Did Bob Geldof ever read a book? The debate you often hear in business is whether true, inspirational leadership is natural or learnt. If it is natural, then the millions of pounds spent on books, self-help guides and workshops are a waste. If it is learnt, where did Ghandi, Dr King, Richard Branson and Steve Jobs hear all about it? Events happen to us all. Isn’t it what we do with them that gives us the opportunity if not to move mountains then at least to show leadership traits that make others want to do more and be better? I have been really struck by the man that is Bob Geldof. Here is someone who was the lead singer of a somewhat successful rock band who 35 years after having a number one single remains an instantly recognisable name. It was 1984 when he pulled Boy George, George Michael, Simon Le Bon and even Marilyn together for Band Aid. A year later Live Aid at Wembley. A decade later with the Prophet Bono he lobbied global leaders and showed people like Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela what to do. Now in 2014 he once again demands us to do our bit with Band Aid 30. While the clarion call from the man from Northern Ireland never changes, the events in his personal life are enough to make a good man bad. He married a beautiful woman who left him after meeting another rock star on live TV. When that man, Michael Hutchens then killed himself, Bob’s ex-wife took her own life. The child they had together, Tiger Lily, was adopted by Bob and his family. Only last year, one of Bob’s daughters by Paula Yates died in her twenties from a drug overdose. His recent appearance on the X Factor to promote Band Aid 30 saw a man who physically shows the scars of personal tragedy. But his spirit, his passion, his belief in what we can and should do for others was not dimmed. If the personal experiences that Bob Geldof has faced happened to me would I work harder than ever to still put others first? That for me is true leadership that you can’t learn from a book. Respect Bob. Respect. www.ashleyrileycommunications.co.uk @ashleycomms .