The Strategerist

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, joined Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David J. Kramer and host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss the collaboration between the Bush Center, the Obama Foundation, and 11 other presidential centers to affirm the principles of democracy.

Hear more about the progress of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the importance of principled leadership, and how to stay optimistic when the news of the day always seems tough on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

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Alexandra Hudson is the author of new book The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss the difference between civility and politeness, why civility is a duty of citizenship, and how we can flourish across deep differences.

Hear more from Alexandra on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

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The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves

Governor Spencer Cox currently serves as the 18th governor of Utah and as chair of the National Governor’s Association, where he launched the Disagree Better initiative.

Governor Cox joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the George W. Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh for a conversation about listening, tough discussions, and, yes, disagreeing – and why disagreeing is actually a good thing when done thoughtfully and respectfully.

Hear more from Governor Cox on his time as governor, the importance of civility, and hot sports opinions on the NBA on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

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The Art of Disagreeing Better with Governor Cox and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

Three George W. Bush Institute experts gathered for a thought-provoking discussion on the state of democracy – both here at home and abroad.

Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow and Executive Vice President for Strategy and Programs at Freedom House Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy Igor Khrestin, and Director of Global Policy Chris Walsh joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an after hours conversation on the rise of authoritarianism and how to instill trust in U.S. democracy.

Hear more from our experts on democracy, foreign affairs, and even a few Christmas movies on this episode of The Strategerist After Hours, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Ambassador Michael Froman served as United States trade representative under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. Today, he’s the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan organization and think tank that aims to help leaders and citizens better understand the world and the foreign policy decisions facing the U.S. and other countries.

Ambassador Froman joined host Andrew Kaufmann and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center Ken Hersh for an insightful discussion on his experiences as a member of President Obama’s cabinet, the benefits of trade, and the dangers of isolationism.

Hear more from Ambassador Froman on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the Bush Center.

General David Petraeus rose the ranks to four-star general in the U.S. Army and led the CIA during his four-decade career in public service.

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the George W. Bush Institute’s Jason Galui to discuss his new book, “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine.” He talked about his time serving our country and protecting our nation’s secrets as well as the lessons he’s learned as a leader during some of our country’s most crucial moments.

Hear more from General Petraeus on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Tim Strong is the head of agriculture finance for Opportunity International, a global nonprofit organization that uses financial services, training, and support to address some of the most pressing challenges facing those living in poverty around the world.  

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss Opportunity International’s mission and the incredible impact they are making in sub-Saharan Africa.

Hear more from Tim on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

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David Rubenstein is a philanthropist, lawyer, businessman, and avid historian. Items from his rare collection of U.S. artifacts — including the Emancipation Proclamation, the Federalist Papers, and original works from abolitionists — are on display in the George W. Bush Presidential Museum’s special exhibit, Freedom Matters.

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Bush Museum Director Teresa Lenling to discuss the importance of public access to these key artifacts in order for citizens to learn about our country’s past and create a better future for the next generation of Americans.

Hear more from Mr. Rubenstein on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

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Buy tickets to visit the Bush Museum's special exhibit, Freedom Matters

Society has long had a fascination with spies. Michael G. Vickers is as close to this world as anyone, having served as a Green Beret, an operator in the CIA, and a national security policy maker during some of the most pivotal moments in recent U.S. history. 

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann for a live recording in the George W. Bush Presidential Museum Store to discuss his book, By All Means Available, a vivid account of his life in intelligence, special operations, and strategy. 

Listen as Dr. Vickers discusses his remarkable career and the lessons he’s learned along the way on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy

Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of KIND Snacks, envisions a world with more kindness and empathy. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Daniel strives to channel business and citizenry toward building bridges rather than conflict.

Daniel joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss his civic movements OneVoice and Starts With Us, as well as his family’s journey, the current situation in Israel and Gaza, the importance of pluralism, and his love of magic on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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The George W. Bush Presidential Center recently welcomed a very special guest: the first first lady of the United States, Martha Washington.

Mrs. Washington shaped our country and the role of the first lady in the 18th century. The Nation Builders at Colonial Williamsburg, like Katharine Pittman – who was actually here portraying Mrs. Washington – work to ensure her impact and those of other key historical figures live on today through engaging, well-researched, and historically accurate experiences. 

