I believe that we must learn lessons from the past to best move into the future. History provides the empirical evidence by which we can determine what works well and what doesn’t, including for leadership.

So, periodically on my podcast “Newt’s World,” I examine “immortals” of American history, great leaders who have left a positive, indelible mark on the country. On this week’s episode, I discuss Theodore Roosevelt, a truly amazing man who served as our 26th president.

Teddy Roosevelt was born into a well-to-do family in New York City on October 27, 1858 and died in 1919. His biography is remarkable, showing his sheer range — Roosevelt was a writer, historian, soldier, cowboy, politician, and much more.

Roosevelt was an amazingly personable guy with a strong personality and boundless energy. He came to personify for most Americans a sense of certainty, can-doism, and optimism. He was proud of the country and identified with its people, and they with him. He dreamed big and wanted Americans to do big things. He was daring and took gambles. He wasn’t afraid to challenge the political establishment. He had moral clarity and did what he thought was right. He was a reformer but enforced the laws that were on the books. These were all traits and qualities that allowed Roosevelt to be a statesman who, 100 years later, people still discuss with deep love and respect.

I hope you will listen to this week’s episode to learn about one of the immortals of American history, someone who still has much to teach us today — especially in a time of crisis and change.