The Strategerist

Michael Giorgione joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Lieutenant Commander, USNR D'Juan Wilcher, Deputy Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute, to discuss his time at Camp David and how his 29 years of military service helped him there and continues to inspire his teachings today.

As a young officer in the U.S. special forces, Blayne Smith faced the difficult realities of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And while not everyone will experience war first-hand, the lessons that Blayne learned apply to all of us. Today, he's helped build the Bush Institute Veteran Wellness Alliance's Check-In program that helps veterans get connected to mental health care. He joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and military Families at the Bush Institute to discuss the lessons he's shared in his new book, Perseverance > Resilience, as well as why Check-In is such an important program.

Jenny Dyer, founder of the 2030 Collaborative and artist and music producer Charlie Peacock were part of a coalition of experts, artists, and policymakers such as Bono, Senator Bill Frist, and many others that were instrumental in building the awareness around the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and the consensus needed to keep the President's Emergency for AIDS Relief Plan or PEPFAR, which has saved over 26 millions lives from HIV/AIDS since its inception in 2003 moving forward. Dr. Dyer and Charlie joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss PEPFAR's success and how art can truly help change the world.

Learn about the Bush Center's Forum on Leadership: https://www.bushcenter.org/events-and-exhibits/forum-on-leadership-2025

To learn more about the work the Tocqueville Foundation does, click here. 

Dr. Turner served as SMU's president for 30 years. During his impressive career, he achieved significant milestones from being a key player in bringing the George W. Bush Presidential Center to SMU's campus to getting SMU into to the ACC. He has left quite a legacy. Dr. Turner visited the Bush Center for the annual Forum on Leadership and met with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss his thirty years at SMU along with the story of bringing the Bush Center to SMU's campus — which had some fierce competition!

To learn more about the Bush Center's work on Advancing Free Societies, visit bushcenter.org/topics/freedom-and-democracy. And learn more bout the National Endowment for Democracy at https://www.ned.org/

Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Devon Yarbrough, Communications Manager at the George W. Bush Presidential Center sat down with Milauna Jackson who portrays Captain Abby Campbell in the 2024 Netflix film, “The Six Triple Eight” and Retired Army Col. Edna Cummings, a passionate advocate whose work led to two crucial recognitions for the 6888. Milauna discusses what it was like working on the Netflix film while Col. Cummings shares the behind-the-scenes bipartisan advocacy for the battalion who played a critical role in World War II.

To learn more about the incredible heroes of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion like Dennis' grandmother, Sylvia Armstrong, watch the documentary The SixTriple Eight. 

Order a copy of Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II on the Bush Center's website.

Dr. Jeffrey Engel is an award-winning presidential historian and the David Gergen Director of the SMU Center for Presidential History. He's authored or edited thirteen books on American foreign policy and spent a good part of his career at the Bush School of Government and Public Service in College Station before coming to SMU. He joins host Andrew Kaufmann and Kevin “Sully” Sullivan, former White House Communications Director under President Bush and Senior Advisor to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, to discuss his passion for presidential history, the shift in legacies post-presidency, and why we need to continue learning about our past to build our future.

Retired U.S. Army Captain Florent Groberg is one of 3,528 recipients of the Medal of Honor—the highest military honor awarded to those who serve in the United States armed forces. Flo joins host Andrew Kaufmann and Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of the Leadership Programs at the Bush Institute to discuss his service to our country and what leadership means both in the uniform and as a civilian.

Chuck Todd is an Emmy award-winning journalist while NBC's Chief Political Analyst and former moderator for Meet the Press, which he stepped away from in September 2023. Although he stepped away from the moderator's chair, he still covers politics this his podcast, The Chuck Toddcast. He joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Senior Editorial Advisor at the Bush Institute Bill McKenzie to discuss how the journalism ecosystem has changed and evolved and how local news should be driving national news (not the other way around).

If you enjoyed this episode, watch Purpose Beyond the White House: A Conversation on the Post-Presidency, an Engage at the Bush Center event presented by NexPoint featuring Jared Cohen. 

The Honorable James D. Rodriguez served as Assistant Secretary within the Biden administration Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service from January 2021 until January 2025 where he served 440,000 veterans annually. He is an accomplished executive leader with over 30 years experience across the government and corporate landscapes and over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps in numerous leadership and management positions. Last year, he joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Casey Rodriguez, the Senior Program Manager of Leadership Programs. But not only is Casey managing the operations of the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, she's the daughter of Secretary Rodriguez.

To learn more about Natalia's work at the Free Russia Foundation click here. 

