I had the chance to hear her speak this evening, and she was as fluent and insightful as ever. She shared lessons from the four presidents she’s written about, helping us see not just their history but how they navigated leadership in times of trial. At over 80 years old, she’s still researching, still teaching, still modeling a life of curiosity and purpose.

From the audience, I was able to ask her a question that I’ve wrestled with as a leader:
“You’ve shown how Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Johnson drew strength from rivals, setbacks, and even personal wounds. For leaders today, especially those trying to drive change in institutions that resist it, what do you believe is the most essential discipline: building coalitions with people who oppose us, or cultivating the inner resilience to stay steady when those coalitions fall apart?”

Her answer was a balance of both. Leaders must engage, civilly and civically, but we must also maintain the inner resolve to do what’s right. She reminded us that some things happening in our country today are simply not right. And history tells us that when Americans see things clearly, we rise—we vote, we act, we change.

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” — 2 Chronicles 15:7