On Leadership

Inspired by George Washington’s selfless dedication to public service, the Brookings Institution and George Washington’s Mount Vernon co-hosted a one-day virtual conference on January 27, 2021: Leadership for a More Perfect Union. The series of conversations with top government, business, and civic leaders explored how the United States can overcome the enormous challenges it faces today, focusing on the kind of leadership that fully appreciates public service, civility, nonpartisan thinking, civic education, and the pursuit of the common good, as embodied by George Washington.

Leadership for a More Perfect Union was moderated by Douglas Bradburn, Mount Vernon’s president; John R. Allen, president of the Brookings Institution; and David Rubenstein, philanthropist and co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group.

Speakers included Larry Hogan, governor of Maryland, who talked about the importance of bipartisan leadership during a crisis and the role of states in confronting national issues. Jane Harman, president of the Wilson Center, discussed global collaboration and America’s leadership. Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, reflected on public-private cooperation in meeting the challenges of today’s world. Tim Kaine, senator from Virginia, contemplated George Washington’s call for a selfless, nonpartisan approach to governing and the challenge of restoring civility and effectiveness in the legislative branch.

Additionally, long-form interviews were hosted by David Rubenstein. Gen. Colin Powell reflected on his storied career and decades of leadership on the world stage. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor discussed the importance of civic education in American society.

According to the Brookings Institution’s Allen, “From its very outset, the American experiment has been at its best when empowered by strong, moral leadership and a deep dedication to public service. In that regard, the example President Washington set for us in our earliest days as a people continues to shine through to the present.

Mount Vernon’s Bradburn elaborated, “George Washington always sought ways to bring consensus and unity around the difficult challenges of his time. He united soldiers in the darkest days of the revolution, oversaw and moderated debate during the forming of our national government, and united and preserved the union as our nation’s first and only unanimously elected president. George Washington warned about the dangers of partisanship in his farewell address, and we see his prescience was correct. We Americans need to come together and work to find common ground.”

Watch Leadership for a More Perfect Union Online at mountvernon.org/leadershipconference