Host Andrew Kaufmann spoke with Katharine who, as Mrs. Washington, talked about her experience as the first lady in a newly formed country, the hardships and joys that come with public service, and her important role in post-Revolutionary War politics. 

We also discuss Katharine’s passion for history and her journey to becoming a Nation Builder at Colonial Williamsburg on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

Garry Kasparov is a democracy activist and Russian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. He is the founder and chair of the Renew Democracy Initiative, a nonprofit with the goal of uniting Americans across the political spectrum in defense of democratic ideals.

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David J. Kramer for a live recording to discuss the importance of teaching young people chess, his work to defend democracy, and why Ukraine has prevailed against Russia’s unprovoked invasion. 

Hear more from Garry about the state of worldwide democracy and how life imitates chess on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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Sebastien Lai is a democracy advocate and son of jailed Hong Kong businessman and publisher Jimmy Lai. He and Jonathan Price, a member of Jimmy’s international legal team, joined the George W. Bush Institute while in Dallas raising awareness about why Jimmy is jailed. 

They spoke with host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Igor Khrestin about Jimmy’s upcoming trial, Sebastien’s advocacy, and why the case matters across the globe. 

Hear more from Sebastien and Jonathan about the devastating effects of the National Security Law on freedom in Hong Kong on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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Problems and pessimism tend to overwhelm the daily news cycle. What gets less attention are the incredible solutions governments and organizations have devised to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

That’s why Senior Fellow and Editor-in-Chief of The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute Jonathan Tepperman set out to release an issue dedicated entirely to exploring solutions to problems around the globe called The Fix. 

The Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh and Hannah Johnson authored pieces for the issue, and they joined Jonathan and host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss success stories and the lessons we can all learn on working across divisions — and even what we can learn from the Barbie movie on this episode of The Strategerist After Hours presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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Hector Rodriguez, known online as H3CZ, is the founder and CEO of OpTic Gaming, an organization that maintains some of the most competitive esports teams in the world. Through video games, Hector became part of an online community and built something unique — and is now living the American Dream.

Hector joined host Andrew Kaufmann for a live conversation in the Bush Museum’s Freedom Hall, where he discussed gaming, content creation, his journey as an entrepreneur, and even a few of his favorite eateries on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Daron Babcock is the CEO of Bonton Farms, an organization that started as a small garden serving the food deserts in South Dallas that has grown into a movement working alongside residents to transform the community. 

Daron joined the Bush Center for the Forum on Leadership, where he received the Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation for his impactful work at Bonton Farms. He spoke with host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Anne Wicks about the mission of the organization. 

Hear more from Daron about the innovative and meaningful work of Bonton Farms on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

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Dan Bartlett is the executive vice president of corporate affairs at Walmart and longtime key advisor to President George W. Bush.  

He joined former White House colleague and current Bush Center senior advisor Kevin Sullivan, and host Andrew Kaufmann, to share advice for up-and-coming leaders and their lessons from D.C.

Hear from Dan about his career progression from Austin to the White House to one of the biggest corporations in the world on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.  

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• Presidential Leadership Scholars

Meghan Ogilvie is the CEO of Dog Tag Inc., a non-profit with the goal of empowering veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, and caregivers to find renewed purpose and community through an unexpected combination: a bakery and a classroom. 

Meghan joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Eva Chiang at the 2022 Forum on Leadership to discuss Dog Tag Bakery's mission and her experience as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. 

Hear from Meghan about her growth as a leader, the importance of a good network, and Dog Tag's famous baked goods on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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Manu Meel is the CEO of BridgeUSA, a nonprofit organization that creates spaces on high school and college campuses where students can have open discussions about political issues.

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh in April to discuss BridgeUSA’s mission, how to disagree, and the importance of diversity of thought and opinion.

Listen as Manu discusses how to build bridges with people of differing viewpoints and provides a sneak peek of his podcast The Hopeful Majority – which has launched since the recording of this episode – on The Strategerist.

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Dave Copps is the CEO and co-founder of Dallas-based technology company Worlds, where they’ve created an artificial intelligence platform for building the industrial metaverse. He joined the George W. Bush Institute in April at the Forum on Leadership, where he participated in a conversation on the co-evolution of humans and machines.  

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Cullum Clark to discuss Worlds, how technology is changing education, and the future of AI.

Hear more from Dave about his experience in the technology sector, AI Chatbot ChatGPT, and his collection of rare electric guitars on The Strategerist.

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