The Most Influential Woman [Timeless Leadership Ep. #33]

with Melanie Kirkpatrick

“If I were asked, now that I am drawing to the close of this work, in which I have spoken of so many important things done by the Americans, to what the singular prosperity and growing strength of that people ought mainly to be attributed, I should reply—to the superiority of their women.” — Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840

Imagine being a woman in 1822 in rural America — a mother of four, with your next child due in a month — and your husband suddenly and unexpectedly dying. What would you do?

For most women, there was no choice; but for Sarah Josepha Hale, this tragic life event is what set her in a direction that influenced much of 19th century America.

Melanie Kirkpatrick has written the definitive biography about her impact: Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman. In it, we learn of a woman driven by principle and passion, who disrupted norms but was civil about it.

It’s the story of influence, transformation, and some surprising elements.

Listen here ▶️

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Links

• Related post: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Timeless & Timely)

• Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman

• Melanie Kirkpatrick’s website

• The Woman Who Invented Women’s History (WSJ - paywall lifted)

• Music:

  • Long Road Ahead B by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  • Source:  http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100588

  • Artist:  http://incompetech.com/

Contact

To reach me to discuss a public speaking engagement, or to talk about my leadership coaching services, please email timeless @ scottmonty.com

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