Dina Powell believes Gen Z is in need of one of the most transformative experiences of their lives
Who believed in you? The answer, in Dina Powell McCormick and Sen.Dave McCormick’s case, is a very long list of people.The couple’s new book, “Who Believed in You?” taps into their vast Rolodex — spanning politics, technology, entertainment, finance and fashion — to share how instrumental mentors have been in the lives of the people running the world today.“We wanted people to see that, whatever your profession, someone helped you get there,” Powell told me.
“Americans today can be that person for someone else.”The book’s index is the ultimate list of name-checks.Tory Burch, David Chang, Condoleezza Rice and Brian Grazer all make appearances, as do presidents.
(Powell worked for two: George W.Bush as Sr.
White House Advisory, and Donald Trump as Deputy National Security Advisory.)Lloyd Blankfein, who Powell identifies as one of her most important mentors, is even quoted — jokingly referring to himself as Powell’s “tormentor” for the challenging feedback he gave her.The book is worth a read for the inside accounts of how the rich and powerful got where they are.(Microsoft’s Satya Nadella credits Doug Burgum for helping him become a CEO — who knew?) But it also highlights just how pivotal it is to build deep relationships, to find success and meaning.Powell acknowledges it sounds “corny.” But she sees a real American crisis in terms of how many young people are lonely and lost — in large part because Gen Z hasn’t been challenged to get where they are supposed to go.
This book is her and her husband’s effort to spark a movement of adults who will mentor and believe in the next generation.“One of the most transformative experiences of my life has been building deep relationships with mentors and mentees,” she told me.“This could be the moment to ignite a mentoring movement where people truly believe in the power of investing in one another.”It seemed to strike a chord with attendees at a packed event — hosted b...