Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents – An Essential Leadership Guide Based on Candid Presidential Interviews

by Mark K. Updegrove

The award-winning author of Second Acts and The Last Republicans draws on interviews and conversations with seven presidents to identify the essential leadership lessons, character, and legacy that has defined each of them and the modern American presidency.

Throughout his career as an author, journalist, television commentator, and head of a presidential library and foundation, Mark Updegrove has had the privilege of getting to know seven U.S. Presidents, from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. In this insightful work of presidential history, Make Your Mark, he offers incisive, compelling sketches of these modern presidents and the character trait that made each suited to his moment in the Oval Office and underlies his most significant accomplishments.

Gerald Ford’s instinct to do the right thing in the wake of Watergate;Jimmy Carter’s mission to do good in the areas of peace and human rights during his presidency and throughout his post-presidency;Ronald Reagan’s optimism, restoring the nation’s confidence and pride after a sustained period of demoralizing national setbacks;George H.W. Bush’s humility, helping to ensure a peaceful end to the Cold War that had seethed between the superpowers for over forty years;Bill Clinton’s resilience and determination to keep working for the good of the American people in the face of political and personal obstacles;George W. Bush’s charge to give back as the deadly AIDS epidemic spread unchecked throughout much of the developing world;and Barack Obama’s grace as the first African American to hold the country’s highest office. Make Your Mark reveals that there is no one-size-fits-all model for leadership. We all have our own set of strengths and weaknesses. But by drawing on these presidential examples—a masterclass in character and leadership—we can ask ourselves how our character reflects our leadership, and be inspired to find the very best in who we are to make own unique marks as leaders. 

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small but mighty book. Written succinctly but with powerful prose and strong messages on how personal character does and should define our lives and by example, how personal character defined seven men who held the highest office in our nation.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A summary of seven consecutive Presidents, through the eyes of a reporter that covered them. His comments were fair; highlighting the good points but not shying away from the negative issues. I wish it went into more depth on each.

[Michael Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Your Mark is a quick read, and a needed reminder of what grace and humility looked like in the White House. These stories are not new, but they are timely now. And they are deftly curated by Updegrove.

This is a book you should recommend to young people. They need role models again. They need to know what presidents were like before our present state of affairs. They need to know what real leadership is like. And as a fast read this is made for their attention span. It's good for adults too.

Updegrove is a presidential historian for our time.

He makes the stories relevant.

And as he frames so well in this book, character is ultimately what counts.

[Jennie-Lynn Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Character is destiny!!!” This book shows how character shaped several crucial American presidents & how all of us can learn important lessons from the men who shaped the destinies of the nation. This book came out just at the right time…to show us what Grace & humility looked like in the White House. Doing what’s right; Doing good; Optimism; Humility; Resilience; Giving back; & Grace will return. Thank you gentlemen for being true leaders.

[Peter Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summary of recent presidents' accomplishments and shortcomings. i learned some interesting facts, was reminded of actions taken, that I'd forgotten, and learned some context I was never taught. overall a highly recommended quick read.

The biggest takeaway for me was that no matter how hard you try everyday, you'll only ever be remembered for one or two things, so choose how you spend your time wisely.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Empowering. Hopeful.

Mark Updegrove frames the true meaning of the presidency, the character of past presidents, and the dream that is America beautifully in this succinct, crisp, and personal book. Just over 100 pages of wonderful stories, engaging perspectives on history, and a sharp, balanced look at seven presidents, Make Your Mark is a book everyone needs to read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with a history lesson and motivation combined.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Context and timing are perfect for this quick yet reflective compendium.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you for ARC, 7 presidents:
Gerald Ford # 38
Jimmy Carter # 39
Ronald Reagan # 40
George H.W. Bush # 41
Bill Clinton #42
George W. Bush #43
Barack Obama # 44

[Miranda Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

This was a quick, easy and enjoyable read.

[Naomi Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great short read to learn a little bit about and from 7 presidents

[Annabelle Bragdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

eh

[Loree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book that reminds readers of what true leadership looks like. All the Presidents he writes about had flaws, but they loved our country and used their talents to serve the people.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doing what’s right may come back in style some day; Doing good; Optimism; Humility; Resilience; Giving back; & Grace.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct, well-written accounting of lessons learned from 7 of our recent presidents. Good personal life lessons to be taken away from this read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read with short stories that show the character demonstrated by presidents of the last 50 years. (Worth noting that this is a new book and DJT is *not* included. 🔥🤨) I appreciated the way the author acknowledged the controversies and difficult moments these men experienced, but quickly pivoted to the lessons each one learned.