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Before the recent Russian attack, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was unpopular. With a background in acting and little political experience, he did not inspire confidence among many citizens. Zelensky’s leadership since the attack, however, has drawn admiration from many, at home and internationally. He has demonstrated courage, empathy, and patriotism, inspiring his own people to fight and winning support from countries throughout the world. Were Zelensky’s leadership skills already present, or did his circumstances shape him into an effective leader? Listen to hear an expert analyze Zelensky’s leadership style and then debate: Are leaders born or made?
Story Length: 6:32
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March 4, 2021
5:03
NFL coaching has become more diverse in recent years, but most top positions continue to be held by white men. Only five of the league’s 32 head coaches are minorities. While more people of color and women have become qualified for leadership positions, they are not being hired for the top jobs. Listen to a sports writer describe the problem of discrimination within the NFL, and learn whom he blames for the league’s failure to diversify its leadership.
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6:41
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4:38
When the founding fathers of the United States were writing the Constitution in the 1780s, they were deadlocked about what to call the leader of the executive branch. At the time, “president” was used in other contexts. University heads were called presidents and heads of colonies sometimes used that title as well. But until President George Washington, this word had never been used to describe a leader of a country. Listen to hear how the decision was finally reached.
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