Over the next few months I will be attending and writing about The New Jersey Speaker Series, an inaugural series of talks produced by Fairleigh Dickinson University. The impressive list of speakers are Madeleine Albright, Alan Alda, Steve Wozniak, Olympia Snowe, David Gergen, David McCullough and Dan Rather, each influential voices in today's world.
Here's Part One: An evening with Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
From time to time we have pre-conceived notions about people. As much as we try not to, we do. Last week while I was on my way to hear Madeleine Albright speak, I feared that her presentation might be dull and boring. After all, talking about sanctions against Iraq or the American policy in Bosnia is certainly interesting and educational, but it can also be very dry.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Like any good comedian speaker, she warmed up the audience with a great story:
To the announcer, “Thank you for telling everybody who I am. Not everybody always knows. (Laughter) Not long ago I was coming back from China, and Chicago was the first port of entry, and as I was getting undressed for the security people (laughter) one of the guards noticed me and said, ‘Oh, my gosh it’s you.’ (Laughter)
Then he went on to say, ‘I’m from Bosnia, and if it weren’t for you in Bosnia there wouldn’t be a Bosnia and you are always welcome back to Bosnia.' Then we had our picture taken and it screwed up the whole line. (Laughter)
Then I go back to get my stuff and the lady who was in back of me said, ‘So what exactly happened here?’ and I told her I used to be Secretary of State and she said, ‘Of Bosnia?'”
(Big laughter)
Madeleine Albright's biography tells an incredible tale: The first female Secretary of State. Fled with her family from Prague during the Nazi invasion and again years later from the Communists. Received various degrees from Wellesley College, Johns Hopkins and Columbia University. Worked on Edmund Muskie’s campaign that led to an appointment as The National Security Council’s liaison during the Carter White House. Worked as a Democratic Party foreign policy advisor and briefed Vice Presidential and Presidential candidates Geraldine Ferraro and Michael Dukakis. Appointed as Ambassador to the United Nations. Awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama.
It’s clear from this condensed biography that an entire post (or more) could easily be devoted to writing about Dr. Albright’s stellar career, her policies and positions on national and global affairs, or about the fascinating life she’s lead. But I’ll leave that to her by directing you to two of the many books she’s written: “Madam Secretary: A Memoir” and “Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War (1937 – 1948).”
Instead I’ll focus on Madeleine Albright the woman, because as I thought about her presentation and candid answers to the audiences’ questions, I realized what a powerful advocate she is for woman’s rights. She's an outstanding example for women on the importance of speaking their minds and believing in themselves.
Story One: Albright told the story of the first time she entered The White House as Secretary of State. While walking into that glorious house it occurred to her that the portraits hanging on the walls collectively had one major difference between them: whether the subjects wore a beard or not. She hoped that one day that would change to the difference being whether the subjects wore heels or not.
Story Two: Soon after she was married Albright had twin daughters and, as she said, “I tried to figure out how to be a good mother, because as every mother here knows, every woman’s middle name is Guilt. When you’re home you wish you were working, and if you’re working you wish you were home. In my case I was lucky to have jobs with a great deal of responsibility when my children were older. They were taking care of me.
Once, as my daughter was taking care of my bills she called me and said, 'Mom, did you really need those pair of shoes?'
I’m often asked about the balance issue, and I don’t think there is any (one) answer. Everyone has to develop their own answer, realize that it’s very difficult, and people are judgmental on what we’ve chosen. The hardest were the judgments that other women made on me. We have to be nicer to each other and be more respectful of our choices.
For me, everything about women and in life is about CHOICE.”
Story Three: Dr. Albright owns a large collection of costume jewelry including many pins. Her pins are an extension of how she's feeling on a given day. On a good day she'll wear a butterfly; on a bad one a bug.
On a trip with President Clinton to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin, a leader she openly dislikes, Albright decided to wear her monkey pin. President Putin noticed it, and knowing that her pins represented an unspoken Albright thought, he asked President Clinton why she was wearing a monkey. Never one to hold back, Albright quickly blurted out, “Because I think your policy in Chechnya is evil.” Putin was furious, President Clinton looked at her “like I was out of my mind and I was in trouble.”
