Whom have you observed leading with values, and what have you learned from them?

I was recently asked, "Whom have you observed leading with values, and what have you learned from them?". My philanthropist super hero is without a doubt former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whom I had the privilege of serving at The Carter Center of Emory University. President Carter’s track record in philanthropy and selfless, global service is unmatched. He has forged his own path since he left the oval office. There was never a set trajectory that a former president is expected to adopt. President Carter has set the moral, values-driven gold standard for all times. Leading by example with a clear, purpose-filled imperative for his life. I also find President Carter’s formative history to be very inspiring. I think it’s important to note that he was raised in a family that put others’ needs above their own during one of the most impoverished times in our nation’s history - the Great Depression. His mother and father would open their home to travelers in need of a meal and a good night’s sleep. His mother even went so far as to gain permission for her son to give out lemonade to men working on a chain gang. If you look at President Carter’s evolution as a person and a philanthropist, you can see how being raised by people who put others’ needs above their own positioned him to spearhead some of the greatest philanthropic endeavors of our time. For me, this shows the importance of practicing service based leadership both at the corporate level and in our every-day lives. You never know who you are influencing and who will go on to do great things in the world.