Commonwealth Club of California Podcast Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference
Jan 6, 2026
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan and author of True Gretch, shares her journey through significant challenges, from leading during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating threats against her life. She reflects on her family's influence, the importance of femininity in leadership, and the lessons learned through trauma. Whitmer emphasizes the need for leaders to lower violent rhetoric and engage politically for change, advocating for democratic participation among young people while discussing her strategies for Michigan's economy and future.
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Use A Cue To Stay The 'Happy Warrior'
- Smile and stay loose to win debates and public moments; use a deliberate cue to remind yourself to be the 'happy warrior'.
- Gretchen Whitmer used a personal mnemonic ("SW, MF") to stay relaxed and project confidence on stage.
Early Term Faced Extreme Crises
- Whitmer recounts facing a polar vortex, pandemic, demonstrations, recalls, and a kidnapping plot early in her governorship.
- She wrote True Gretch to share ten life lessons that helped her navigate those crises.
Humility Frames Public Service
- Public service is a duty, not a sign of being 'special'; humility motivates service.
- Whitmer credits her upbringing for teaching that no one is born better than anyone else and that opportunities require responsibility.
