Podcast Summary: The Interview with Leslie Heaney – [REVISIT] Character Matters feat. Jean Becker

Introduction

In the April 14, 2025 episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, host Leslie Heaney welcomes Jean Becker, the esteemed author of Character Matters and Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush. Jean Becker, who served as President George H.W. Bush's chief of staff during his post-presidency years, delves into her rich experiences and shares compelling stories that highlight the character and legacy of the 41st President of the United States.

Meeting President Bush

Jean Becker recounts her first encounter with then Vice President George H.W. Bush during the 1988 election campaign while working as a newspaper reporter for USA Today. On Air Force Two, after a long day of campaigning, she finally secured an interview with him. Jean humorously recalls the first words he spoke to her:

“[00:03:05] Jean Becker: ... he just looked at me and said, okay, what do you got?”

Years later, this moment became an inside joke between them, illustrating Bush's straightforward and unpretentious nature.

Transition from Journalist to Chief of Staff

Jean's transition from journalism to a role within the Bush administration was serendipitous. After editing columns for Barbara Bush and Kitty Dukakis during the 1988 campaign, Barbara Bush personally invited her to join the first lady’s press office. Despite initial reservations from her editor at USA Today, Jean embraced the opportunity, marking the beginning of a 25-year tenure with President Bush.

“[00:06:39] Jean Becker: ... How did that happen? I was offered the job, and I said yes. My editor was yelling, ‘If you cross that river, you will never come back.’ And he was right. I never came back.”

Working with President Bush Post-Presidency

Upon Bush’s departure from the White House, Jean moved to Texas to assist Barbara Bush with her memoirs. Later, in 1994, President Bush reached out to Jean to temporarily fill the role of chief of staff. Jean humorously admits:

“[00:09:28] Jean Becker: ... I didn’t know how to be a chief of staff. I can barely bounce my checkbook, and you want me to run an office? But he said, Gene, we’ll make it up as we go.”

This period marked the beginning of Jean’s long-standing relationship with Bush, during which she witnessed his unwavering commitment to bipartisanship and public service.

Bipartisan Leadership and Legacy

Jean emphasizes President Bush’s dedication to bipartisan efforts, which yielded significant legislative achievements despite political divisions:

“[00:14:22] Jean Becker: ... In today’s climate, there is such a resistance to work together and somehow compromise has become a dirty word. President Bush accomplished so much by working with the Democrats.”

Notable bipartisan successes under Bush include the Clean Air Act amendments and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jean highlights the 1990 budget deal as a testament to his character, where Bush prioritized the country’s fiscal health over personal political gain, even at the cost of his own re-election prospects.

“[00:15:38] Jean Becker: ... He wrote in his diary, ‘I know what they’re proposing, probably make me a one-term president, but it’s the right thing to do for the country.’”

Humanizing Leadership: Personal Anecdotes

Jean shares numerous stories that illustrate Bush’s empathetic and approachable nature. One particularly memorable anecdote involves Prince Bandar, former Saudi Ambassador, and a close friend of President Bush:

“[00:26:07] Jean Becker: ... President Bush had a number. He called Bandar and confirmed he was alive, teaching us the importance of direct communication and action over assumptions.”

Another touching story involves Dana Carvey, Bush’s SNL impersonator, who became a genuine friend of the President:

“[00:29:22] Jean Becker: ... Dana Carvey’s story in the book describes how President Bush regularly connected with friends, ensuring relationships were maintained beyond political alliances.”

Empowering Women in Leadership

Jean highlights President Bush’s forward-thinking approach to supporting women in the workplace. Through testimonies from influential women like Condoleezza Rice and Maureen Dowd, it's evident that Bush fostered an environment of respect and equality:

“[00:37:58] Jean Becker: ... Condi Rice’s essay illustrates how Bush empowered her by publicly recognizing her expertise and ensuring she felt valued in her role.”

Bush’s willingness to accommodate personal circumstances, such as adjusting job expectations for women with families, further underscores his progressive stance:

“[00:38:11] Jean Becker: ... Bobby Kilberg was offered a senior White House position with accommodations to balance her professional and personal life, exemplifying Bush’s supportive leadership.”

Personal Passions: Skydiving and Resilience

Despite his advanced age and health challenges, President Bush maintained an adventurous spirit through skydiving. Jean narrates an incident where Bush attempted to skydive at 90, showcasing his relentless pursuit of life’s passions:

“[00:39:09] Jean Becker: ... Bush loved skydiving and even planned a jump for his 100th birthday. His resilience and zest for life were inspirational, despite medical concerns.”

Life Lessons and Character Insights

One of Jean’s favorite moments with Bush involves his guiding philosophy inspired by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky:

“[00:42:40] Jean Becker: ... Bush often said, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,’ encouraging proactive and fearless decision-making.”

This mantra was exemplified when Bush successfully persuaded George Clooney to attend a charity event, demonstrating his belief in taking chances:

“[00:44:47] Jean Becker: ... He believed in making the ask, regardless of the outcome. His approach was always about taking opportunities rather than shying away from them.”

Closing Reflections and Diary Entry

In a poignant conclusion, Jean shares a diary entry from President Bush on Election Night 1992, reflecting his grace and resilience in the face of defeat:

“[00:45:35] Jean Becker: ... ‘Be strong, be kind, be generous of spirit, be understanding, and let people know how grateful you are... Finish with a smile and some gusto and do what’s right and finish strong.’”

This entry encapsulates Bush’s enduring legacy of character and integrity, serving as a beacon for leaders in turbulent times.

Conclusion

Leslie Heaney closes the episode by expressing gratitude for Jean Becker’s insightful contributions and the invaluable lessons drawn from President Bush’s character. The episode underscores the enduring importance of integrity, bipartisanship, and personal relationships in leadership.

“[00:48:36] Leslie Heaney: ... What a wonderful legacy, though, Gene, that both he left and you left working with him. I'm really grateful to you for taking the time.”

Jean Becker’s Character Matters emerges as a vital reflection on leadership grounded in character, especially pertinent in today’s polarized political landscape.

Notable Quotes

• “[00:03:05] Jean Becker: ... he just looked at me and said, okay, what do you got?”
• “[00:15:38] Jean Becker: ... He wrote in his diary, ‘I know what they’re proposing, probably make me a one-term president, but it’s the right thing to do for the country.’”
• “[00:42:40] Jean Becker: ... Bush often said, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,’ encouraging proactive and fearless decision-making.”
• “[00:45:35] Jean Becker: ... ‘Be strong, be kind, be generous of spirit, be understanding, and let people know how grateful you are... Finish with a smile and some gusto and do what’s right and finish strong.’”

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact that strong character and dedicated leadership can have on both personal relationships and broader societal change. Jean Becker’s firsthand accounts of President Bush provide listeners with valuable insights into what truly makes a leader admirable and effective.

If you found this summary enriching, consider reading Character Matters and Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush by Jean Becker for a deeper exploration of these life lessons.