The Strategerist

Learn more about the Bush Institute's Education Reform Initiative

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Bill McKenzie’s career in journalism has taken him from the backroads of Texas covering George W. Bush’s governatorial campaign to a Puliter Prize-winning series of editorials on economic disparity in Dallas. Now a senior fellow at the Bush Institute, Bill was in the newsroom on 9/11 — and shares that experience as we face another national emergency.

Keith Hennessey was director of the U.S. National Economic Council and a key advisor to the president as the financial crisis hit the U.S. economy in 2008. He’s been inside the White House during a major crisis — and has seen a recovery. We talk about how our government is structured to solve problems and how leaders can make the most of the information in front of them — while also making the best use of their voice.Today, Mr. Hennessey teaches at Stanford and is a Fellow at the Bush Institute, instructing its leadership programs.Related topics:The Bush Institute's COVID-19 related articlesPresidential Leadership Scholars programLiberty and Leadership programStand-To Veteran Leadership Program

Learn more about the Bush Institute's First Ladies Initiative: http://www.bushcenter.org/firstladiesWatch Mrs. Barbara Bush's Wellesley College Commencement:

Related Resources:Portraits of Courage, by President George W. Bush: www.bushcenter.org/portraitsofcourage Learn more about the Military Service Initiative at the Bush Institute: www.bushcenter.org/msiLearn more about the W100K: www.bushcenter.org/w100kLearn more about the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/

Related contentPhotos from Mrs. Bush's trip to Jordan, and an account from Ruba Rihani.About the WE Lead programPlan Your Visit to the Bush Center to see the 2019 Christmas exhibit

Related content:The Bush Institute's Freedom and Democracy programThe Democracy Project polling data

Learn more about Go Further and the partnership to end AIDS and cervical cancer

Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s life has taken him from Houston to Venezuela as a kid, to the Middle East and Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL, and to Saturday Night Live and Washington, D.C. as a Congressman representing the Texas second congressional district. We talk about the importance of Central America in U.S. policy and his transition from military to civilian life.

The transition from military to civilian life is challenging for many of our veterans. In a New Orleans neighborhood, Dylan Tête is building the Bastion Community of Resilience, a community for families who need assistance can find the support they need along side veterans and civilians.

Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is developing the skills of those who serve our Nation's veterans and helps increase their impact

A citizenry that has high quality education is the foundation of a thriving society. Former Education Secretary Margaret Spellings has dedicated her career to ensuring generations of students receive that high quality of education. She shares how important it is we equip our children for the workforce and college, what she would focus on if she was running for president, and the nickname she got saddled with in the 90’s.

Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is developing the skills of those who serve our Nation's veterans and helps increase their impact At the Bush Institute, we’re firm believers that women are the critical ingredient to peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. Learn how the United States can continue supporting Afghan women .

Karen Hughes was a key counselor to President George W. Bush during his campaign and presidency. She was born in France, lived in Panama, grew up in Dallas, and has traveled the world representing the United States. Karen has had an incredible career, but she is most proud of the titles wife, mother, and grandmother. She shares how she balances it all and finds unique ways to put family first.

Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. are two different worlds. Marne Levine, an executive at Facebook, made the transition in 2010 and had to learn to put her love of paper and memos aside. But her D.C. experience has helped her excel in the tech-driven world. She shares details about this transition, how she finds work/life balance, and Facebook and Instagram’s duty to empower women globally.

Justice Neil Gorsuch takes us behind the scenes of the Supreme Court and discusses his New York Times bestselling book, A Republic, If You Can Keep it.

Deborah Birx is Ambassador-at-large and serves as the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy. She chats about creating a 180 PowerPoint slide to convince the White House the Army needed to be part of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief. She also shares how U.S. dollars have helped save millions of lives in Africa.

After spending seven years in the White House and two of those years as Press Secretary, Dana Perino became comfortable speaking on behalf of others – including the 43rd president. But as she transitioned into roles on Fox News after the White House, Dana had to develop her own voice.

