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John Paul II showed me what real leadership looks like. He modeled for me how to pursue our God-given potential. Not coincidentally, this also makes us and those around us better employees, more capable of and more more than willing to work hard at building a more inviolable company. That s something that makes both good humane sense and good business sense. - Andreas Widmer Former Swiss Guard, CEO and business leader
Andreas Widmer gives a behind-the-scenes look into Pope John Paul II, the most authentically humane person I ve ever met, and reveals how those memories shaped and forged his success as a corporate executive. In what papal biographer George Weigel calls a powerful example of leadership at work, Widmer recounts his personal experiences serving Blessed Pope John Paul II in the Swiss Guard, and the mysteries of successful leadership that he learned at the feet of the great pope.

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 enterpriser 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 therefore an magnificent 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 enterpriser 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 therefore an magnificent 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 Peace

Andreas Widmer has given us a unfeigned gift by sharing his firsthand experience of Pope JPII's personal habits so that we may 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 genuinely 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 unfeigned gift by sharing his firsthand experience of Pope JPII's personal habits so that we may comprise 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 genuinely 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 Services

Andreas Widmer is an honorable man, a good man, and an perceptive 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 Center

What 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 developed an magnificent management tool for those of us who believe the teachings of the Church will shed light on our path and guide us to succeed in each endeavor.

John Paul II's relentless defense of freedom helped shape the XX Century. He was a living example of what may occur when the virtues of faith, hope and love merge with wisdom, a positive attitude and strategic thinking.

From the C-Suite of huge corporations to the day-to- day little 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.

--Endorsements

In The 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 proceeds to inspire him, also through a heap of most difficult times in his life, to strive for what the saintly Pontiff aptly called the high frequent of standard Christian living. It is my hope that Widmer s book will draw many, in particular 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 Signatura

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"In The Pope and the CEO, Andreas Widmer captures John Paul's deep dedication to the humane person and provides an engaging and perceptive look at how this understanding of the humane person is necessary for personal and professional flourishing. The book captures the essence of the tradition and teachings on the humane 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 Alliance

Andreas perceptivities from daily life with a outstanding man like John Paul II drives home the point that business conclusions may be made from rigorously humane motivatings OR with God's inspiration for us and for our work. The anecdotes and perceptivenesses make The Pope & The CEO a suitable read" -- Claire Huang, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Bank of America Merrill Lynch

In a world which oftentimes 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 activenesses 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 in regards to how to pursue holiness in our each day lives. -- Samuel Gregg, Director of Research, Acton Institute

When I basi met Andreas, he told me, I was converted to Christianity beneath the personal witness of Pope John Paul II. This assert was so distinctive and stunning, that I was without delay drawn to his testimony. Imagine learning under the tutelage of the CEO of Christianity, and grant yourself to learn how to be a CEO from the personal and deeply perceptive remarks by Andreas Widmer, a Former Swiss Guard of Pope John Paul II. -- Richard E. Omohundro

My friend, Andreas Widmer, found his faith while protecting Pope John Paul II as a fellow member of the Vatican s legendary Swiss Guards. The experience changed his life and proceeds 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. Bridge2Rwanda

Pope John Paul II will in all probability be best remembered for his role in overturning communism in Poland and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. Less well known are his a heap of other accomplishments as a leader. As a former Swiss Guard at the Vatican, Andreas Widmer has given us a rare clear or deep perception into the life of the Pope and his style of leadership. Observing the inspirational leadership of the Pope close up inspired Andreas --Endorsements

As the title suggests, The Pope and the CEO is an try in truth well done to articulate an account of the some connections amongst Christian faith and entrepreneurial-managerial activity. The key to Widmer s argument is the suggestion that the market, the business, the economy may 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, cash and earnings are weak incentives if we want to move persons 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 expended as a Swiss guard and the precise report of the multifarious activenesses undertaken since he left the Vatican, Widmer provides us with a utile guidebook for persons who genuinely desire to achieve successful leadership.

The Pope and the CEO is 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 merely economic and financial, but likewise cultural and ethical. Its reading will surely bestow to the generation of new ideas and pave the way for new venues of exploration 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 Sector

Fascinating, 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 exercise each day. -- Immaculée Ilibagiza, Author

Reading this book and reflecting on the vast turmoil in our world today, I am reminded of the enduring importance of effective leadership. From my perspective, it is of the utmost importance that we rethink and rebuild our approaches to solving the big issues of the day and capturing the a lot of emergent growth prospects all over the globe. These new organizations will require a new type of leader, or as is articulated in the book a return to the sure successful leadership traits of a outstanding mentor. For current CEOs, this book will cause you to stop and contemplate your own unfolding legacy. For future CEOs, you are provided with a heap of essential discoveries for how to shape a better world and a more gratifying life! -- Bob Keith, President & CEO, Catalyst Growth Partners

