A Conversation with Condoleezza Rice

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has written two memoirs of her life.  Read Extraordinary, Ordinary People and you will feel like you really know her personally.  She writes about her parents’ unconditional love and the values that helped her grow into a polished diplomat.  Read her latest memoir, No Higher Honor, about her time serving in the Bush administration and you will follow her experiences from National Security Advisor to Secretary of State in the aftermath of 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond.

Recently, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview the 66th U.S. Secretary of State about a wide range of topics ranging from her parents, her faith, and her passion for the arts.
Three leadership lessons I took away from Dr. Condoleezza Rice:

  1. Be “twice as good.”  Growing up in segregated Birmingham, she said that her parents taught her that she had to be “twice as good.”  It’s a lesson she says that applies not only in that challenging environment but to all of us.
  2. Practice and perform when you are young.  For example, performing in sports and the arts are important for students.  You learn how to perform, fall down, and get back up the next day—something that serves us all well as adults.
  3. Have a positive attitude.  Live by the motto, “You cannot control circumstances, but you can control your response to circumstances.”
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You cannot control circumstances, but you can control your response to circumstances. Condoleezza Rice

Yes, you may know that Dr. Rice was the first woman to serve as national security advisor and the first black woman to hold the office of secretary of state.  You may also know that she has a Ph.D. in political science, is an accomplished pianist, and has been a professor at Stanford for 30 years.  Some things I learned from her visit that I bet you don’t know: She recently hit a hole-in-one and she can sign more than 1,000 books in less than an hour.  Now that’s impressive.

  • Condoleezza Rice Cover
  • Condoleezza Rice Cover 2
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  • http://www.rawonionsoup.com/ Ronian Siew

    What I really love about Dr. Rice is her authenticity and the way it shows when she speaks.  Very nice and down-to-earth interview, Skip!  The three points mentioned are also very helpful.  I’m not sure if I can be “twice” as good.  Maybe 1.25 times +/- 0.1 for now.  I’m working on it!  But I think I’ve done point (2), as I estimate about 18,250 hours “practicing” the stuff I now do today as an engineer.  I started playing with lenses and prisms as an eleven year old kid…and today I’m still tinkering with this stuff.  Only difference is, I now get a salary LOL!  On point (3), I really try to remind myself often.  It’s so true that you can control how respond to stuff.  Everyday, when we’re confronted with challenging conversations, we can either choose to respond with a fight, or respond with diplomacy.  And I think that almost 100% of the time, the latter just ends up being much more productive.  Of course, I’m guilty as charged with responding with “fists” (metaphorically speaking) and I admit it.  Well admittedly, it’s always hard not to try to defend oneself against antagonists, such as a mean boss for example.  But at least I “grew up” and know better now.  Dr. Rice’s third point serves to reinforce the idea.  Thanks for this interview, Skip.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thank you for the comment and your thoughtful application of the points for your own life. To your success.

  • Hans Giza

    Very good Video with a very beautiful Condi.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thank you, Hans. I enjoyed meeting her and learning from her experiences.

  • Dawn

    Great interview makes her story come to life. Skip you have a great way of making people feel comfortable and happy and you can see it in her face when she speaks to you. Keep up the great work I’m looking forward to what’s next.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thank you. I’m learning as I go!

  • Susan

    This was the best interview I have seen with Secretary Rice. You were able to get her to open up and talk about herself. I like getting to know the person and not just the position. Thank you for doing this. I am buying both books!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thank you, Susan. I’m learning. She was intelligent and charming, and I was interested in her life, not just her policies. I think that’s probably why you liked it. She is one to learn from.

  • Roy Burnett

    Well done!

    Skip, fantastic interview with Condoleezza Rice! The format and positive theme of your blog were refreshing as were your questions, interviewing style and take-aways. I was inspired and learned something! I am looking forward to reading and watching future interviews.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thank you, Roy.  I enjoy researching the person before an interview.  It helps me to understand perspective.

  • acarson9

    “Sitting in for Tavis Smiley this evening, please welcome the incomparable Skip Prichard!” Good job Skip. I truly admire Ms. Rice and found your interview way more educational and entertaining than her recent broadcast talk show appearances. Please keep ‘em coming!

  • MPT

    Unreal.

    LOVE this, Skip. Congrats. And welcome to the blogging world…