics, University of Bologna; Adjunct Prof. of Political Economy, Johns Hopkins University, Bologna Center; President of the Italian Agency for the Third SectorFascinating, intimate, inside stories of one Swiss Guard s personal interactions with Blessed John Paul II captivates readers with a rare glimpse into the little known culture of the Pope and his  guards. Those real-life encounters with the Pope formed Andreas Widmer s life and views on faith, family, and work from a young Swiss Guard to a corporate executive and CEO. Real leadership requires reconciling our spiritual lives with our work, and the Pope & The CEO are two Christian men that show us how to put that into practice every day. --Immaculée Ilibagiza, AuthorReading this book and reflecting on the tremendous turmoil in our world today, I am reminded of the enduring importance of effective leadership. From my perspective, it is imperative that we rethink and rebuild our approaches to solving the big issues of the day and capturing the many emerging growth opportunities across the globe. These new organizations will require a new type of leader, or as is articulated in the book a return to the certain successful leadership traits of a great mentor. For current CEOs, this book will cause you to stop and contemplate your own unfolding legacy. For future CEOs, you are provided with some important discoveries for how to shape a better world and a more enjoyable life! --Bob Keith, President & CEO, Catalyst Growth Partners"Must read for anyone in the business world. I know I talk about wanting to be a man of integrity and putting the interests of others above my own, but the Pope's actions and words reflected that he was a living definition of the word. Thank God, Andreas was present to capture the living witness and testimony of this Pope and share his wisdom to benefit all readers. This book has captivated and challenged me to become a man that pursues the heart and mind of Christ. Thank you for challenging us to become the men that God desires us all to become." --David Howlett, Serial Entrepreneur--Endorsements