1. William J. Clinton
The Fortitude and Folly of the
Self Domain
Wagish Bhartiya
3/29/2012

2. Clinton created lasting impact through his
professional endeavors
Career Highlights:
• Elected 42nd president of the United States at age 46
• Remade the Democratic Party to offset “Reagan Revolution”
• Oversaw longest and one of the largest economic expansions in US history
• Key domestic accomplishments – home ownership, low unemployment,
rising test scores, college enrollment expansion, public school internet
access, lowered crime rate, shrank poverty and welfare, reduced teen birth
rate, lowered income taxes
• Since leaving public office, active philanthropist and speaker including
Tsunami and Katrina relief efforts
• William J Clinton Foundation - public health, climate change, poverty
alleviation, religious and ethnic conflict

3. Clinton’s early life experiences created parallel lives -
Self vs. Professional Domains
Early life influences
• Partially raised by grandparents who strongly believed in equality despite
living in segregated South
• Cried alone during “I Have a Dream” speech – ability to empathize
• Political idol – John F Kennedy – asked how he could serve others / his
country
• Baptist calling – woke up, dressed himself, and walked to church solo
• Alcoholic step-father who abused mother and step-brother
All my life I’ve been interested in other people’s
stories. I wanted to know them, understand
them, feel them. When I grew up into politics, I
always felt the main point of my work was to
people a chance to have better stories.

4. However, his political rise was powered by values
and family
• Strong sense of duty and obligation
• Desire to improve the lives of others Self
• Belief in equality and opportunity for
all people
• Understanding that everyone is
talented and worthwhile
Family Professional
• Supported and nurtured by mother
and grandparents
• Found an unflinching ally in Hillary
Rodham who flamed his ambition
• Undeniably talented politician / policy
• Strong, caring relationship for
master
daughter Chelsea
• Forged deep personal connections
that advanced his career
We cannot build our own future without • Tenaciously fought for what he
helping others to build theirs. believed in against political opponents
/ acted with intent

5. Lesson #1 – Leverage potency of personal conviction
and beliefs to propel your career and beyond
Grit: Ability to overcome
life’s obstacles
Purpose: Grounding Inspiration: Motivate
in something greater Conviction & others to act for
than individual Personal Belief themselves and on
your behalf
Fuel: Source of endless
passion, energy, and fire
Clinton was able to overcome sizable obstacles and setbacks throughout his life
because of his unwavering conviction in what was right and his unflinching
vision of self

6. Lesson #2 – Understand the importance of reflection
in fostering self-control and restraint
Chaotic inner world /
emotional turmoil
Fear, desire, envy, anxiety
Professional, Familial, and
Clinton’s personal demons sabotaged Social Excellence
a brilliant career, pushed his family to
the brink, and threatened friendships Growth, impact, performance
Brilliance and sheer talent are
insufficient; how do we understand
the emotions that drive us to act
(good and bad)?

7. Lesson #3 – Align passion with
values, abilities, stakeholders, and career to create
congruence
Who / what really Self What values drive me?
matters to me? What will I fight for?
Community Professional
Family
Where are my talents
What types of roles / best served for lasting
actions does my family impact?
support?
For the most part, Clinton was / has been able to establish alignment between his
domains and find a meaningful place for himself. Consequently, he has been able
to leave an imprint on the world