Brain: Peter Hutchinson

Curt Johnson, who ran the Citizens League, ran the Metropolitan Council, was chief of staff to Governor Arne Carlson, and has had a very successful career as a consultant and commentator on a wide variety of subjects—all that without losing his humility and sense of inquisitiveness. Karla Ekdahl is people smart. At the hub of most networks you will find Karla. She is a connector, constantly putting people together who need to know one another and then watching the synergy happen. She is the best board chair I have ever seen. She is also my wife. Eric Jolly, the president of the Science Museum of Minnesota.

James Madison, one of the architects of the Constitution—it has lasted and it still works; Jean Monnet, the “founding father” of the European Union—he solved the puzzle of how to find the common ground among nations that had known only war for centuries.

Don’t lie. It’s the right thing to do and it’s easier to remember.

Obama. He has faced his demons and so is not afraid to be who he is.

Being afraid to try things that were unfamiliar. Saying no when I could have said yes.

No.

People smart.

Our ability to find common ground in a polarized world.

No. Wisdom comes from experience and that can come at any age.

No. We all have our own gifts.