Assholes: A Theory
Ever get the impression that assholes are taking over? Assholes: A Theory, a timely new doc from John Walker, investigates the breeding grounds of contemporary asshole culture and searches for signs of civility in a rude-n-nasty universe. Available on CBC Gem
With rampant narcissism threatening to trash civilization as we know it, the time has come for Assholes: A Theory, an entertaining and oh-so-timely new doc from acclaimed director John Walker.
Built around a lively conversation with philosopher Aaron James, author of the New York Times bestseller of the same name, Assholes: A Theory investigates the breeding grounds of contemporary “asshole culture”—and locates a few hopeful signs of civility in an otherwise rude-’n-nasty universe.
Venturing into a predominantly male domain, Walker moves from the frat clubs of elite colleges to the bratty princedoms of Silicon Valley and bear pits of international finance. Why do entitled assholes thrive in certain environments? What explains their perverse appeal and success? And how do they keep getting elected!
More: My adventures with assholes
Weighing in with pungent commentary are observers like actor John Cleese, referring sweetly to the hedge-fund trade as an “arsehole factory”— echoing law professor Saule Omarova’s tart appraisal of financial services as “a quintessential asshole industry.” While Leslie Miley, one of the few African-Americans to rise through Silicon Valley’s ranks, assesses the damage done by the move fast-and-break-things mantra, and former police officer Sherry Lee Benson-Podolchuk shatters the clichéd image of the courteous Mountie with Women Not Wanted, her exposé of misogynistic assholery within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Weighing in with pungent commentary are observers like actor John Cleese, referring sweetly to the hedge-fund trade as an “arsehole factory”—echoing law professor Saule Omarova’s tart appraisal of financial services as “a quintessential asshole industry.” While Leslie Miley, one of the few African-Americans to rise through Silicon Valley’s ranks, assesses the damage done by the move-fast-and-break-things mantra, and former police officer Sherry Lee Benson-Podolchuk shatters the clichéd image of the courteous Mountie with Women Not Wanted, her exposé of misogynistic assholery within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Other featured interviews include policy consultant Robert Hockett, who worked for both Occupy Wall Street and the US Federal Reserve in the wake of the 2008 crash; banker Paul Purcell, who has pioneered a novel “no asshole rule” at his company
Paul Purcell, Baird Chairman. (Photo by JWP)
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A Man of Vision, Passion and Timeless Values
On February 28, 2020, Paul E. Purcell, former Baird Chairman & CEO, passed away at the age of 73, surrounded by his wife and four children. For more than 25 of Baird's 100 years, Paul's vision, acumen and transformational leadership helped the firm achieve new heights of growth and success. And the deeply personal, positive impact he made on our clients, associates and the communities we share will resonate for many years to come.
A Visionary Leader
Recruited by past Baird Chairman Fred Kasten, Paul joined Baird in 1994 from Kidder Peabody & Co., bringing with him a relentless work ethic. Several of his colleagues from Kidder came with him, including current Baird Chairman & CEO Steve Booth. When Paul became President in 1998, his vision was for Baird to be the best middle market firm in the world. He was instrumental in the formation of Baird's private equity business and helped pioneer the first expansions of Baird's now global equities platform into Europe and Asia. He engineered the buyback of the majority of Baird's outstanding shares from Northwestern Mutual in 2004, citing the importance of being able to control our own destiny. His foresight and long-term thinking kept the firm strong and stable through the depths of the Global Financial Crisis. And he consistently reinvested in our capabilities to serve clients' evolving needs.
| Read About Paul's Amazing Life & Leadership | WATCH AND LISTEN TO PAUL'S OWN PERSPECTIVE ON HIS TIME AT BAIRD |
A Champion of Culture
Paul's focus on Baird's clients was integral to his growth strategy, but he felt the quality of our people was equally important to the firm's success. His distinctive contribution to the cultural document we call The Baird Way was his "No Asshole Rule." He knew being a great place to work would enable us to attract our industry's best talent and be selective about whom we hire. He believed that would ensure the best experience for clients. Under his leadership Baird was recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® every year from 2004.
A Caring Community Partner
The idea that things could always be better drove Paul and inspired everyone around him. This was evident in his leadership of Baird and his commitment to our communities. His belief in the power of education led him to help found the board of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago and chair the advisory council of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business for 10 years. He also served on the boards of Teach for America – Milwaukee, Alverno College, Junior Achievement of Chicago, The United Way of Greater Milwaukee, the United Performing Arts Fund and Discovery World.
“Kids Win!” – How Baird is Keeping Paul’s Passion Alive