Has technology revolutionized our education system and job market for the good? Inspired by season 1 of The Strategerist podcast, The Strategerist After Hours brings together Bush Institute experts to discuss technology’s influential role in our everyday lives. The Fast and Slow Worlds are Colliding- and We Need Leaders Lifelong Learning is the Way to Overcome Disruptive Economic Forces America's Urban Challenge

Inspired by dialogues during season one of The Strategerist, The Strategerist After Hours brings together George W. Bush Institute experts to discuss hot topics and news of the day. In this episode, we talk with millennials about TV’s Lost, how this generation wants to be bridge builders during a tumultuous time, and avocado toast. Millennials Reinvent Localism in Their Search for Community Pew Poll: The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wides

We go in-depth on economic policy with Stanford economist Ed Lazear who worked on the 2017 tax reform bill. He explains how changes to the legislation have helped put the country on a faster growth track. Ed also chats about becoming the head of the Council of Economic Advisers in the Bush Administration, and how immigration is still a positive economic factor.

The Presidential Leadership Scholar program gives rising leaders the edge they need to make a difference in the world. After participating in the program, Byron Sanders became President and CEO of Big Thought– a Dallas educational nonprofit. Byron is leading an organization that is breaking a tragic cycle seen in too many communities. He tells us about President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton’s visit to one of Big Thoughts safe spaces and how the Presidential Leadership Scholar program changed his life journey.

Ian Bremmer’s story began on a college trip to Russia as a 16-year-old. There, he learned the world is a complicated global community. We chatted with Ian about that life changing trip, foreign affairs, and how puppets can help us understand what is happening around the globe.

Dr. Robert Gates made history when he was asked to stay on as Secretary of Defense when President Barack Obama was elected into office. He shares details about the transition from serving President George W. Bush to President Obama, what he learned about leadership serving under eight presidents, and how his many governmental roles impacted his children.

Lyndon B. Johnson suddenly became 36th president at a pivotal moment in American history. President John F. Kennedy had just been assassinated, and the country was embroiled in divisive rhetoric surrounding race relations. We explore LBJ’s leadership with president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation Mark Updegrove.

CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support Jan Langbein transformed Genesis from a seven-room emergency shelter to a full-service response center for victims of domestic violence. Jan shares how she first learned about Genesis as a volunteer and how she later became CEO.

Before Nate Boyer penned a letter to former San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick about his decision to sit in protest during the national anthem, Boyer tried acting, joined the military, walked on to the University of Texas’ football team, and became a professional athlete. We chatted with Boyer about his life journey and taking risks.

We sat down with President George W. Bush to discuss leadership, humor, and the arts – specifically, his painting and dancing.

Six-time PGA Tour winner Jimmy Walker gave back to our nation’s veterans last year by playing in the Bush Institute’s Warrior Open at the AT&T Byron Nelson, presented by AT&T. We reminisce about his time playing with our warriors, his passion photographing the night sky, and some of his favorite barbecue.

During Warrior Open week, we sat down on location with Medal of Honor recipient and Team 43 golfer Sal Giunta to talk about his experience at the Warrior Open and the unique healing properties of golf.

Marine Richard Casper battles post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. When he returned home from Iraq he got in touch with his creative side as a way to begin healing. Today, he is the co-founder Creativets where helps veterans with their transition. We also couldn't let Richard leave without singing for us. Learn more about the Bush Institute's Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which develops the skills of those who serve our nation's veterans and helping increase their impact. Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.

Do you ever think about what companies do with the information they collect from you? Former United States Secretary Michael Chertoff answered our questions, including why businesses are interested in your grocery shopping and fitness habits.

Detroit native Dan Gilbert was forced to watch his hometown go through some hard times that left the city a shell of its former self. But as his businesses saw enormous success, Dan became a central figure in the revitalization of downtown Detroit. Learn how the Bush Institute is making America's economy thrive by identifying ideas for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and faster, more inclusive growth. Read how we can avoid housing becoming a limiting factor in economic mobility.

The Bush Institute firmly believes that societies around the world are stronger when women have access to the tools and resources they need. Women build stronger communities and drive us toward a more peaceful world. Bank of America's Anne Finucane is a leader that is helping move the world toward that goal. The Bush Institute WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders. The Bush Institute Women's Initiative promotes education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope

Award-winning actor and director Gary Sinise tells the story of how he found his calling: To see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten. He shares insights into life before the famous Lt. Dan Taylor character from Forrest Gump, his new book Grateful American, and how he became interested in acting in high school. If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Gary, check out Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management, Grateful American: A Conversation with Gary Sinise. Learn more about the Bush Institute's Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which develops the skills of those who serve our nation's veterans and helping increase their impact. Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.

