CENSA Interview with General (Retired) Colin Powell (January 2013)

CENSA would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Powell Family on the passing of Former Secretary of State; former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former National Security Advisor; General (Retired) Colin Powell. 

We would like to echo President Biden’s sentiments that he shared this week: “Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity. From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else—in uniform and out—and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.”

In memoriam of his passing, CENSA would like to share a previously unreleased interview between CENSA and General Powell in 2013. In this interview, General Powell reflects on the U.S. Army’s post-Vietnam transformation from a challenged draftee Army to a professional All-Volunteer fighting force. The interview seeks to draw parallel lessons between the Army’s transformation and today’s U.S. school reform movement.

Rest in Peace General Powell.

“Good leaders set vision, missions, and goals. Great leaders inspire every follower at every level to internalize their purpose, and to understand that their purpose goes far beyond the mere details of their job. When everyone is united in purpose, a positive purpose that serves not only the organization but also, hopefully, the world beyond it, you have a winning team.” – Colin Powell

Transcript: