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James Strock

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Are You Prepared for Your Moment of Truth?

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Monday, October 14, 1912. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Autumn crispness was slipping in. Another demanding day dissolved into dusk, amid one of the most raucous, hard-fought, and consequential presidential campaigns in American history.

That evening, former president Theodore Roosevelt would take the cause of his breakaway third party to the people in yet another speech, in yet another auditorium.

Neither TR, nor anyone else, had any reason to anticipate the extraordinary events that were about to unfold.

No one, that is, other than an armed gunman, lurking in the lengthening shadows.

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Michael Epperson, RIP

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James Cannon, Michael Epperson, Warren Christopher, Brent Scowcroft, Stuart Eizenstat. credit | stacia cropper

Note: Michael Epperson died on September 30, 2013. His presence is greatly missed. His example of service is timeless and can be of use to many people—including those who did not have the privilege of knowing him in life. 

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Where are the leaders now?

Amid the latest government shutdown in Washington, D.C., many of us are shaking our heads in amazement at the still-unfolding leadership failures of the American president and Congress.

Something else happened in Washington last week that is a reminder that there are servant leaders and patriots in our midst.

As recounted in the Washington Post,  the distinguished CIA officer G. Michael Epperson, who died suddenly and unexpectedly, left a legacy of service that reflects our best national traditions.

I am privileged to have called him a friend over the course of three decades, just entering the fourth.

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21st Century Leaders List

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Malala Yousafzai. UK Department for International Development [CC 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.

Who are the 21st century leaders?

Where can we find them?

The premise–stated or unstated–is that there’s a leadership gap today.

Who can argue against the spectacular failures of leadership in large institutions? They range from the White House and Congress (whether in the hands of the Democrats or Republicans); to Wall Street and back around to Main Street; in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors (including religious institutions); around the world.

It’s easy–perhaps too easy–to find reason for disappointment.  And yet… there is also reason for optimism.

It’s often said that these are among the worst of times for leadership… it’s also, arguably, the best of times.

This list is updated quarterly. Please send your suggestions of other inspiring 21st century leaders.

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James Strock

James Strock

Serve to Lead | The Four Questions

Who Are You Serving?
How Can You Best Serve?
Are You Making Your Unique Contribution?
Are You Improving Every Day?

Benjamin Franklin

Morning: "What good shall I do this day?"
Evening: "What good have I done today?"

Charles De Gaulle

"History does not teach fatalism. There are moments when the will of a handful of free men breaks through determinism and opens up new roads. People get the history they deserve."

Theodore Roosevelt

"Do the best you can, with what you have, where you are."