When Fairytales Fail: What Meghan and Dolly Tell Us About Value in Business

The recent return of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, to the United Kingdom has been a topic of much debate and discussion in Australia. Meanwhile, the country was mourning the passing of beloved country icon Dolly Parton. These two stories share a common thread – one that speaks to our values as a society.

One striking aspect of the Meghan-Dolly dichotomy is the differing public responses to each. While Dolly Parton’s untimely passing elicited an outpouring of grief and admiration, Meghan’s attempts to navigate royal life have been met with widespread criticism and anger. This disparity highlights that our society values hard work, contribution, and humility above all else.

Dolly Parton’s remarkable career was built on her tireless dedication to her craft. She created value through her music, philanthropy, and personal kindnesses. In contrast, Meghan’s struggles with royal duty have been characterized by entitlement and a sense that she didn’t get what she wanted – specifically, a stipend for her appearances.

This contrast highlights the principle that our actions will be judged not just by their impact on others but also by the effort we put in. Many companies prioritize values over profit, yet our values are shaped by history. Historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari has argued that our modern worldview is built on Enlightenment ideas – including the notion that hard work and self-reliance are essential to success.

When businesses prioritize “values” over real contributions to society or government policies reward entitlement rather than hard work, we create an environment where reciprocity breaks down. People (and businesses) become impoverished in ways that economic transfers can’t make up for – not just financially but also morally.

The recent BCA dinner, at which business leaders and politicians discussed the future of the economy, missed a crucial point: what people instinctively value is often more important than any formal ideology. By paying attention to popular culture and fairytales, we can tap into these deep-seated values and lead discussions in a more meaningful way.

As the Grimms knew, there’s no “happily ever after” – only continued effort and perseverance. Businesses and governments would do well to remember that our actions will be judged not just by their impact but also by the effort we put in. Prioritizing creating value for customers rather than preaching about values could lead to a more meaningful dialogue.

The government might think it has escaped from the diligence of our ancestors by trading economic growth for short-term gains. However, these values are seeping back into our consciousness through popular culture – not as some nostalgic throwback but as a living, breathing part of who we are.

Meghan’s struggles and Dolly Parton’s triumphs offer us a lesson in the timeless power of hard work, humility, and contribution. It’s a message that businesses and governments would do well to remember: that our actions will be judged not just by their impact but also by the effort we put in. As we navigate this complex landscape, let’s keep fighting for a “happily ever after” – one that values not just profit or power but the quiet, unassuming efforts of individuals who create value and contribute to society.