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The award-wining author of Second Acts and The Last Republicans draws on interviews and conversations with seven presidents to identify the essence of character, leadership and legacy that has defined each of them and the modern American presidency.
Throughout his career as an author, journalist, television commentator, and head of a presidential library and foundation, Mark Updegrove has had the privilege of getting to know seven U.S. Presidents, from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama.
In Make Your Mark, he offers incisive, compelling sketches of these modern presidents and the character trait that made each suited to his moment in the Oval Office and underlies his most significant accomplishments.
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Gerald Ford’s instinct to do the right thing in the wake of Watergate;
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Jimmy Carter’s mission to do good in the areas of peace and human rights during his presidency and throughout his post-presidency;
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Ronald Reagan’s optimism, restoring the nation’s confidence and pride after a sustained period of demoralizing national setbacks;
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George H.W. Bush’s humility, helping to ensure a peaceful end to the Cold War that had seethed between the superpowers for over forty years;
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Bill Clinton’s resilience and determination to keep working for the good of the American people in the face of political and personal obstacles;
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George W. Bush’s charge to give back as the deadly AIDS epidemic spread unchecked throughout much of the developing world;
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and Barack Obama’s grace as the first African American to hold the country’s highest office.
Make Your Mark reveals that there is no one-size-fits-all model for leadership.
We all have our own set of strengths and weaknesses. But drawing on these presidential examples, we can ask ourselves how our character reflects our leadership, and be inspired to find the very best in who we are to make own unique marks as leaders.
Extracts
...regardless, character is the rudder that directs deeds and decisions and in large measures a nation's course
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ARTICLES
How To Plan The Perfect Road Trip is our perfect travel guide that's got you covered for all eventualities, wrong turns, sudden weather storms and everything else that happens in between.
Planning a road trip from New York to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is a grand adventure that requires careful organization, flexibility, and a sense of wanderlust.
This journey traverses continents and cultures, spanning approximately 19,000 miles down the legendary Pan-American Highway, which stretches from the top of Alaska to the very tip of Argentina.
Begin by mapping your route. The Pan-American Highway is the main artery, taking you through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and into South America via Colombia.
You’ll travel through Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina before reaching Patagonia and finally Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego. Be sure to research entry requirements for each country, and plan for the famous Darien Gap—an unpassable jungle stretch between Panama and Colombia that requires bypassing by sea or air.
Vehicle preparation is crucial. Opt for a reliable car or overland-ready vehicle, as rental cars often have restrictions for multi-country travel. Have your vehicle inspected, stock up on spare parts, and carry international insurance. Prepare all your vehicle documents and ensure passports, visas, and copies of all paperwork are in order.
Budgeting is equally important: consider gas, tolls, border fees, accommodations, food, and emergencies. Regularly set aside funds and have some local currency for each country.
Pack smart—bring an emergency kit, water, snacks, navigation tools (including offline maps), and entertainment. Avoid overloading the vehicle. Aim to cover most ground during daylight hours for safety, and plan your rest stops; breaking up long stints helps maintain focus and morale.
Check the weather frequently, especially as you draw closer to Patagonia, where conditions shift rapidly. The best time to reach Ushuaia is during South American summer (September—February).
Finally, embrace spontaneity. While the route demands logistics, leave room for detours and local experiences. A road trip from New York to Ushuaia is as much about the journey as the destination—a test of endurance, organization, and an invitation to experience the Americas in their full diversity
Tips
Check the weather frequently, especially as you draw closer to Patagonia, where conditions shift rapidly. The best time to reach Ushuaia is during South American summer (September—February).
And finally
Embrace spontaneity!
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The History of Peru by David Robbins added depth to our trip and made it worthwhile
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Open house community dinners
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