I recently went one on one with Doro Bush Koch as part of my Lessons in Leadership series in Thrive Global. Doro is the New York Times bestselling author of the book My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H.W. Bush. She is also the honorary chairwoman of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Carrying on her parents’ deep sense of duty to others, Doro co-founded BB&R Wellness Consulting with the goal of helping people improve their health and overall sense of well being so that they can begin to live their best lives. Doro’s brother George W. Bush was the 43rd President of the United States. Doro’s brother Jeb Bush was the 43th Governor of Florida. Her father George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st President of the United States. Here are some excepts from our conversation:

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts on leadership. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people?

Doro: I have a motorboat that I captain that I love to spend my free time on. I use it to cruise up and down the coast of Maine and often picnic with family and friends in sheltered coves. On occasion I cast a rod near the rocky shore hoping to catch a wiley striper! Being on the water is as close to heaven as I can get.

Adam: What is something that would surprise people about life in the Bush family?

Doro: That we spend a lot of time laughing and that we don’t sit around talking politics. We are tight-knit and all love and respect each other. I thank my parents for that. We have recently taken up pickle ball and hold a family tournament every summer. We are competitive (not a surprise) but it’s all in good fun.

Adam: How would you describe the leadership styles of your father and your brothers, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Jeb Bush as leaders? What makes each of them unique and what do you believe we can learn from each of them?

Doro: They all view public service as a noble calling and are honest, intelligent people who care deeply about the United States of America. My father never complained and never had an unkind word to say. He was the master of the small gesture and taught me the importance of kindness. My brother GWB taught me serving with integrity should be the goal, not popularity. Jeb taught me to think big, bold ideas and to work hard. You may not know that I also have two other amazing brothers — Neil, who taught me the importance of giving back and volunteerism, and my brother, Marvin, who makes people feel seen and heard, and taught me the importance of strong relationships.

Adam: What can leaders learn from Barbara Bush? How would you describe her leadership style?

Doro: My mother was no-nonsense. You knew exactly where you stood with her.  She was not afraid to speak her mind. She was also able to diffuse stressful situations with humor.  She was a strong leader in our family and a strong advocate for literacy for over 30 years.

Adam: Notwithstanding members of your immediate family, what leaders have you been around that you admire most and why? What did you learn from them?

Doro: Two leaders I’ve had the privilege of meeting were Amma and the Dalai Lama. Amma, the hugging saint, taught me the power of a simple physical embrace and the power of love to change people’s lives. The DL taught me that great leaders can be kind and that showing love and kindness to every person we encounter can foster inner happiness and peace.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Doro: My mom gave me really good simple advice which is… look for the good in others and leave the rest behind.

For the full interview, including Doro’s best tips on health, wellness and living a more mindful life, visit https://thriveglobal.com/stories/tips-from-the-top-one-on-one-with-doro-bush-koch/