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 the greater good—principles deeply rooted in Northern Cheyenne culture. The conversation offers insight into the complexity of Indigenous governance, the strategic resistance to U.S. expansion, and the enduring relevance of leadership qualities often overlooked in traditional narratives. Little Wolf’s story challenges conventional definitions of leadership and reveals the strength found in humility, discipline, and communal responsibility.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

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 their churches, and passed down invaluable lessons to the next generation. She also reflects on their lasting achievements, which continue to shape our world today. Tune in to gain insights on leadership, women’s history, resilience, and the relentless fight for equality and civil rights.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

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 emphasizes the importance of leaders recognizing and treating people as full, complex human beings. Tune in to gain insights on historical leadership, gendered power, American identity, and what Washington, D.C., needs today.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

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 leader, while emphasizing that voters should prioritize character and judgement over personality when evaluating presidential candidates. He also highlights the importance of a deep understanding of history for a successful presidency. Tune in to gain valuable insights on leadership, the presidency, the art of restraint, and the challenges of writing history about someone you know.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

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 influential roles played by justices beyond the Chief Justice. Vladeck also cautions that while Court decisions have immediate real-world impact, a lasting legacy takes time to develop. From Bushrod Washington to John Roberts, tune in to gain valuable insights on leadership, teamwork, leading through dissent, and the United States Supreme Court.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com. You can learn more about Steve Vladeck's work at www.stevevladeck.com or check out his recent book The Shadow Docket.

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 greatest leadership role models, from historical figures to the resilient women who have influenced her journey. She emphasizes the power of authenticity in leadership, setting the right tone for organizational success. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on effective leadership, business strategy, resilience, and empowering women leaders in today’s world.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

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. He also examines the United States Constitution, arguing that while it is not a flawless document, its strength lies in its ability to adapt and unite a divided nation. With the current state of political polarization and increasing concerns over constitutional integrity, Levin highlights why preserving democratic institutions is more critical than ever. Tune in to gain insights on leadership, political philosophy, governance, and the evolving role of the presidency in American history.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

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 Athens, Rome, and Great Britain, Manville highlights the challenges democracies face as they grow in scale and complexity.

This is the last episode of season one of Leadership and Legacy. Season two, featuring interviews with current library executive director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, will debut in early 2025.

For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. This podcast is hosted by Dr. Patrick Spero and Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. Our executive producers are Dr. Anne Fertig and Heather Soubra.

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. Shogan also reflects on her career path, highlighting the influence of her academic background in political science and her experiences working in government. She shares insights into the challenges of leading a large organization, navigating the digital transformation, and the importance of being adaptable and thoughtful in decision-making. The episode concludes with Dr. Shogan's call for greater public engagement with the National Archives and a reminder that these records belong to the citizens.

For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. This podcast is hosted by Dr. Patrick Spero and Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. Our executive producers are Dr. Anne Fertig and Heather Soubra.