Discussing the 'Greatness' of Reagan and Churchill with Steven Hayward

On April 24, we had the honor of having a roundtable discussion with Dr. Steven Hayward, author of Greatness: Reagan, Churchill and the Making of Extraordinary Leaders. In the book, Dr. Hayward analyzes the unexplored connections between two of history’s greatest leaders, Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill. Dr. Hayward began writing the analysis simply as a portion of a larger biography on Ronald Reagan and then began to see the similarities and outstanding parallels between the two leaders of the 20th century.

Reading Greatness was a wonderful opportunity, but being able to hear the commentary and decision-making process of the book’s development was an experience that I was grateful to have. As a leader, I was most intrigued on Dr. Hayward’s analysis on how people become leaders like Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill. Dr. Hayward says that there are key attributes that both of the aforementioned leaders had that helped to achieve their success. The first can be summed into Churchill’s quote that says, “Genius cannot be taught by reading or experience.” Leadership and the qualities needed are in some people’s nature and not in others. Secondly, leaders get their habits in isolation and are able ignore other’s influence on their lives and ideals. Lastly, reading quality literature is essential to your development as a leader.

Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill are undoubtedly two of the greatest leaders of the modern world. Greatness offered a true insight to their parallels and speaking to Dr. Hayward enhanced our experience even more. I plan on consulting his book and the lecture to grow in my leadership and appreciation of Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill.

- Jessica Babgy, Class of 2013