Who are our greatest Presidents? What lessons can the modern-day business leader learn from our 47 Chiefs of State? Welcome to a new season of this award-winning podcast series with Tom Fox and Richard Lummis to delve into the great and not-so-great Presidents to mine their successes and failures for today’s business executives. In this episode, Tom Fox and Richard Lummis begin a two-part series on the life and times of Herbert Hoover. In Part 1, we look at Hoover’s beginnings and the time up to his presidential election 1928. We begin with Hoover’s humble beginnings, rise as the first president born west of the Mississippi, and extensive international business and humanitarian efforts. Key questions include the significance of a pre-presidential resume and how one determines the qualifications for leadership without prior experience. Highlights include Hoover’s tenure during World War I, his visionary work in the U.S. Food Administration, and significant contributions to infrastructure projects like the Colorado River Compact and the Hoover Dam. This episode also touches on Hoover’s progressive policies despite being overwhelmed by the Great Depression during his presidency. Key highlights: Early Life and Education Hoover’s Business Career Humanitarian Efforts During WWI Political Career and Secretary of Commerce Conclusion and Final Reflections Resources-Herbert Hoover UVA Miller Center-overview Life Before Presidency Work in Europe As Secretary of State Presidency First Amendment and Supreme Court Great Depression Top Quotes Brainy Quotes