What Abraham Lincoln Still Teaches Us About Leadership

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

217 years after his birth, Abraham Lincoln remains the gold standard of American leadership — and he still has something to teach us.

In our latest episode of The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series, I sat down with Professor Louis P. Masur — Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University — to explore the traits that made Lincoln more than just a president. He was a strategist, a master communicator, and perhaps most importantly, a leader who wasn't afraid to change his mind.

Dr. Masur will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates comng up, please check out our show notes for more details about Dr. Masur's Smithsonian Associates presentation titled, Leanring From Lincoln. But we have Smithsonian Associate Dr. Louis Masur today.

Masur's insight reveals how Lincoln's use of humor, storytelling, silence, and empathy helped him guide a broken nation through its darkest days. These aren't just historical details — they're leadership lessons for anyone seeking to grow, lead, and live with purpose, especially in their later chapters of life.

In today's episode, we dig into key moments from Masur's books — Lincoln's Last Speech, Lincoln's Hundred Days, and The Civil War: A Concise History — that highlight the character, wisdom, and personal evolution of Lincoln himself.

What does it mean to lead with humility? To be open to changing course? To use stories, not soundbites, to bring people together?

This episode will inspire anyone who believes it's never too late to lead with grace. 🎧 Listen at notold-better.com

Dr. Masur will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates comng up, please check out our show notes for more details about Dr. Masur's Smithsonian Associates presentation titled, Leanring From Lincoln. But we have Smithsonian Associate Dr. Louis Masur today.