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Doris Kearns Goodwin
Gain a deeper understanding of leadership and historical context with Doris Kearns Goodwin, speaker, presidential historian.
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a presidential historian, acclaimed author, and engaging public speaker. Her expertise in American history and leadership has made her a sought-after commentator for media outlets, educational institutions, and various organisations. Goodwin's ability to provide historical context to contemporary issues is particularly valued in today's complex political landscape. Goodwin's journey began as a graduate student at Harvard, where she was selected for the prestigious White House Fellows programme. This opportunity led her to work closely with President Lyndon Johnson, despite her earlier involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Her experience with Johnson laid the foundation for her first book, Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream, which became a national bestseller. Throughout her career, Goodwin has authored several critically acclaimed books, including Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, which inspired Steven Spielberg's film Lincoln. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize in History for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Her book The Bully Pulpit received the Carnegie Medal and further cemented her reputation as a leading historian. In addition to her writing, Goodwin has ventured into television, executive producing documentary miniseries for the History Channel through her production company, Pastimes Productions. Her recent projects include a docuseries on Kevin Costner's The West, set for release in 2025. Goodwin's latest literary contributions include An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, a memoir that became an instant bestseller, and The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President, her first book for young readers. These works reflect her commitment to making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. With a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Harvard and a magna cum laude degree from Colby College, Goodwin's academic achievements complement her professional success. Residing in Boston, she remains a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and cherishes her role as a mother and grandmother.
Topics, sessions and talks
At this challenging time in our nation’s history, marked by crises such as the fight to protect democracy in Ukraine, domestic polarization, ongoing struggles for racial and economic justice, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Doris Kearns Goodwin offers historical context. She notes that not since the 1850s has the U.S. been so politically divided, nor faced such collective hardships since the Great Depression and World War II, or struggled for equality as in the 1960s. Drawing from her book, "Leadership: In Turbulent Times," Goodwin illustrates how past presidents like Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson navigated similar challenges. Attendees will learn valuable lessons, gain solace, and find hope from history.
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, based on her best-selling book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, offers audiences valuable lessons in leadership, political acumen, and management strategy. By examining Lincoln’s leadership style and understanding of human behavior, Goodwin highlights his political genius and skillful navigation of a "team of rivals" to achieve political success and Civil War victory. Often underestimated, Lincoln surprised many as he rose to prominence and is now remembered as one of the greatest presidents. Goodwin also shares insights from her involvement in Steven Spielberg’s film Lincoln. Attendees will learn about effective leadership and political strategy.
Spanning 100 years of history, bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin takes audiences on the ultimate journey through some of the most momentous decades in American history – the industrial revolution, the rise of the robber barons, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, and two World Wars. With an uncanny gift for both depth and detail, Goodwin masterfully weaves together a striking number of dramatic and complex story lines drawing from her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II (1995) and her bestselling book, The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism to provide an intimate, comprehensive and ultimately unforgettable portrait of the era’s three extraordinary leaders – Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt – along with the scintillating cast of characters, who together transformed the country.
Join Doris Kearns Goodwin, a renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, as she delves into the essence of leadership through the lens of four U.S. Presidents. In her book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, Goodwin expertly explores the distinctive challenges and triumphs faced by Lincoln, the Roosevelts, and Johnson.
Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian, leverages her profound grasp of history in her engaging video addresses and fireside chats. Drawing from her extensive knowledge of past crises, Goodwin elucidates how historical leaders have successfully navigated challenges by balancing realism with optimism, adapting to new realities, communicating effectively, setting clear goals, demonstrating resilience, and fostering activities that alleviate stress and rejuvenate spirits. Through her insightful analysis, Goodwin offers invaluable lessons from history that serve as a guide for maintaining motivation, flexibility, and hope amidst the global pandemic. Attendees will learn strategies for leadership and resilience, gaining a historical perspective that provides a blueprint for confronting our current challenges with confidence and determination.
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frequently asked questions
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To book Doris Kearns Goodwin, email doris.kearns.goodwin@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Doris' availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
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