Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, historian Jeffrey Rosen explores Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton's very different visions of the United States, and how the productive tension betwen them has shaped the history of the country. Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, biographer and journalist Sally Bedell Smith explores the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II’s father George VI, who unexpectedly became king after his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated. Smith explores what leadership looks like in the modern British monarchy and the impact George VI had on his daughter Elizabeth. Leadership and Legacy: Conversation...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, attorney and legal analyst Elie Honig explores the origins, mission, and evolving role of the U.S. Department of Justice. While the DOJ is meant to operate independently of politics, its integrity has long depended less on constitutional mandates than on norms, traditions, and the people entrusted to uphold them. Tune in to examine what principled leadersh...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy , historian and best-selling author Max Boot reflects on the insights he gained while writing the first definitive biography of President Ronald Reagan. From a turbulent childhood to his unlikely rise as a Hollywood leading man, Reagan’s early experiences shaped a leadership style that would eventually carry him to the highest office in the land. Boot explo...

This live episode was recorded at Mount Vernon as part of The American Military at 250: The 2025 George Washington Symposium. Retired Marine Corp General and former Chief of Staff John Kelly, the 78th Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, and former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller the Honorable Kathleen Miller discuss the American military today in this panel conversat...

This live episode was recorded at Mount Vernon as part of The American Military at 250: The 2025 George Washington Symposium. In this conversation, Lindsay Chervinsky and Kori Schake discuss the history of civil-military relations from George Washington to today. Dr. Schake leads the foreign and defense policy team at the American Enterprise Institute, and is the author of The State and the Solide...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy , historian, professor, and author Zara Anishanslin explores how art became a powerful form of leadership and resistance in London during the American Revolution. Through striking symbolism and emotional imagery, little-known Patriot artists transformed their creative talents into tools of protest, inspiration, and even espionage, revealing how art shaped t...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, historian and author Frank Cogliano takes a fresh look at Thomas Jefferson as a leader of ideas, a party builder, and the President of the United States. By examining Jefferson’s strengths and weaknesses, Cogliano paints a vivid picture of an unconventional leader who learned from his mistakes, balanced lofty ideals with the realities of power, and cleverl...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy , Susan K Neely discusses her extensive experience in public service at the state and federal levels, as well as leadership in the business world. She was Special Assistant to President George W. Bush in the White House as well as the first Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She also held senior roles with t...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy , presidential historian William Haldeman explores six defining characteristics of presidential leadership, each illustrated by a president who embodied that trait. From optimism and confidence to courage and dedication, Haldeman emphasizes how true leaders prioritize principle over popularity and understand the long-term impact of their choices. Tune in to...

Leadership and Legacy is on summer break -- but we'll be back in September with new great conversations.

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Anita McBride—author and former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush—offers an insider’s perspective on the evolving role of America’s first ladies. Drawing on her own White House experience, McBride highlights how communication, altruism, and quiet courage have shaped some of the most impactful partnerships in presidential history. From behind-the-scen...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Rick Atkinson delves into the nature of military leadership through the lens of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Atkinson outlines the essential traits of an effective commander—unshakable resolve, strategic communication, and a keen ability to navigate the complexities of the battlefield across b...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dr. Megan Kate Nelson illuminates the life and legacy of Little Wolf, a Northern Cheyenne military, political, and diplomatic leader. Drawing from her forthcoming book The Westerners, Nelson explores how Little Wolf embodied leadership values like consensus building, generosity, strategic brilliance, and sacrifice for...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, historian and legal scholar Dr. Martha S. Jones delves into black women’s battle for voting rights that began, rather than ended, with the passage of the 19th Amendment. Through the stories of several inspirational leaders of the Black Women’s Club movement, Jones highlights how these women earned leverage in their communities, empowered themselves in thei...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, historian Catherine Allgor explores the early First Ladies of the United States, examining how they navigated gendered power dynamics within their roles. She delves into how these women found agency in a male-dominated world, leveraging the social sphere to influence Washington culture and shape political policy. At the heart of her discussion, Allgor emph...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy , Jeffrey A. Engel, Director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University, shares his personal experience with former President George H.W. Bush and the valuable lessons he learned about the presidency—an office for which no one can truly prepare. Engel identifies memory, energy, and empathy as the key traits of an effective...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Georgetown University Law Center professor Steve Vladeck explores the history of leadership on the United States Supreme Court, the qualities of an effective justice, and how public opinion does—or doesn’t—influence the court. He highlights the importance of institution building—his choice for most important justice in this sense may surprise you—and the i...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, shares expert insights on developing a strong leadership style, navigating crises, and transitioning into new leadership roles. She explores the essential qualities of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and vision that define successful leaders. Korsmo also discusses her greate...

Leadership and Legacy season two, episode two: Leading in Times of Crisis with Michelle Korsmo will launch to the public next Monday. For early access to this and other Mount Vernon podcasts, become a member of Mount Vernon today at mountvernon.org/become-a-member

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy , historian, political analyst, and author Dr. Yuval Levin explores the foundations of American democracy, the qualities of effective presidential leadership, and the role of compromise in governance. Levin discusses how a successful presidency requires restraint over aggression and negotiation over conflict, drawing lessons from historical administrations....

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Brook Manville, author of The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives, discusses the concept of leadership in a democracy. He emphasizes that democracy is fundamentally a bargain, a system of self-governance where citizens act as checks on one another's power, ensuring that no single individual or "boss" can dominate. Drawing upon historical examples from At...

This podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Colleen Shogan, the director of the National Archives and Records Administration. Dr. Shogan discusses the importance of effective leadership and communication, particularly in her role overseeing a vast collection of historical records. She emphasizes the need for clear and direct communication, especially when delivering difficult messages. Dr....

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts discuss the art of leadership, drawing from their book Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine. They explore the timeless principles of strategic leadership, emphasizing the importance of getting the big ideas right, communicating them effectively, overseeing their implementation, and adap...

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Dr. Patrick Spero interviews General John Allen, a retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general, about his views on leadership. General Allen defines leadership as the means to accomplish difficult tasks and emphasizes the importance of humility, service, and respect. He shares his personal experiences, from his early days as a Marine officer to his strateg...