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Doris Kearns Goodwin

WSB Exclusive Speaker

Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author

Doris Kearns Goodwin offers context for our turbulent times and shares how today's leaders can learn from the past.

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Doris Kearns Goodwin Profile Photo

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, public speaker, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and presidential scholar whose work has shaped public understanding of American leadership and democracy for more than five decades.

She is frequently called upon by major news outlets, late-night television hosts, Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations for her insights on presidential leadership, democracy, and political history to provide historical perspective and insight on leadership in times of change and uncertainty. Her work continues to resonate today as America confronts challenges to democratic institutions, international conflict, and political polarization.

Her eighth book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, published in Spring 2024, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. Blending biography, memoir, and history, the book chronicles the emotional journey Doris and her late husband, presidential speechwriter Richard (Dick) Goodwin, undertook as they explored more than 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents, and memorabilia spanning one of the most transformative decades in American history. Through deeply personal encounters with figures including John and Jacqueline Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy, and Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, the book captures the idealism, turbulence, and unfinished aspirations of the 1960s. It is currently being adapted into a feature film by Sony Pictures, with producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman of Playtone, Barbara Broccoli of Eon Productions, and Pastimes Productions, the company Goodwin co-founded with Beth Laski. Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Hemingson (The Holdovers) is writing the screenplay.

In Fall 2024, Goodwin published her first book for young readers, The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President. Adapted by Ruby Shamir from Goodwin’s Leadership in Turbulent Times, the book introduces middle-grade readers to the formative years of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson, offering timeless lessons in resilience, character, and leadership.

Goodwin is the author of nine critically acclaimed and bestselling works, including Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, which served in part as the basis for Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award®-winning film Lincoln. The film earned 12 Academy Award® nominations, including the Best Actor Oscar for Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of the 16th president. Team of Rivals has been widely cited as an inspiration for political and business leaders, including President Barack Obama, and received the prestigious Lincoln Prize and the inaugural Book Prize for American History. In 2016, Goodwin became the first historian awarded the Lincoln Leadership Prize from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

Goodwin was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in History for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Her book The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism received the Carnegie Medal for the best nonfiction book of 2013 and The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys was adapted into an award-winning ABC television miniseries.

Goodwin’s distinguished career began when, as a 24-year-old Harvard graduate student, she was selected as a White House Fellow—one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service—and worked directly for President Johnson before later assisting him in the writing of his memoirs. She went on to publish her first book, Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream, which became a national bestseller and achieved critical acclaim. It was re-released in Spring 2019, highlighting LBJ’s domestic accomplishments.

In 2020, Goodwin and Laski’s Pastimes Productions executive produced its first documentary miniseries, Washington, for the History Channel. Miniseries on Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt followed and are all slated to debut on Netflix in May 2026. Pastimes also executive-produced an eight-part docuseries, “Kevin Costner’s The West” for the History Channel last year.

Over the decades, Goodwin has served as a consultant and has been interviewed extensively for documentaries on Presidents Johnson, Roosevelt and Lincoln, the Kennedy family, and on Ken Burns’ “The History of Baseball” and “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.” She proudly portrayed herself as Lisa Simpson’s teacher on “The Simpsons” and as a historian on “American Horror Story.”

Goodwin has received numerous awards for her books and career, including the inaugural American History Book Prize from the New-York Historical Society, the Gold Medal for biography from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and most recently the Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence from the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York for An Unfinished Love Story.

Goodwin graduated magna cum laude from Colby College and returned to deliver the commencement address in 2024. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Government from Harvard University, where she taught Government, including a course on the American Presidency.

A longtime Boston Red Sox fan, Goodwin was also the first woman admitted to the Red Sox locker room. She lives in Boston and is the mother to three sons and grandmother to four grandchildren.

Featured Videos

Doris Kearns Goodwin Profile Photo
Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin on America at 250: Uniting Around a Common Purpose

Doris Kearns Goodwin Profile Photo
Doris Kearns Goodwin

Former Presidents’ Lessons for Addressing Political Division

Doris Kearns Goodwin Profile Photo
Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin on the Power of the Presidential Inaugural Address

Doris Kearns Goodwin Profile Photo
Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin on Applying Lessons from History to Modern Times

Doris Kearns Goodwin Profile Photo
Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin on Applying Lessons from History to Modern Times

Doris Kearns Goodwin on America at 250: Uniting Around a Common Purpose

Former Presidents’ Lessons for Addressing Political Division

Doris Kearns Goodwin on the Power of the Presidential Inaugural Address

Doris Kearns Goodwin on Applying Lessons from History to Modern Times

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Speech Topics

  • Leadership in Turbulent Times: Hope from History’s Hardships

    Not since the 1850s has our country been so politically divided. Not since the Great Depression have we faced a crisis that touched every American as deeply as COVID. Not since World War II has democracy felt so fragile. And not since the 1960s has there been a time so marked by unrest, upheaval, and political violence. And yet, through each of these dark chapters, the nation endured. That’s why these moments in history matter: they show us that hardship is not the end of the story. Time and again, we have emerged with greater strength, renewed purpose, and a spirit of shared sacrifice. To put the past in its proper perspective and help us navigate our current challenges, “America’s historian-in-chief” Doris Kearns Goodwin shares stories and insights grounded in fact and experience. With depth, clarity, warmth, and even humor, she brings to life the nation’s most consequential presidents—Washington, Lincoln, the Roosevelts, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson—who guided the country through some of its most difficult days. History, Goodwin reveals, is more than a record of what was—it’s a guide to what can be. History provides lessons, solace, and above all, hope—to serve as our compass today.