Joshua Bolten served in the White House under President George W. Bush as Chief of Staff from 2006 to 2009. We chat with Josh about his most frightening time in DC, why laughter was key to making the job feel less heavy, and how he decompressed after the White House.

Foreign authoritarian powers like Russia and China are attacking our democracy. They have interfered in our elections and have used social media as a weapon. We chatted with Laura Rosenberger and Jamie Fly who have done extensive research on why America and other countries are under attack. Tune in and learn what signs you should be looking for as your scroll through your social feeds.

Roya Rahmani is the first female ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States of America. We chatted with her about her childhood prior to Taliban rule, her optimism for Afghanistan's peaceful future, and how she is grateful to the United States for their engagement. Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope The Bush Institute WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders. The Bush Institute Women's Initiative promotes education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world

We chatted with Congressman Will Hurd about immigration, the CIA, and why he decided to Facebook Live a 36 hour road trip with Democrat Beto O’Rourke. Learn how smart, skills-based immigration reform accelerates economic growth Read stories from immigrants and debunk common immigration myths at A Nation of Immigrants Read the Bush Institute's 2019 policy recommendations to modernize immigration for today 's realities

As personal aides to President George H.W. Bush, Tim McBride, and Tom Frechette spent long hours with — and came to personally know — our 41st president. They share behind-the-scenes stories from their time as presidential aides, illustrating the man they knew and that so many loved. Watch a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management paying tribute to President George H.W. Bush’s life of service Listen to the Ladies, First podcast episode Service Above Self – The Leadership of Barbara Bush

In 2004, former Goldman Sachs executive Connie Duckworth founded ARZU Studio Hope, an organization empowering women in Afghanistan by providing them jobs, education, and healthcare. We chatted with Connie about her organization, the women of Afghanistan, and her remarkable 20-year business career. Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is investing in women and girls Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope The Bush Institute WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders

Bill Browder is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s number one enemy. In 2005, Russian government officials committed and attempted to pin a $230 million fraud on Bill. His Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky uncovered the fraud, and ended up in jail, where he was tortured to death. We chatted with Bill about his campaign to expose Putin and Russian government officials for their corruption and human rights abuses. The George W. Bush Institute advances freedom globally by developing leaders in emerging democracies, standing with those who still live under tyranny, and fostering U.S. leadership through policy and action.

Former Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza joined us to discuss trade and immigration with our southern neighbor. Having grown up along the Texas-Mexico border and the grandson of Mexican immigrants, Ambassador Garza brought passion and knowledge to the in-depth discussion. Learn more about trade and investment with Mexico and Canada increasing prosperity, growth, and job creation in the United States Learn how smart, skills-based immigration reform accelerates economic growth

We sat down with award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts to chat about the transformation of Washington and journalism – for the better and for the worse. We also cover what studying the early women of American history can teach us, and how she ended up in Tanzania interviewing First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama on very little notice. Watch the interview with Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Obama

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros discusses what makes San Antonio special, how its welcoming culture can be a model for the nation, and why this generation will be better off than the last. He also shares a personal story about how and why he helped a Dreamer. The George W. Bush Institute believes that immigrants play an important role in America's economy. Learn more by visiting www.bushcenter.org/immigration.

James Farmer is an expert conservationist, interior designer and best-selling author who is saving the world one plant at a time. We chat about robotic bees, the beauty of native plants, and life as a business owner. And he also throws in some gardening tips. Interested in hearing more from James? Check out a conversation on conservation conducted at the George W. Bush Center’s Forum on Leadership in April 2018. Interested in visiting the Bush Center’s Native Texas Park? The park is open from sunup to sundown 365 days a year, and pets are welcome.

Host of Fox News Outnumbered Overtime and co-anchor of Outnumbered, Harris Faulkner is a proud military brat. We chat about her father’s time serving in the Army, which included three tours in Vietnam, and how her mom was a pillar of support and strength as the family moved from one posting to another. Harris reminds us that when one person serves in the military the whole family serves. If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Harris, check out a panel she hosted at the George W. Bush Center in November 2018. Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.

We sat down with Carly Fiorina, the woman who rose from secretary to CEO of a Fortune 50 company and whose career spans a wide variety of public and private sector roles. She told us about her childhood and how living in Ghana influenced her perception of democracy. We also chatted about the importance of empowering women at home and globally. If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Carly, check out a Q&A she did at the George W. Bush Center in late 2018. Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is promoting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world.