The NSLS Presents Dr. Robert Gates | Full Video

In this full “Thought Leader Series” interview from The National Society of Leadership and Success (The NSLS), we speak with Dr. Robert Gates, a prominent leader with over five decades of service to our country. Dr. Gates served in the United States Air Force, on the National Security Council, as the dean of Texas A&M University, as a director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and finally, as the Secretary of Defense. Charles Knippen, president of The NSLS, interviews Dr. Gates in this full segment. Gates speaks about crucial leadership strategies useful for all students, covering a range of topics. Knippen starts by asking Dr. Gates how he went from being a college student to where he is today. Dr. Gates starts by reminding us that “opportunity knocks, it doesn’t knock the door down.” Gates speaks about crucial leadership strategies useful for all students, including the importance of small gestures of respect and taking (sensible) risks. He cites the example of a political negotiation in the Middle East, where a small gesture of respect empowered people and left an impression on all attendees. Dr. Gates also shares how his own personal experience of pursuing interesting opportunities can lead to jobs, and why having broad, diverse perspectives is critical for all leaders. Most importantly, Dr. Gates will explain why people, not systems, are still the deciding factor--even in today’s increasingly technological, networked world. With his cheerful wisdom, Dr. Robert Gates relays overarching lessons learned from a lifetime in public service. For his various achievements, Dr. Gates received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and has been recognized by publications like Foreign Policy and U.S. News and World Report. In today’s political climate, Dr. Gates is a rare figure whom enjoys notable bipartisan support. Share on Facebook:   / thensls   Subscribe to The NSLS Blog: https://www.nsls.org/blog/ Follow The NSLS on Instagram:   / thensls