Over the last few decades, the language of government has slowly adopted the vocabulary of business. Today, America is often managed like a company, with quarterly results, fiscal audits, and market strategies taking center stage. But unlike a business, our nation isn’t a profit machine; it’s a community of millions whose well-being depends on policies that serve the people, not just the bottom line.

When corporations prioritize shareholder returns, they are driven by short-term profits. Management decisions focus on appeasing investors, squeezing productivity, and cutting costs, even when those choices undermine employee well-being or consumer satisfaction. By contrast, a truly healthy society addresses the universal needs of its citizens. Our president, cast in the role of a national CEO, must recognize that the citizens of the USA (his customers) demand services, opportunities, and a sense of security that cannot be distilled into a simple financial report. We are not a commodity; we are the very foundation of democracy.

This approach demands a fundamental rethinking of our national priorities. Too often, government policies have mirrored the logic of a boardroom meeting: deregulation to boost corporate profits, tax cuts that enrich the few while leaving many struggling, and a political agenda that too frequently favors market logic over human needs. Consider the growing disconnect between business incentives and public investment in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. As policymakers chase their chosen metric of economic growth, vital investments that guarantee quality of life are sidelined. In effect, the nation’s “customers” are left with a diminished product: a life of uncertainty and reduced opportunities.

When we reduce our success down to a single value, such as our GDP or stock performance, we lose sight of what makes America unique: its people. The health of a company is reflected in its products and customer satisfaction, not just its share price. In the same vein, the success of a nation should be measured by the strength of its communities, the quality of life of its citizens, and the resilience of its social fabric. A president with a customer-first mindset would work to build trust by investing in public goods, like robust education systems, accessible healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure that empowers every individual. Instead of being the CEO who chases quarterly metrics, the president should be the steward of a great community.

Furthermore, this shift in perspective matters now more than ever. In a time of authorized economic uncertainty, rampant income inequality, and a politically polarized culture, policy decisions must reach beyond narrow corporate interests. American voters deserve a leader who prioritizes their needs, whether it’s job security, affordable healthcare, or a safe environment for future generations. When policy is crafted with the people in mind instead of a select group of financial backers, the resulting benefits ripple outward, reinforcing social stability and democratic resilience. Two examples of this would the the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. While I think most Americans will agree that neither of these examples have been implemented perfectly, America has benefited from both of them.

It’s time to reframe the narrative. Yes, America operates in a global economy, and competitiveness is essential. However, competitiveness should not come at the expense of community well-being. The national agenda must transition from a focus on maximizing returns for a small pool of shareholders to creating value for all Americans. Building a nation means nurturing the very heart of society, which I believe is the diverse and dynamic community of people whose lives and contributions define our collective strength. In practice, this means a president who listens to public concerns, supports policies that empower local communities, and champions investments that foster long-term societal benefits.

Ultimately, the call is clear: our president must pivot from the corporate playbook and embrace a leadership style that puts citizens first. When the government becomes a tool for enriching the lives of its people (its “loyal customers”), then the entire country can thrive in ways that go far beyond fiscal reports. It’s a daunting challenge, but one that is essential if we are to reclaim the promise of America as a land of opportunity, compassion, and genuine progress.

In this photo illustration, US 100 dollar bills seen on an American flag. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)