Dartmouth Leaders on Life and Leadership
Here are a few favorite observations about leadership gathered from alumni answering The Call to Lead.
"Racing always hurts. That's a given. So you take the pain off the table and just run."
With the tough races I’ve run and injuries I’ve had since Dartmouth, I have a growing respect for the mind as a muscle. It needs just as much love, recovery, care, and attention as my body does.
Abbey D’Agostino ’14
Middle- and long-distance runner
“There's history we aspire to and history that really was.”
The liberal arts are fundamental. They’re a way of broadening the mind, not just in terms of your career but in terms of living your life. They help you ask questions and give you a reference to what has gone on in the world while keeping you grounded.
Annette Gordon-Reed ’81
Award-winning author and historian
“Be bold. Be smart. Be brave. Be true. Go forth and rock.”
Well, there are many kinds of leadership. One kind that Dartmouth really fosters is letting you blaze your own trail, pursue your own individuality.
Jake Tapper ’91
CNN Chief Correspondent
"Strive for excellence, and people will notice."
Strive for excellence and people will notice. Opportunity will follow. Life is like a hitter at the plate, people are watching and excellence will be noted.
Sandy Alderson ’69 H’19
President of New York Mets
“Leadership is about confidence and authenticity.”
Leadership skills, whether you are leading yourself, a small group, or a larger institution, are all about having confidence and authenticity. Out of this authenticity, comes the ability to articulate credible positions that people can understand.
Lisa V. Adams ’90
Director of the Center for Global Health Equity and Associate Dean for Global Health at the Geisel School