Skip to content
Who's in the Video
Shirley Tilghman is the nineteenth president of Princeton University, and is the first woman to hold the position. Tilghman served on the Princeton faculty for fifteen years before being named[…]
Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter
A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Tilghman is inspired by big ideas and the execution of them. She knows that big ideas come with obstacles, and likes to encounter people who see beyond the small details and deterrents.

I’m inspired, I think, by individuals who strive for excellence. I think that’s how we make progress in the world is by individuals who are capable of expressing their creativity and then striving to achieve it – striving at a high level of excellence. I’m inspired by people who do dream – who have big ideas, and who are undeterred by all the obstacles that are in their path. I’m inspired by big ideas, by people who are able to see beyond the small details of getting through the day to be able to see a big idea, and then to figure out how to execute a big idea. Recorded on: 8/7/07

Related