Page 275 - Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows

CHAPTER 26

THE EDUCATION

PROGRAM

I was surprised and thrilled to find that Washington is full of people who
love what they do and who do it for the loftiest of reasons.
—Wireless Generation CEO and Cofounder
Larry Berger (WHF 94–95)

EARNING A PH.D. IN LEADERSHIP
Throughout the Fellowship year, there are approximately seventy-five lunch-
eon meetings, or seminars, at the White House Fellowship offices at 712
Jackson Place, NW, across the street from the White House. The meetings
are with high-level leaders in both the public and the private sectors, includ-
ing the President as well as members of the media, CEOs of Fortune 500
companies, and other influential people. These off-the-record meetings are
designed to augment the Fellows’ job experience by giving them an oppor-
tunity not only to listen but to engage in spirited, candid discussions with
many of the nation’s leading figures. Although the slate varies each year and
has included current and former presidents, cabinet officers, bankers, gen-
erals and admirals, Supreme Court justices, artists, scholars, journalists,
members of Congress, entrepreneurs, and leaders of all stripes, the meet-
ings are always highly anticipated by the Fellows. They are the equivalent
of a Ph.D. in leadership. Many Fellows confess that these meetings are
among the most enjoyable and meaningful activities in the entire Fellow-
ship year.

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