Most people would agree that ambition is an essential trait in today’s society. However, recent events have shown that sometimes other factors come into play and can challenge our ambitions.
Richard Olivier, the son of the famous actors’ Sir Laurence Olivier and Judith Ploughman, had the ambition as a child to be the greatest actor in the world. But one morning having a morning cuppa, he realised that he couldn’t even be the greatest actor in the family kitchen. Olivier Jnr accepted this reality and changed his ambition. He became a Shakespearean actor, then codified his skill and knowledge, applying it to teaching masterclasses about leadership, based on Shakespeares’ plays.
In a leadership masterclass based on Macbeth, Olivier uses the example of Prince Malcolm fleeing to England after Macbeth murders his father King Duncan, to be a lesson in ambition. Malcolm is under suspicion for the murder, so he flees to England.
Despite the unjust accusation, Malcolm does not immediately raise an army to avenge his father’s death and clear his name. Olivier points out that he is tempering his ambition. Eventually, he gathers his forces with the support of McDuff, they dispose of Macbeth, and…