  • Leadership for a More Perfect Union: Lessons from America at 250

    As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin offers a powerful reflection on our nation’s extraordinary journey—from the founding ideals of 1776 to the challenges and triumphs that have defined each generation. Drawing on her study of visionary leaders, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Lyndon Johnson, Goodwin explores how leadership, civic courage, and a shared sense of purpose have guided America through moments of division and transformation. In this dynamic and timely presentation, Goodwin connects the lessons of history to today, urging us to unite around our common purpose and consider how we can work together toward a more inclusive, hopeful, and united future. With a personal connection to the nation’s founding—through an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War—she brings a unique, intimate perspective on the American experiment. Audiences will leave inspired, uplifted, and equipped to think differently about leadership, unity, and their role in shaping that future.

  • Leadership Lessons From The 1960s: A Front-Row Seat To History

    America’s “historian-in-chief” Doris Kearns Goodwin shares powerful insights from her latest #1 New York Times bestseller (“I can’t recommend it enough,” said Bill Gates), An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, providing a front-row seat to the corridors of power based on her own White House experiences and those of her husband, Richard Goodwin. Offering a captivating look at one of America’s most transformative decades and the leaders who shaped it, Goodwin reveals personal examples and keen analysis of iconic figures—John and Jackie Kennedy, Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.—demonstrating how they inspired a generation, influenced and navigated change, and the invaluable insights they provide for today’s leaders. Drawing poignant parallels between the turbulent 1960s and our own complex time, Goodwin explains what enormous progress was made, as well as the opportunities that were lost, offering timeless lessons that illustrate how effective leaders can galvanize public sentiment and drive progress, overcoming even the greatest of challenges. 

  • Team of Rivals: Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln

    Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her best-selling and award-winning Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin returns to Lincoln’s enduring story to provide audiences with essential and fresh leadership lessons for any profession and for all of us in our everyday lives. By deeply examining Lincoln’s life and deeds, Goodwin shows how this ordinary and extraordinary leader surprised both his colleagues and critics as he rose to political prominence and today is remembered as arguably our country’s best president for saving the Union, winning the war and ending slavery forever. But Lincoln, Goodwin posits, should also be heralded and emulated for who he was—a man of great character who displayed empathy, humor, passion, humility and kindness—providing a moral compass to guide us today and always. Goodwin infuses this deep and stimulating talk with stories of her involvement in Steven Spielberg’s hit film Lincoln, based in part on her book, that saw Daniel Day-Lewis so convincingly bring Abraham Lincoln to life for millions of moviegoers, and as an executive producer of the recent three-part History Channel miniseries Abraham Lincoln.

  • Leadership Lessons from World War II: 80 Years Later

    With September 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and as the memory of the conflict recedes, world-renowned presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin takes audiences back in time for a gripping journey through the heroics and horrors of the war that changed the world forever. With an uncanny gift for both depth and detail, Goodwin reveals the distinctive leadership styles of the leaders who carried us through this tumultuous time at home and abroad—Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman. With her signature storytelling ability, Goodwin provides an intimate and unforgettable portrait of the historic meetings between Churchill and FDR, the challenging agreements made, the power of words, the staggering productivity of the greatest business/government partnership in American history, the sacrifices on the home front, the preparations for D-Day, the lives lost, and the decision to use the atomic bomb that finally brought the war to an end. Drawing from her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II (1995) and her decades of leadership study, Goodwin demonstrates that the cautionary and ultimately uplifting lessons from a war fought eight decades ago still resonate to this day.

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin was exceptional as a moderator, setting the perfect tone in conversation with Mrs. Obama and guiding the discussion with compelling storytelling. A huge hit with the audience.

Distribution

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris offered an engaging and inspiring look at how storytelling shapes our understanding of the past. She was thoughtful, candid, and often humorous; the conversational format created a natural connection with the audience, leaving all of us with a renewed appreciation for the power of history to provide perspective and reassurance during uncertain times. From start to finish Doris resonated so strongly with the audience!

Women’s Groups

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris is the consummate storyteller. Even after a full dinner program, the audience remained completely engaged, with steady applause between questions during the fireside chat. The Q&A could have easily continued for the rest of the evening; it was only cut off due to time, not interest. Doris thrived in the conversational format, seamlessly weaving historical lessons into present-day leadership themes. She shared several stories I had not heard before, keeping even the most seasoned attendees leaning in and eager for more.

