Presidential Leadership Scholars Module Two recap
Decision-making through the lens of President George W. Bush’s Administration took center stage during Module Two of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program last month in Dallas.
Scholars of the 10th PLS class heard from President Bush directly as well as officials who worked for him who shared how they navigated challenging times. President Bush discussed how he approached decisions as president, what values guide his decision-making, and gave advice for the next generation of leaders. He left the Scholars with a sense of camaraderie as he appealed to their shared humanity, empathy, and purpose.
“One of the great things about this program is that I suspect there are people from all kinds of political parties here, but you’re able to discuss it in a rational way and become friends,” he told them at the end of the three-day gathering in a conversation with Kelley Jiou, Co-Director of the PLS Program.
PLS is a joint effort among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson that brings together a diverse group of leaders from various political persuasions and walks of life to learn from the leadership challenges of the four presidential administrations.
The current class met as 57 strangers in Philadelphia in January, but – as President Bush predicted – were already friends as they gathered again in Dallas. Over three enriching days, the Scholars engaged with key leaders and faculty, explored the George W. Bush Presidential Center, strengthened their resilience, and deepened their commitment to their work.
Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center, discussed values-based leadership and how leaders must find a balance between staying true to their mission and working with others to achieve common good both at home and abroad.
“Everything we do should be excellent, but we can’t do every excellent thing,” Hersh said.
Then, Dr. Deborah Birx, Senior Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute and former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, shared insights from her time working in multiple presidential administrations, including as head of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator. She emphasized the importance of staying optimistic and overcoming obstacles.
“You have to go through life committed to your passion,” Birx said. “I will take people with passion over those with a specific degree any day of the week.”
The first evening, Scholars toured the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, where The Boeing Company Exhibition Gallery houses the permanent collection, showcasing President Bush’s life, presidency, and post-presidency through unique artifacts and interactive experiences. The Scholars also explored the Bush Museum’s special exhibit, Freedom Matters, on the ongoing pursuit of freedom and liberty.
Friday morning, the weather was perfect for Scholars to enjoy a tour of the Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park, accompanied by Mrs. Bush herself. The park is a 15-acre oasis in the heart of Dallas featuring 974 Texas trees, grasses, and flowers. Guided by master naturalists from the Bush Center, the Scholars had the opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna that characterize the native Texas landscape.
That afternoon, Keith Hennessey – former Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Director of the National Economic Council in the Bush Administration, now the David Rubenstein Fellow at the Bush Institute – led a simulation exercise in which the Scholars acted as White House staff preparing for a presidential briefing. This hands-on experience helped them understand how to use their values while making critical decisions about a real-world problem.
Shortly after, Dana Perino joined the group to share lessons from her time as President Bush’s White House Press Secretary and give advice to the Class of 2025:
“If you can be fully present in these moments that you get to be with one another and help each other, this is an opportunity that is golden for all of you,” she said. “Just don’t worry your lives away. It doesn’t serve you well. You have such great capacity and ability to help your communities and your country and your world.”
Saturday morning, Kevin Sullivan, White House Communications Director in the Bush Administration and Senior Advisor at the Bush Center, taught Scholars how to skillfully tell their personal stories and bring others along with them. Mike Hemphill, Co-Director of the PLS Program, rounded out the module by leading a session on the art of reflection and trust. He reminded them that they are exactly where they need to be with the right people.
Each speaker shared a challenging moment from their career, reflecting on how they navigated adversity and ultimately emerged as a stronger leader.
The Scholars left Dallas knowing that no matter what is happening in the world, the PLS program stands as a testament to the power of unity and resilience. It provides a space where individuals can come together, collaborate, and navigate these complex times with optimism and purpose – turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and connection.
View more photos of Module Two here.
Later this month, Presidential Leadership Scholars will travel to the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock for Module Three, where they will learn about vision and communication.
