Podcast Summary: "How to Win: Morton Blackwell on Building Leaders, Movements, and a Life of Going Big!"

Going Big! with Kevin Gentry
Host: Kevin Gentry
Guest: Morton Blackwell, President of the Leadership Institute
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Going Big! with Kevin Gentry, host Kevin Gentry engages in an in-depth conversation with Morton Blackwell, the esteemed President of the Leadership Institute. Celebrated as a top podcast on iTunes and honored with the 2024 MarCom Gold Award for Non-Profit Podcast, Going Big! delves into transformative ideas in marketing and fundraising. This episode, titled "How to Win: Morton Blackwell on Building Leaders, Movements, and a Life of Going Big!", explores Blackwell's monumental contributions to the conservative movement, his strategic insights on leadership, and his enduring impact on political activism.

Background on Morton Blackwell and the Leadership Institute

Morton Blackwell, a pivotal figure in American conservatism, founded the Leadership Institute in 1979. Under his leadership, the organization has empowered over 320,000 conservatives worldwide, enhancing their effectiveness in government, politics, and media. Kevin Gentry reminisces about his personal connection with Blackwell, highlighting a 41-year friendship that began during their time at the College Republicans at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. This deep-rooted relationship underscores the profound mentorship and enduring friendship between the host and the guest.

Building Effective Conservative Leaders

Blackwell emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge and strategic skills in political leadership. At [00:00], he introduces his philosophy:

“Read to lead. You need to build up a solid understanding of the political philosophy that you already reasonably believe in.” ([00:00])

He outlines a two-step approach:

1. Read to Lead: Develop a deep understanding of one's political beliefs.
2. Study How to Win: Acquire the skills necessary for effective political engagement, such as organizing, communicating, and fundraising.

Blackwell stresses that political effectiveness requires more than just philosophical correctness. In his view, success comes from blending solid ideological foundations with actionable strategies:

“You owe it to your philosophy to study how to win.” ([04:58])

Morton's Career Highlights and the Leadership Institute’s Growth

The conversation delves into Blackwell's extensive career, including his pivotal role in Ronald Reagan’s campaigns and his tenure as a liaison in the Reagan White House. At [10:10], Blackwell shares his decision to leave a comfortable position in the White House to focus on building the Leadership Institute:

“I did and he took it over and I got the job offer.” ([13:06])

This bold move marked the beginning of the Leadership Institute's journey from its nascent stages to a flourishing $50 million-a-year organization, touching lives globally through diverse programs, job placements, internships, and campus reform efforts.

45 Laws of the Public Policy Process

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Blackwell's "45 Laws of the Public Policy Process," a strategic framework he developed to guide effective political action. These laws, translated into 16 languages and displayed prominently in his office, offer timeless advice on navigating the complexities of politics. Kevin and Morton explore several key laws, providing practical examples and interpretations:

1. Never Give a Bureaucrat a Chance to Say No ([26:33]): Blackwell advises minimizing bureaucratic obstacles to ensure legislative success.

   “The fewer bureaucrats that you have, the more that the purpose of the legislature in passing the law or authorizing the expenditure.” ([26:33])

2. Don't Fire All Your Ammunition at Once ([27:58]): He emphasizes the strategic release of negative information about opponents to maximize impact.

   “You want to do it bit by bit. And that's a big mistake.” ([28:47])

3. Don't Get Mad Except on Purpose ([31:16]): Controlling emotions in political discourse is crucial, though strategic moral indignation can be effective.

   “Moral indignation is a contagious human emotion.” ([32:21])

4. Don't Make the Perfect the Enemy of the Good & Remember the Other Side Has Troubles Too ([32:47]): Balancing pursuit of excellence with practical achievements while acknowledging opponents' weaknesses.

   “Things seem to be going wrong. But then you need to think the other side probably has troubles too.” ([33:23])

5. Better a Snake in the Grass Than a Viper in Your Bosom ([33:49]): Choosing adversaries wisely to protect one's integrity and alliances.

