On January 21, 2026 the McDonnell Academy had the distinct pleasure of hosting Dr. Sam Goodwin for a Lunch with a Leader session. A distinguished WashU alumnus, author, world traveler, entrepreneur, former Division I athlete, and pilot, Dr. Goodwin’s extraordinary life experiences have shaped him into a compelling voice on resilience, leadership, and thriving amid uncertainty. McDonnell Scholars and members of the Academy community gathered for an engaging and inspiring conversation with the St. Louis native and motivational speaker, whose journey from global explorer to influential leader captivated all in attendance.
The conversation, facilitated by McDonnell Scholar Benji Palmer (2024 cohort, MLA ’27, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts), highlighted Dr. Goodwin’s remarkable achievement of traveling to every country in the world. He shared the challenges he encountered along the way and the invaluable lessons drawn from navigating unfamiliar environments, cultures, and moments of adversity. His stories of courage, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit resonated deeply, encouraging attendees to pursue their goals with passion and determination—wherever and whenever opportunity arises.
The interactive session created space for meaningful dialogue, as McDonnell Scholars posed thoughtful questions and gained insight into Dr. Goodwin’s perspective on leadership, personal growth, and resilience. His emphasis on global connection and cultural understanding aligned closely with the McDonnell Academy’s mission and its core pillars of leadership, global mindset, and community.
Following the discussion, Dr. Goodwin met with Scholars to sign copies of his book, Saving Sam, offering a personal moment of connection and reflection that further enriched the experience for attendees.
This event reaffirmed the McDonnell Academy’s commitment to fostering leadership development, lifelong learning, and global engagement. The Lunch with a Leader series continues to connect Scholars with influential voices who inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders, and Dr. Goodwin’s visit was a highlight of the 2025–26 academic year.
The McDonnell Academy is grateful to Dr. Sam Goodwin for sharing his wisdom and experiences with our community ahead of his WashU Assembly Series keynote address to more than 600 members of the WashU community later that evening in Graham Chapel.