"HOW THE BEST DID IT" with Talmage Boston [2025 Roosevelt Reading Festival]

"HOW THE BEST DID IT: LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM OUR TOP PRESIDENTS" with Talmage Boston [2025 Roosevelt Reading Festival]

HOW THE BEST DID IT is an accessible and insightful explanation of how the most important leadership traits from America’s eight greatest presidents can be implemented by today’s leaders.

“A discerning examination of what all of us can learn from some of our most effective leaders who have held—and wielded—ultimate power at the highest level.” —Jon Meacham

A talk by author Talmage Boston from our 2025 Roosevelt Reading Festival.

Chapter Logs

00:00 – Jeffrey Urbin introduces Talmage Boston

3:00 – Talmage Boston begins

5:05 – What these 8 Presidents share in common

5:55 – George Washington’s uniquely persuasive ability

9:13 – The impact of Washington’s physical presence

13:02 – Thomas Jefferson’s command of small groups

16:26 – Jefferson’s policy of no politics at the dinner table

17:52 – The eloquence of Abraham Lincoln

21:03 – Five traits that made Lincoln a great communicator

26:07 – Theodore Roosevelt’s success as a mediator

29:59 – FDR, the great orator

33:17 – Eleanor Roosevelt as the President’s link to the people

36:58 – Dwight Eisenhower’s supreme focus

40:30 – JFK’s ability to get Americans to take action

45:37 – Ronald Reagan’s optimism

49:05 – Q&A