Jack Leslie, Chairman of Weber Shandwick, discusses the lessons he learned regarding emerging economies and entrepreneurship. First, Leslie argues that the creation of freedom and prosperity comes from a nation's internal entrepreneurial spirit, not imposed from above or abroad. Second, Leslie suggests that an entrepreneurial society is at the foundation of a free political society by allowing individuals to be reliant on themselves rather than an authoritarian regime. He illustrates these principles with two brief stories.
Pedro Aspe, Former Secretary of Finance, Mexico and CEO of Protego, discusses two central conditions for an entrepreneurial society: 1) Education and 2) Reliable Institutions. Aspe emphasizes the importance of removing discretionary power, in matters of trade and finance, from the hands of public officials in order increase the reliability of an economic system. Aspe associates the remaining discretionary power on these matters with the existing economic struggles of Latin America.