Boston, MA
Getting invited to Harvard JFK School’s Institute of Politics to speak about “The Future of the Republican Party” — and then getting invited back several months later to address a larger group — validated my unconventional professional path — at least in my mind.
Some students wanted to be campaign operatives — and told them that can only come from working campaigns and learning how to win by being a survivor — not sitting in a classroom.
I mentioned at the outset I’d dropped out of college to tour with the Dead before getting into the campaign business. Without mentioning how and why some things didn’t go well due to this approach, I suggested they pursue a campaign career in a more conventional manner.
They loved the story and candor. I was invited back.