From leadership expert Robert L. Dilenschneider, author of Decisions and Nailing It, a business inspirational title addressing the need for character as a vital dimension in public and private life, based on thirty-one iconic historical figures who embodied such qualities of character.

Whether in politics, science, religion or a myriad of other fields, our national character seems in jeopardy. What’s missing? What trait did the men and women throughout history have that drove society to be the best that it could be? In these twenty-nine inspiring portraits, respected adviser Robert L. Dilenschneider explores the achievements of the leaders and groundbreakers who shaped our age, as well as their lessons in life and in business that can provide a blueprint for our future.



In what ways did character manifest itself in Nelson Mandela, who triumphed over the direst adversities? In Florence Nightingale and Edith Cavell, who transformed the nursing profession during war and in great peril to themselves? How did Walt Disney find the tenacity to become an iconic entrepreneur? How did loyalty to his fellow soldiers in Vietnam informed John McCain’s entire worldview? Character—a vital dimension in public and private life—unifies their legacies and others.



From a respected older generation of mentors comes invaluable advice and hopeful direction for the young leaders, innovators, and influencers of tomorrow.

Nelson Mandela * Eleanor Roosevelt * Susan B. Anthony * Stephen Hawking * Lou Gehrig * Steve Jobs * John Wooden * Florence Nightingale * Edith Cavell * Vaclav Havel * Julia Child * Theodore Hesburgh * Walt Disney * Winston Churchill * Margaret Chase Smith * Mother Theresa * Arthur Ashe * Daniel Patrick Moynihan * Margaret Thatcher * Bill Russell * John McCain * Jimmy Stewart * Colin Powell * Valéry Giscard d’Estaing * Anwar Sadat * Frederick Banting *
Emmeline Pankhurst * Katherine Graham * Paul Volcker