Real Estate

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris was incredible. She was warm, authentic, and a true delight to work with. She connected with everyone she met, shared meaningful insights, and left our attendees inspired. She truly made the experience unforgettable.

Financial Services

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

What can we say? On behalf of the entire team, I want you to know that you were the very heart and soul of what is already being described as the best conference we’ve ever had. You not only received the longest standing ovation I can recall, you set the tone of emotional and moral engagement that carried us throughout the entire event. Above all, you set the themes — of love, hope, empathy, character — that resonated for every single writer and audience member among us, and that continues to resonate still.

Town Hall/Speaker Series

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin was extraordinarily engaging, eloquent, and inspiring. Her presence brought everyone together in an unforgettable way — the kind of unifying voice every organization needs.

Executive Development/Coaching

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

It was the thrill of a lifetime to meet her. As a longtime educator, it was always on my bucket list — and she exceeded every expectation. Her message is powerful across any learning or leadership environment.

Education Programs

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

A distinguished historian and masterful storyteller, Doris Kearns Goodwin delivered timely insights into leadership and democracy. Her ability to connect the past to today’s boardrooms was unforgettable.

Management Consulting

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

What a magical night! Doris Kearns Goodwin was mesmerizing — her depth and breadth of leadership insight were incredible. The hour flew by, and her message about the power of history to give us hope was both timely and deeply inspiring.

Business Conferences / Audiences

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

We were especially pleased to have Doris with us for a special session this past June for our annual Global CEO retreat, at which time she dazzled our guests with her incredible command of history, helping to put the state of the nation and its leadership in context. She is a national treasure.

Business Conferences / Audiences

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris’ speech was amazing and she was incredibly wonderful to work with. Hundreds of people have been coming up to me all day telling me that her lecture was the best they had ever heard! It was a HOME RUN WITH ALL THE BASES LOADED!

Open-ticketed

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin was a total and complete grand slam home run! She impressed and charmed everyone who was fortunate enough to meet or hear her. She was a delight to deal with–as were the folks at WSB! Thanks for all you did to make everything run so smoothly.

Open-ticketed

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris was remarkable and held our audience in the palm of her hand. We were all inspired by her profound knowledge of President Lincoln and our nation’s history. Our guests did not want the evening to end!

Non-Profit

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris is a STAR – she captivated the minds and hearts of the family and the lecture’s packed audience. In addition to her exquisite intelligence, Doris is extremely generous of her time, irresistibly warm, engaging and witty.

Non-Profit

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin was a great success and received a standing ovation. Quite a few attendees told us she was the best speaker we’ve ever had. She was a joy on-site and was everything we hoped for.

Health Care

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin was a hit at our meeting. She is a master at making history come alive – the audience was captivated! She was also very gracious and accommodating to all she met, both before her presentation, during her presentation and afterwards at the book signing.

Government

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin is just incredible. Her patience and connection with the individuals during the book signing were inspiring. She could have talked all night and they would have been just as rapt. Can’t wait for her next book.

Health Care

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Having Doris at the event was great and the attendees really enjoyed her talk. On top of that, she seemed like a really nice, genuine person! It was easy working with WSB so I really wouldn’t change anything.

Financial Services

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin absolutely knocked people’s socks off. The audience loved her – and it was clear she loved the audience. I just hope I have a chance to book her again someday.

Education Programs

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Everyone raved about Doris Kearns Goodwin’s speech. In fact, I heard from some people that it was the best talk they had ever heard.

Universities & Colleges

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Our event was a complete success! I want to extend a hearty thanks to you and everyone we came into contact with at WSB. Your team is dedicated, responsive and encouraging to us as the clients you made the logistics easy! Doris Kearns Goodwin was just as you described her, delightful, engaging, and complimentary to everyone and everything at our College. The emails to me are pouring in from students as well. I know that she had a great impact on all who heard her speak.

Universities & Colleges

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Five Stars!! The event with Doris was our BEST EVER. We had 642 in attendance and she was simply amazing. And she was sooooo personable to deal with. The audience was riveted to her every word, and she was both informative and entertaining. Her topic for us was “A History of Presidential Leadership in Turbulent Times.” She was deft in weaving in comparisons of our current president to past presidents – and never alienated our more conservative crowd. I received one note which said “Please bring her back next year!” She graciously met all at our VIP reception and the desert/coffee time afterwards.

Universities & Colleges

What other organizations say about Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris is one of the most brilliant speakers we have had on our campus. Audience members shared their comments with us about what an extraordinary person and class act she is. The stories she shares about the presidents, combined with her encyclopedic knowledge of presidential history, are insightful, entertaining, and humorous. We were so pleased that Doris could join us for dinner and answer more questions from our guests before she left campus – she is a witty, warm and caring individual and a favorite of all who listened to her.

Universities & Colleges

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