Limited signed copies of Larry Thompson's book ”The Quiet Counsel Looking Back on a Life of Service to the Law” are available for purchase at the Bush Museum here.

Ambassador Nicole Avant is a critically acclaimed producer of the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, bestselling author of Think You'll Be Happy, and former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas under President Obama. We discuss Ambassador Avant's contributions and what led her to the Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight”, the influence of her incredible parents — which inspired her book “Think You'll Be Happy” — and how to live out our freedom every single day.

Related linksTexas Education AgencyEducation and Opportunity at the Bush Institute 

Madame President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a true trailblazer — she served as the president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018 and was the first elected female head of state in Africa. And now she's dedicated to helping other women ascend to leadership roles through her work at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development.President Sirleaf joined the Bush Institute's Natalie Gonnella-Platts and host Andrew Kaufmann for a conversation with our staff about leading her country after years of division, the need for gender equity, and why young Africans give her hope about the future of the continent and the world.Hear more from Madame President Sirleaf on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Mary Tobin is the Director of Brickyard Chapters and Programs for nonprofit More Perfect Union, which aims to bring people together through social connection, service, and civic engagement events in order to build stronger and more resilient communities.She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Jason Galui for an impactful conversation on More Perfect Union's mission, how her experiences in the military helped her grow, and the importance of human connection.Hear more from Mary on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content:More Perfect UnionLearn more about the Bush Institute's work to support veterans and their families

Rena Pederson is a true trailblazer in journalism. During her storied career, she interviewed five U.S. presidents and countless history makers including Margaret Thatcher and Fidel Castro. Texas Monthly described her as one of the most powerful women in Texas during her time serving as vice president and editorial page editor at The Dallas Morning News.Rena has left the newsroom, but her love of words continues in her next chapter. She recently released The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief, a book about the infamous thief who stole millions of dollars in jewels from some of Dallas' wealthiest residents in the 1960s.She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Bill McKenzie to discuss her time in the newsroom, what inspired her new book, and how to consume news in the age of growing disinformation.Hear more from Rena on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content:The King of Diamonds

Mere months ago, Russian activist and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza thought he would die in Siberia, where he was imprisoned for speaking out against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.This week, he sat with his wife Evgenia and staff at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas as a free man, where he told us about his experiences in prison, his joy when released, and his fight for democracy in Russia — a country he loves and refuses to give up on.His wife Evgenia bravely advocated for Vladimir's release during his more than two years in prison, and her efforts undoubtedly played a pivotal role in her husband's release from prison in the August 2024 prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia.Hear more from Vladimir and Evgenia on his struggle for freedom and their fight for democracy in Russia on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

John J. Sullivan is the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, former Deputy Secretary of State, and author of Midnight in Moscow, a memoir of his experiences in Russia.Ambassador Sullivan joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss what he witnessed ahead of Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine while he was stationed in Moscow, what he experienced as Putin's army began its catastrophic war in the country, and how his time working as a diplomat in authoritarian Russia shaped his unique worldview.Hear more from Ambassador Sullivan on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: Engage Nexpoint Lecture: The Russia-China ChallengeMidnight in Moscow: A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West

John Blake is not only the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the 2023 world champion Texas Rangers, but he is also a docent at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, where he has volunteered since the museum opened its doors in 2013.John joined host Andrew Kaufmann to talk about his deep-rooted love of presidential history, his feelings when the Texas Rangers finally took home a World Series trophy last year, and why he loves spending his Saturdays volunteering at the Bush Museum.Hear more from John on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: Volunteer at the Bush Museum

The North Korean regime is one of the most brutal on Earth. Executions, torture, and arbitrary detention are commonplace. Many lose their lives attempting to escape. For those who do make it out of the hermit kingdom, many difficulties remain.But how can we help the people of North Korea?The answer is that the issues on the Korean Peninsula won't be easily solved. But many are working hard to help North Koreans.Ambassador Julie Turner, the U.S. Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues, is working diplomatically through her role in the U.S. government.Hannah Song, CEO of non-profit Liberty in North Korea, brings boots-on-the-ground support through LiNK's modern-day underground railroad.And Joseph Kim, Research Fellow at the Bush Institute and North Korean escapee himself, is telling his story of survival and supporting his people through his powerful words.The three experts joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an important conversation about how the U.S. can support North Koreans still in the country, the state of human rights in North Korea, and the work they do to advocate for North Koreans living in the U.S.That's on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: Escapees develop leadership skills at the Bush Institute's North Korean Human Rights WorkshopThe Bush Institute's work supporting freedom in North Korea

