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 …