Previously Aired On: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Listen to the Show!
Peter Idusogie is a first generation American, born in London, England whose passion for people and government began as a child. At the age of 11, Peter was first introduced into politics when his late father Ephraim Idusogie a former United Nations diplomat, sat him down to explain the Angola civil war. This conflict, which began in the mid seventies pitched the former Soviet Union and the United States on opposite sides because of the Cold War. Listening to world news Peter would gain at an early age a mental crash course in global politics, develop a growing intrigue in foreign policy and the importance but limited role of government in the affairs of its citizens.
Upon graduating nearly two decades ago with a degree in political science from Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter Minnesota, Peter began a career as an environmental activist lobbying and engaging in voter education with Clean Water Action which is one of the largest environmental organizations in the country with a sizable presence in Minnesota. Within a year Peter rose to become a field Manager, cross-trained with other grass-root groups around the country and worked on health care, insurance reform and other issues pertinent to a clean and sustainable environment. Peter quickly became known for his ability to develop powerful messages which mobilized people to act. Through Clean Water Voter Education Project, Peter worked indirectly with nearly all the CWA endorsed candidates at both the state and federal level from 1989-1994. Leaving the non-profit sector Peter began his first foray in the market place by pursuing a career with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which is the largest car rental company in North America . Peter joined Enterprise during its rapid growth in the early 90’s. The enterprise model taught Peter how to run and grow a successful business and the importance of excellent customer service. During his career at Enterprise Peter rose to management in record time receiving numerous awards culminating his five year career with the rental company by running the Airport Branch, the largest enterprise location in Minnesota .
Having conquered the rental industry in 1999, Peter became one of the first African American to be employed with Hayden and Associates, then the largest executive search firm in Minnesota . After contributing to the success that led Hayden to be acquired by TMP Worldwide(NASDAQ:TMPQ), Peter joined Hudson Global Resources when it was later carved out of TMP Worldwide as a recruiter for Engineering, Operations and Industrial practice professionals. Here again, Peter gained key knowledge on the inextricable connection between a sound economy and a growing job market. By listening to the directors, CFO’s and VP’s of operations, Peter came to understand managements’ trials and triumphs of running a business, plant layoffs, downsizing, using finite resources to accomplish more and recruiting top talent to compete in a global economy.
Between 2004-2006, while working in the private sector as a consultant, Peter ran more than once for office, one serious enough to take him all the way to the end of the caucus process as one of two candidates vying for the DFL nomination for Congress in 2004. That particular race stirred up the hearts and minds of the people in the second district and beyond. It inspired a new generation of candidates some of whom are now serving in the state legislature. Long before national figures today Peter preached the politics of inclusion on the ‘real’ issues that concerns us all.
Please visit:
http://www.peterforcongress.org/PoliticalIssues1.htm
March 1st, 2008
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