Discover the leadership decisions that shaped a nation and learn how presidential lessons can guide leaders today.
Leadership theory is easy. The presidency is leadership under pressure.
Every U.S. president faced defining moments that tested their leadership: war, national division, economic crisis, and relentless political opposition. The presidency is more than politics. It is one of the clearest real-world laboratories of leadership ever recorded.
In Calling the Presidents, leadership expert and presidential historian Ken Hartley takes you inside the lives, decisions, and turning points of America’s presidents. Through compelling storytelling and on-location visits to presidential homes, libraries, and historic sites, Ken reveals leadership insights hidden in both success and failure
Explore the presidents or moments that interest you most, or follow the journey across American history. Each lesson is short and engaging, designed to fit your schedule while delivering powerful leadership perspective.
Ken Hartley is one of the most gifted and versatile people I’ve worked with. I’ve watched him have audiences laughing one moment and deeply engaged in leadership lessons the next.
Mike HuckabeeFormer Governor of Arkansas and U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Ken Hartley
Leadership and Communication Expert
Ken Hartley is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, leadership expert, and author who helps individuals and organizations communicate more effectively, lead with confidence, and overcome the beliefs that hold them back. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in organizations ranging from small teams to large ministries and companies, Ken brings a unique blend of real world leadership insight, storytelling, and practical application to audiences around the world.
A Certified Speaking Professional with the National Speakers Association and a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team, Ken is known for delivering engaging presentations that combine leadership principles, human behavior insights, and compelling storytelling. His work often draws from the DISC model of human behavior and focuses on helping leaders connect with people, build stronger teams, and communicate with clarity and influence.
Ken Hartley’s leadership training “provides teaching moments for any leader seeking to continue their growth” and blends presidential history with practical leadership insights
Jackson Police Department Leadership
Not only is Ken Hartley an excellent speaker, he is also a fantastic writer. His research and documentation make this well worth the read. It may seem like a book about history, but it is really a book about leadership.
Dr. Robert Rohm, PresidentPersonality Insights
Ken has a compelling personality that immediately connects with all kinds of people.
Joe Sanders, PastorThe Sanctuary – Sugar Land, TX
What You Will Learn
Highlights from the full suite of 60+ lessons.
Leadership Under Pressure
Discover how U.S. presidents made critical decisions during war, crisis, and national uncertainty, and what modern leaders can learn from leading when the stakes are highest.
Vision That Shapes the Future
Explore how presidents cast bold vision for the nation and learn how clear purpose and direction help leaders inspire people and move organizations forward.
Leading Through Division
Study how presidents navigated political conflict, national disagreement, and cultural tension while still moving the country forward.
The Power of Character
Learn how integrity, humility, and personal conviction shaped the leadership of some of America's most respected presidents.
Decision Making When It Matters Most
Examine historic presidential decisions and discover principles for making wise, timely choices even when information is incomplete.
Communicating With Influence
See how presidents used speeches, messaging, and personal communication to rally people, shape public opinion, and inspire action.
Resilience After Failure
Many presidents faced major setbacks before or during their time in office. Learn how great leaders recover, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Building Trust and Credibility
Discover how presidents earned the confidence of the American people and what leaders today can do to build trust within their teams and organizations.
Leadership Lessons From Turning Points in History
Explore defining moments in American history and uncover the leadership insights revealed when presidents faced the nation's greatest challenges.
Discover the leadership decisions that shaped a nation and learn how presidential lessons can guide leaders today.
Single Pass
The complete course experience for an individual user.
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1 year full access
Watch and re-watch all lessons on-demand -
Workbooks & resources
Download workbooks & access comprehensive course resources -
Take notes & more
Notes & more LeaderPass features in your personal account
Group Pass
The complete course experience for groups and leadership teams.
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Full Pass for each group member
Everyone in your group gets full access to the course in their personal LeaderPass account with all the features -
Includes a Group Leader Guide with built-in conversation starters
Enterprise Pass
Train your leaders. Align your culture.
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Every member of your organization receives their own Pass and personal LeaderPass account
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Personalized kick-off with Ken Hartley
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Scalable pricing for large teams, with custom rollout options available.