Before stepping into the spotlight of global leadership, many of today’s world leaders held humble, and often surprising, jobs. From bus drivers and bartenders to comedians and factory workers, these early roles played a vital part in shaping their perspectives, resilience, and leadership styles.

The video “First Jobs of World Leaders of Different Countries” offers a fascinating glimpse into the working lives of several prominent leaders before they entered politics—reminding us that great power often begins with small, grounded beginnings.

1. Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine) – Comedian & Producer

Before becoming President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy was a well-known comedian and TV producer. He gained fame through the satirical show Servant of the People, in which he played an ordinary man who accidentally becomes president—a storyline that later turned into reality.

2. Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela) – Bus Driver

Maduro began his career as a bus driver in Caracas. His working-class background became central to his political narrative as he rose through the ranks of Venezuela’s socialist government.

3. Pope Francis (Argentina) – Nightclub Bouncer

Before entering seminary school, Jorge Mario Bergoglio—now Pope Francis—worked as a bouncer at a nightclub in Buenos Aires. This early job helped shape his grounded and relatable image as head of the Catholic Church.

4. Tony Blair (UK) – Amateur Comedian & Musician

Tony Blair performed comedy routines and played in a rock band called Ugly Rumours during his university years. These experiences contributed to his charismatic public persona as Britain’s Prime Minister.

5. Lyndon B. Johnson (USA) – Goat Herder

Before becoming the 36th President of the United States, Johnson worked as a goat herder in rural Texas to support his education—an experience that instilled a strong work ethic from a young age.

6. Vladimir Putin (Russia) – Taxi Driver (Post-Soviet Era)

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Putin reportedly worked as a freelance taxi driver to supplement his income—an experience he later referenced as a sign of the nation’s economic hardship.

7. Mark Rutte (Netherlands) – HR Manager at Unilever

Before serving as Dutch Prime Minister and now Secretary General of NATO, Rutte worked in human resources for Unilever. His corporate background contributed to his reputation as a pragmatic and business-minded leader.

8. Christine Lagarde (France) – International Lawyer

Before holding global economic roles such as IMF Managing Director and President of the European Central Bank, Lagarde worked as a lawyer for Baker & McKenzie, specializing in labor and competition law.

9. Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand) – Fish & Chip Shop Worker

Ardern’s first job was serving food at a local fish and chip shop. She later worked as a policy advisor in London before becoming New Zealand’s Prime Minister known for her empathetic leadership.

10. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – Garage Accountant

The former Liberian president and Nobel Peace Prize winner started her career as an accountant for an auto repair shop, later advancing to a role in the national treasury before launching her political career.

These early jobs—ranging from the ordinary to the unexpected—highlight the diverse paths world leaders have taken before reaching the top. They underscore an important truth: leadership is often forged in the crucible of real-world experiences. Whether behind a bus wheel, on a stage, or in a kitchen, these roles offered critical life lessons that shaped how each leader would later serve their people.

Such stories remind us that anyone, from any background, can rise to lead a nation—proving that no starting point is too small for greatness.