Interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)

Doris Kearns Goodwin, a presidential historian, explores leadership qualities through the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to manage anger, citing Lincoln's habit of writing "hot letters" as an example. Goodwin recounts her experiences working with LBJ, highlighting his complex character and the lessons she learned about power and empathy. She underscores the significance of leaders connecting with diverse perspectives, drawing from Teddy Roosevelt's engagement with different social classes and FDR's efforts to understand the struggles of ordinary citizens during the Depression. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Goodwin's insights on balancing work and family and her husband's graceful approach to facing terminal illness.