"Must read for any person in the business world. I know I talk with regards to wanting to be a man of integrity and putting the interests of others above my own, but the Pope's activenesses 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 percentage his wisdom to gain 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

Most helpful client reviews

13 of 14 persons found the following review helpful.
What True Leadership Looks Like Up Close - As Modeled by Blessed John Paul II
By Thomas M. Loarie
Andreas Widmer, in his early 20s, expended two years protecting Blessed Pope John Paul II as a Pontifical Swiss Guard from 1986 to 1988. As a guard, he could not miss him as he saw and expended time with the Pope more times than he could count. And at 6'9", the Pope could not miss him ("my tallest guard," said John Paul) either. After leaving the Vatican, Widmer came to the U.S. to study international business, worked in various software start-ups, and led the Monitor Group's OTF group. Along the way, he lost the love for what he was doing and questioned the path he was on.

When leaving the Swiss Guards, John Paul II told him to "Go and fetch Christ into the world; once you go back and out into the world, it is understood that you will carry on to shield Him, only this time with your persona, and how you live your life." And he has...having since founded SEVEN (Social Equity Venture Fund) which is a virtual non-profit entity run by enterprisers whose system is to markedly increase the rate of innovation and diffusion of enterprise-based solutions to poverty.

In the exhaustively pleasurable and unforgettable "The Pope & the CEO," Widmer shares his life story - his role as a Swiss Guard; his "hitting the wall" and resultant career transformation; and the impact, in later years, John Paul II had on his understanding of his unfeigned vocation, and the core beliefs of a leader. Each of the nine chapters is focalized on a critical learning of Widmer's (e.g. Know Who You Are: The Importance of Vocation, Know What's Right: Ethics and the Human Person, Life as a Witness: The Testimony of Right Action) and ends with questions for reflection.

The power and depth of the Widmer's book may be captured in a few key excerpts:
* Life is vocational - vocare, to call, vocation is a calling not a career, and we have to listen to the promptings of God to distinguish the distinctive thing God has in mind for my life. Each life is a drama playing within the more prominent Cosmic drama of God's creative, redemptive, and sanctifying purposes.
* Things have a purpose, even things that seem random or accidental. Nothing in our lives is a coincidence but rather an aspect of divine providence that we do not perceive yet. If we look at life this way, we will not succumb to the most deadening of temptations - boredom.
* Expectations - "Don't ever settle for anything less than the spiritual and moral greatness the grace of God makes possible in your life. You will fail, we all do. Get up, dust yourself off, and keep trying. But do not settle for being less than the noble humane being - leader and exemplar - you may be. Christians call this nobility sanctity.
* John Paul II said poverty was not so much dollars a day, but the exclusion from networks of productivity and exchange. Networks of productivity and interchange may take some forms: internet access, internet marketplaces, cell phones, schools, health networks, infrastructure.
* The humane person is made in the effigy and likeness of God. Love, not the desire to maximize pleasure, ought to be the source of all actions, the good of the person is indispensable focus and "Measuring Stick."
* Real freedom isn't freedom from limitations from the outside. Real freedom is the freedom to love and give ourselves fully. We are most free when we give ourselves most fully, fulfill ourselves most effectively.
* You can not manufacture a corporate culture of obligation and innovation unless you have modeled those behavings for your employees. You can not grant yourself to become distracted, unfocused, or lazy as the person in the end responsible for your business' future. You have to be more than willing to do the hard work and make hard choices, and you actually have to do both. If you don't, not a single soul else will.
* A company exists for two reasons: to satisfy the needs of it is clients and to enable it is laborers and investors to earn a living while using their God-given gifts and endowments in service to others. It must serve both not at the expense of the other.
* A business is life-giving when persons participate in God's originative power; Provides mutual help when if legitimately fulfills a lawful clients needs.

"The Pope & the CEO" is a guidebook for all aspiring leaders and for those seeking to comprise faith into all distinct features of their lives. Widmer's source of inspiration, Blessed Pope John Paul II, showed him what real leadership looks like...the Pope modeled it for him just as he modeled it for the world.

9 of 11 humans found the following review helpful.
Not just for Catholics!
By Don Alexander
Well worth the read if only for the perceptivities on Pope John Paul II. This book is so much more! This is a outstanding read for any person looking for direction in life, and a will have to for persons with an Entrepreneurial spirit. Perfect timing, we need virtue in our business world to help us find lasting success. We need Entrepreneurs and Innovators in each generation, and those people need good, formed direction. This book gives direction. Oh, buy two copies because you are going to want to share one. (I did)

11 of 14 humans found the following review helpful.
The Pope and the CEO
By AndyL
We all know the affect that Pope John Paul has had on our world today. The Pope and the CEO gives us all a outstanding clear or deep perception into how we may fetch numerous of these same virtues into our businesses each day. Be prepared to go out and buy a heap of extra highlighters, because Andreas has given us the kind of reflections from each chapter that you will want to pass onto generations of enterprisers and businessmen to come.

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