During Dr. Robert Roncska's impressive 28-year career in the Navy, he commanded a nuclear-powered submarine, led the largest submarine squadron in the U.S. fleet, and even carried the nuclear football for President George W. Bush, who affectionately named him “Navy Bob.”  Recently, he authored his debut book — Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love from the Nuclear Navy to the White House and Healthcare — in which he offers insights from his career and shares his own unique outlook, which blends military precision and execution with compassionate understanding. Navy Bob joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Center's Robert Favela to discuss his book, his experience carrying the nuclear codes, and his insights on how to lead with love.Hear more from Navy Bob on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love from the Nuclear Navy to the White House and Healthcare

Cullum Clark serves as Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative and is an Adjunct Professor of Economics at SMU. He leads the Bush Institute's work on domestic economic policy and economic growth and recently released a report on how education and medical institutions can become more powerful drivers of prosperity in America's cities.Cullum joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an engaging conversation about his report, the importance of economic growth in all areas of Dallas, the impact his mother and Dallas legend Lee Cullum has had on his work, and why he's hopeful about the future of our country.Hear more from Cullum on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: How Eds and Meds Institutions Can Become More Powerful Drivers of Prosperity in America's CitiesUniversity research delivers surprising real-world benefits

Penelope Muse Abernathy is a visiting professor at Northwestern University and a former senior executive at The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. She specializes in researching local journalism and is the author of two books and five reports, including The State of Local News.She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Bill McKenzie to discuss news deserts, the importance of quality journalism, and why local reporting is essential to our democracy.Hear more from Penny on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: The State of Local News

Pashtana Durrani is an Afghan feminist, activist, and educator. She founded Afghanistan's first-ever digital school network, LEARN Afghanistan, and is still providing education for hundreds of girls in the country today despite being exiled after the Taliban's takeover in 2021.  Pashtana joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Natalie Gonnella-Platts at the 2024 Forum on Leadership to discuss her work educating Afghan girls, her experience escaping the country after the Taliban takeover, and her hope for the future of Afghanistan.Hear more from Pashtana on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: LEARN Afghanistan2024 Forum on Leadership  

Ambassador Mark Green serves as President, Director, and CEO of the Wilson Center — a nonpartisan organization that provides research, analysis, and independent scholarship on global affairs.Before leading the Wilson Center, his distinguished career in public policy included key roles at USAID, the International Republican Institute, the McCain Institute, and four terms as a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 8th District. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation during both the Obama and Trump Administrations.Ambassador Green joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Center's Bill McKenzie at the Forum on Leadership to discuss the mission of the Wilson Center, the positive impact of U.S. foreign aid both at home and abroad, and the importance of healthy disagreement.Hear more from Ambassador Green on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content:Wilson Center2024 Forum on Leadership

The Stewpot is a ministry that serves those in poverty or experiencing homelessness in Dallas. The organization was founded nearly 50 years ago and provides resources for basic survival needs as well as opportunities for the people they serve to start a new life.The organization was awarded the 2024 George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation for its work to inspire change and enrich the quality of life in North Texas.Executive Director of The Stewpot Brenda Ewing Snitzer joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Bill McKenzie at the Forum on Leadership to discuss the organization's unique enrichment opportunities — including its art program and writing workshop — and the important impact The Stewpot is making in the Dallas community.Hear more from Brenda on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: The Stewpot2024 Forum on Leadership

Creamos is a non-profit organization working to support the community surrounding Guatemala City's garbage dump in achieving economic self-determination.The organization was awarded the 2024 George W. Bush Institute Citation for its impactful work in its community and for inspiring others to take action to solve today's most pressing challenges.Executive Director of Creamos Hannah Sklar joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Laura Collins at the 2024 Forum on Leadership where she discussed the impacts of gender-based violence, the importance of mental health, and the work of Creamos.Hear more from Hannah on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content:CreamosMi eelo2024 Forum on Leadership

Active duty military service members make up less than one percent of the U.S. adult population. For the other 99% of us, the actions and complexities of our nation's Armed Forces can be hard to understand, which is why quality journalism on the military is essential.Thom Shanker's decades-long career with The New York Times included 13 years as Pentagon correspondent, where he covered the Department of Defense, combat operations, and national security policy. His extensive reporting helped the American people understand the actions and policies of the U.S. military.He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Jason Galui to discuss his remarkable career as a journalist, his book Age of Danger, the importance of fighting climate change, and why the U.S. must continue to support Ukraine.Hear more from Thom on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats

