Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America's Leaders

At a time of political polarization and economic turmoil, Americans yearn for superlative leadership. Few have demonstrated leadership better than Captain Sully Sullenberger, a man who embodies the core values that are the heart of America: responsibility, optimism, integrity, loyalty, and compassion. In this follow-up to his "New York Times" bestselling memoir "Highest Duty", Sully engages nearly a dozen distinguished Americans to explore the nature of leadership, what it means, what it takes, and how it can be fostered and developed in all of our lives. Key questions that are addressed in this book include: Where do the best leaders come from? How do the most successful and creative truly lead, motivate, and inspire? Sullenberger talks to men and women from diverse fields, including medicine, education, sports, public service, finance, and the military, all who embody the truest sense of moral courage and leadership by personal example. Among those included are: Tony La Russa, the legendary baseball manager; Eugene Kranz, the NASA Flight Director during the historic Gemini and Apollo programs; Michelle Rhee, founder of the New Teacher Project; former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm; Jim Sinegal, co-founder and CEO, Costco; Major Tammy Duckworth, former Assistant Secretary with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich. This is an inspirational journey that asks us to consider the fundamental question: What is the nature of leadership? "Making a Difference" challenges us with lessons each of us can apply to our own lives.