Story Four: When her time at The White House was over, she thought it would be a difficult transition for her to leave. (Sound like Empty Nest Syndrome?) But she quickly learned that leaving was a chance for a fresh start to try something new. She began to teach, write, “and listen, and I refuse to ever be silent because we all need to speak out and have the moral courage to face the issues of the day.”
By the end of the evening the audience and I got to know "the real" Madeleine Albright. She is funny, outspoken, intelligent, savvy, sometimes controversial, always honest, and ever mindful of the lessons her parents taught her.
"Never take liberty, freedom or the greatness of America for granted." I am sure they’d be proud of the accomplishments of their exceptional daughter.
Fantastic. I would have not expected this. I particularly like her statement that we have to be nicer and more respectful to each other. Amen Madame Secretary.
Oh I loved this! I have always had tremendous respect for her....thanks for giving me more of her background and a window into her personality. I think this entire series will be an incredible experience for you...and your readers!
So admire Madeleine Albright. Have read two of her books. She is a very strong woman with all she went through in her personal and professional life. The speaker series sounds amazing. Can't wait to read your future posts.
What a wonderful opportunity to hear her speak. I had heard about the pins and have always thought that was a wonderful thing. I started to collect pins but don't wear them in the same way she does - to make a statement. What a great lady she must be.
Looks like a brilliant series. She is an amazing person with so many accomplishments and you captured her stories so well I feel I was almost in attendance!
Loved this Cathy I have always been impressed with her brilliance and outspoken personality. I have made notes of her books can't wait to check them out! Great post!
Oh, she's always been stellar. My mom, who is 80, always looked to her...she's still hoping to see woman president in her lifetime, for for now she has Madeline.
How great that you got to hear her speak. And her stories are wonderful.
She sounds like a great speaker in addition to being an inspirational role model for all of us. Like you, I wouldn't have expected her to have such a good sense of humor. This is such an awesome speaker series and I'm so glad you're getting to meet these luminaries!
What a fabulous post Cathy!
This is just fascinating....thank you for sharing this!!!
I am glad that you had the opportunity to attend. I enjoyed the Bosnia story, the heels story and the pin story. Interesting.
Cathy I loved this post! I am a big fan of the Former Secretary of State. I love her airport story. So excited for you that you are attending these events and excited for me that I get to read about them!
I heard her speak at a women's conference - what a BIG personality in a small package! Thanks for the great blog!
I granddaughter was named in part for Madeleine Albright...Madeleine Anna...of all the women I could have thought to name her after, Albright would have been at the top of the list. I wish I could have been a mouse in your pocket!
Lucky you Cathy...the series you are privileged to hear sounds wonderful.
b+
Albright and my mother-in-law had the same experience with being unaware that they were Jewish: http://situationroom.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/24/blitzers-blog-madeleine-albright-speaks-out-on-her-hidden-past/
I think only you could relay the 'person' behind anything, as you have done here. Aside from influencing my limited opinion about this woman, it occurs to me that you are the most human person I know. Lucky me, and all of these people that you will be writing about.
WONDERFUL woman. Great role model.
I agree with the other comments, excellent post that gives a wonderful synopsis of of the talk and lets us see a bit of the personal side of Mrs Albright.. Thank you for sharing.
What a joy to see her as a real person! We already know how much she's accomplished and what a great role model she is -- now I want to just hang out with her!
Great article, Cathy! Gave me such clear insight into the woman. And what a wonderful subject! Looking forward to the rest of your articles about the series.
What an amazing life.
I've only watched from a distance as her legend evolves, but I'm fascinated to see what new tidbits (and personalizing details) will emerge in the years yet to come. I really enjoyed your piece--thank you for your insight, and also for inspiring an ever-deepening curiosity 🙂
Wow, what an amazing speaker series! I wish I could have been there too! Thank you for sharing with us.
What a great series! I love hearing more of the personal side of leaders. I would have loved to hear Madeleine Albright speak. Looking forward to hearing about Olympia Snowe!
What a fun and enlightening interview Cathy. Thanks for a fresh new take on a revered (and reviled) political figure.