We all seek happiness, but few of us know the science behind it. Author, Harvard professor, and philosopher of happiness Arthur Brooks is changing that through his insights, teachings, and best-selling books on how we can all build happy lives.He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Anne Wicks to discuss why happiness is a direction, not a destination; how healthy regret can be productive; why love is so important in our lives; and how to put happiness into practice.Hear more from Arthur on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

2024 marks 20 years since the Millennium Challenge Corporation was signed into law by President George W. Bush. Since its inception, MCC has partnered with and invested in countries around the world that are committed to democracy and economic freedom.CEO of MCC Alice Albright joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Hannah Johnson to discuss the immense impact MCC has made over the past two decades.Hear more from Alice on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

When Heather Morris sat down with Holocaust survivor Lale Sokolov, she didn't know what to expect. As she listened to his story, she knew that the world needed to hear his experiences of love and hope set in the midst of one of humankind's worst moments.Heather traveled to Dallas for the sixth Laura Bush Book Club edition of Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint and supported by H-E-B. Before the event, she joined host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss her novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the importance of remembering the lives lost in the Holocaust and the stories of those who did survive, and the lessons she learned from Lale Sokolov.Heather takes us through her journey of getting to know Lale — and reminds us why we can't waste a moment in capturing the stories from generations before us.Related content: Laura Bush Book Club with "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" author Heather Morris

Anita McBride, who served as chief of staff to Mrs. Laura Bush during her time as first lady, and Gail Hodges Burt, who served as social secretary for President and Mrs. Reagan, recently visited Dallas for an Engage at the Bush Center event presented by Nexpoint.They joined host Andrew Kaufmann beforehand to discuss the responsibilities of their roles, their memories working in the Reagan and Bush administrations, and the significance and importance of White House events.Hear more from Anita and Gail on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: A Conversation with White House Social SecretariesRemember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women

Thomas Jefferson made a lasting impact on our country as the third president of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He recently visited Texas and joined host Andrew Kaufmann, the Bush Institute's Jason Galui, and students from Walnut Grove High School to discuss the birth of our nation, the lessons we can learn from our Founding Fathers, and his thoughts on the future of the United States.Later in the conversation, Kurt Smith, who portrays Jefferson as a nation builder at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses his experiences researching and embodying such an iconic historical figure.Hear more from President Jefferson and Mr. Smith on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

When Steve Ballmer retired from Microsoft after a long and storied career, he realized that he didn't know exactly how and where U.S. tax dollars got spent. And it wasn't as easy to find as he had hoped. So he set out to solve the problem — and founded USA Facts, which consolidates available data and makes it accessible to citizens.He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Chris Walsh to discuss why having that data easily accessible is so important to our democracy.Hear more from Steve about USA Facts, pluralism, and even the Mavericks-Clippers playoff match-up on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: USA Facts

David French is a writer and columnist for The New York Times – informed by a career that began as a litigator, turned to the Army as a JAG officer and then Bronze Star awardee after volunteering to deploy to Iraq as part of the Surge, and finally to journalism. He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Chris Walsh at the 2024 Forum on Leadership to discuss the “exhausted majority” of Americans today who are tired of toxic polarization, the sometimes dangerous reactions he's received from his writing, and why instilling a sense of purpose in citizens is essential.Hear more from David on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related contentForum on Leadership 2024: Protecting Religious Liberties

Former White House Social Secretaries from multiple administrations recently traveled to Dallas for a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint event.Amy Zantzinger, social secretary for President and Mrs. Bush, and Jeremy Bernard, social secretary for President and Mrs. Obama, joined host Andrew Kaufmann beforehand to discuss the responsibilities of their job, their favorite White House events, and the lessons they learned in this important role.Hear more from Amy and Jeremy on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: A Conversation with White House Social Secretaries

Chuck Salter is the president and CEO of the News Literacy Project, an organization that's on a mission to create better informed, more engaged, and more empowered individuals — and ultimately a stronger democracy.He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Bill McKenzie to discuss the organization's work to help students become news literate, what makes him optimistic about the future, and how news consumers can determine fact from opinion as disinformation is on the rise.Hear more from Chuck on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: How to teach news literacy in polarizing timesElection 2024: Be informed, not misledNews Literacy Project's Checkology

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.Related content: Presidential Centers Affirm That 'Democracy Holds Us Together'

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.Related content: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. Related content: 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.Related content: Opportunity International

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.Related content: Buy tickets to visit the Bush Museum's special exhibit, Freedom Matters