We are deeply honored to showcase the remarkable leadership journey and accomplishments of Mrs. Frances Hesselbein, founding president and CEO of the Leader to Leader Institute in New York (formerly The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management). Among her many achievements, Mrs. Hesselbein was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States of America’s highest civilian honor, in 1998. Mrs. Hesselbein’s Biography.
We encourage you to experience each of the unique features of this special exhibit -- to step inside her life and work... Visual Self-Guided Gallery Tour
At the top of this page, there is a visual self-guided “gallery tour.” Frances takes you on a journey through her life and work. Be sure to put your headset on (or turn your speakers on). Listen to the "Piano Medley for Frances" while you experience going through “gallery tour” at your own pace. Come back and tell us what you think!
Interview with Frances Hesselbein
The visual self-guided gallery tour above serves as a prelude to an intimate conversation with Frances Hesselbein. Mrs. Hesselbein met with Debbe Kennedy, founder of the Global Dialogue Center to talk about special moments in her life. In the interview, she gives us all the opportunity to step inside her life and work in a very personal way to learn from her example. Her stories are poignant. Her lessons memorable.
Special Segments of the Interview with Mrs. Hesselbein...
For your reference, below is a menu of the special segments, with the timing of where the segment appears in the interview: Downloadable PDF
Enduring Influences 01:23 – 14:06
Beginning imprints from Pennsylvania; meeting Peter F. Drucker.
The Remarkable Journey 14:07 – 34:07
Reflections, inspiring a new generation today, lessons learned from Peter Drucker, and forwarding-thinking milestones to pass along.
Optimism, New Leaders, and Global Insight 34:13 – 50:25
A philosophy and its role in leadership today; the optimism of a new generation, and lessons from other cultures around the world.
Notable Achievements and Firsts 50:26 – 1:09:57
Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom; an inside look at the experience; thoughts on being a leader that happens to be a woman; appointment to West Point.
Special Messages to Take with YOU 1:10:00 – 1:19:13
Frances leaves a few closing thoughts for each of us.
Frances Hesselbein’s Personal Library Biography, Articles, Books, Publications, Quotes, and Photos
The link below takes you to Leader to Leader Institute and to Mrs. Hesselbein’s personal library. Also, we encourage you to look around the Leader to Leader website. You'll find other articles, tools, events and resources. Visit now.
About the Leader to Leader Institute
Established in 1990 as the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, the Leader to Leader Institute furthers its mission—to strengthen the leadership of the social sector—by providing social sector leaders with essential leadership wisdom, inspiration and resources to lead for innovation and to build vibrant social sector organizations. It is this essential social sector, in collaboration with its partners in the private and public sectors, that changes lives and builds a society of healthy children, strong families, decent housing, good schools, work that dignifies, all embraced by the diverse, inclusive, cohesive community that cares about all of its people. Learn more.
Special Thanks...
We are grateful for the partnership of Theresa Berenato, Director of Communications, Leader to Leader Institute and to our Global Dialogue Center collaborative partners that shared their artistic, musical, and technical gifts that brought Leadership by Example: A Tribute to Frances Hesselbein to life:
“Piano Medley for Frances” by Jessica Roemischer, pianist and music educator See Differences in Duet: Musical Expressions from the Heart with Jessica Roemischer at our Women’s Gallery.
Visual Self-Guided Gallery Tour