   “You want to keep your distance from the venomous folks.” ([34:16])

These laws encapsulate Blackwell's strategic acumen, blending pragmatic tactics with ethical considerations to foster sustainable political success.

Mentorship and Influences

Blackwell reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, highlighting Senator Carl Curtis from Nebraska and Charlton Lyons, an independent oilman from Louisiana. At [36:05], he narrates how Senator Curtis’s unwavering commitment and integrity inspired his own dedication to the conservative movement:

“He would say, yes, I'll do it. And then he would pick up the phone and initiate what he had just committed to do.” ([36:36])

Similarly, Charlton Lyons exemplified the values of culture, dignity, and strong commitment, serving as a moral compass for Blackwell during his early political endeavors.

Strategic Decision-Making and Risk-Taking

A recurring theme in the episode is the courage to take strategic risks for long-term benefits. Blackwell recounts his pivotal decision to leave a lucrative White House position to invest fully in the Leadership Institute, a move that required personal and financial sacrifices. At [15:19], he underscores the importance of having a supportive partner in making such bold decisions:

“The important thing was that my wife shared my principles. She shared my desire to win.” ([15:20])

This strategic risk paid off, allowing the Leadership Institute to become a cornerstone of conservative training and activism.

Advice and Insights on Going Big

As the conversation draws to a close, Blackwell offers timeless advice for aspiring leaders and changemakers. He reiterates the foundational principles of his 45 laws:

1. Read to Lead: Gain a comprehensive understanding of your political philosophy.
2. Study How to Win: Learn strategic skills to enhance political effectiveness.

At [49:42], he encapsulates his guidance:

“Study how to win. You don't have time in your life to make every mistake and learn from every mistake from your personal experience.” ([49:42])

Blackwell encourages listeners to build a solid foundation of knowledge and continuously develop their political and leadership skills to create lasting impact.

Conclusion

Kevin Gentry closes the episode by lauding Morton Blackwell's extraordinary contributions to the conservative movement and his embodiment of the Going Big! ethos. Reflecting on Blackwell’s impact, Kevin expresses optimism for America's future, attributing much of it to the foundational work laid by leaders like Blackwell.

Morton Blackwell concludes with a note on his lifelong dedication:

“All's well that ends well. You know, I'm not gone yet. I could screw up somewhere. Let me know. I can avoid that.” ([51:03])

This episode not only chronicles Blackwell's illustrious career but also serves as an inspiring blueprint for anyone aiming to make a significant impact through strategic leadership and unwavering commitment.

Notable Quotes

• Morton Blackwell [00:00]: “Read to lead. You need to build up a solid understanding of the political philosophy that you already reasonably believe in.”

• Kevin Gentry [05:49]: “Thank you for creating that as the foundation for this conversation.”

• Morton Blackwell [13:06]: “I did and he took it over and I got the job offer.”

• Morton Blackwell [26:33]: “The fewer bureaucrats that you have, the more that the purpose of the legislature in passing the law or authorizing the expenditure.”

• Morton Blackwell [32:21]: “Moral indignation is a contagious human emotion.”

• Morton Blackwell [49:42]: “Study how to win. You don't have time in your life to make every mistake and learn from every mistake from your personal experience.”

Key Takeaways

• Foundation Building: A deep understanding of political philosophy is essential before delving into strategic political actions.

• Strategic Skill Development: Acquiring skills in organizing, communicating, and fundraising is crucial for effective political activism.

• Risk and Reward: Bold decisions, supported by a strong support system, can lead to significant long-term impacts.

• Mentorship and Integrity: Influential mentors and unwavering commitment to integrity are vital for sustained leadership success.

• Enduring Impact: The Leadership Institute's growth and Blackwell's 45 laws continue to shape and influence the conservative movement globally.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Going Big! offers a masterclass in political strategy and leadership through Morton Blackwell’s experiences and insights. Listeners gain valuable lessons on the importance of foundational knowledge, strategic planning, and ethical leadership in driving successful movements and creating lasting change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring changemaker, Blackwell's journey and advice provide a roadmap to "go big" and make a meaningful difference.

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