An Evening with General Stanley McChrystal
On Character: Choices That Define a Life
General Stanley McChrystal’s program, moderated by Ford Leadership Forum director Jeff Polet, was extremely inspiring.
The retired four-star general challenged us to reflect on what character truly means, reminding us that it is defined not by what we say, but by what we do. His insight that character is both personal and collective—and ultimately shapes our fate—offered a powerful call to strengthen our communities and civic life.
McChrystal’s reflections on integrity, a guiding principle in President Ford’s life, underscored that while our beliefs matter, it is the discipline to live by them—especially under pressure—that defines true character. He also emphasized the importance of the people and institutions that help shape and hold us accountable to those values.
Programs like this carry forward President Ford’s legacy of integrity, honesty, and principled leadership.
Watch the program here.
Details on Attending
Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Private Friends of Ford Reception: 5:30 p.m. (For those with Lieutenant Commander membership level and above.)
Program: 6:30 p.m.
Book signing to follow the event.
Program Supporters
In partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum and the Secchia Family Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation was proud to bring General McChrystal to Grand Rapids.
Watch the Livestream
About STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL
Co-Founder of McChrystal Group
Former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan
Former Leader of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
Author of My Share of the Task: A Memoir, Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a
Complex World, Leaders: Myth and Reality, Risk: A User’s Guide, and On Character: Choices
that Define a Life.
A one-of-a-kind leader with a new perspective on collaboration and teamwork, General Stan
McChrystal is known for helping organizations tap into the potential of their people to better
compete in a complex and interconnected world.
Following thirty-four years of service in the U.S. Army—including as commander of U.S. and
International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) Afghanistan and commander of the nation’s
premier counter-terrorism force— General McChrystal delivers his unique blend of on-the-
ground experience with decades of leadership to provide practical insight and wisdom to
help organizations transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments.
General McChrystal now leads the McChrystal Group as its founder and CEO, which helps
organizations of all types transform how their people, processes, and technology work
together to unlock greater speed and adaptability. As the author of several best-selling
books, General McChrystal latest examines the character of leaders and what makes
someone who they are and, importantly, how they will be remembered.
About On Character: Choices that Define a Life
How to measure a life? After a career of service, retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal had much to contemplate. He pondered his successes and failures, his beliefs and aspirations, and asked himself, who am I, really? And more importantly, who have I become? When I die, how will I be measured?
In the end, McChrystal came to a conclusion as simple as it was profound: the reality of who we are cannot be recorded in dates or accomplishments. It is found in our character—the most accurate and last full measure of who we choose to be.
On Character offers McChrystal’s blueprint for living with purpose and integrity, challenging us to examine not just our deeds but who we become through them.
Drawing from a lifetime of experience, he distills profound insights on setting and meeting standards, aligning actions with beliefs, and offers practical advice on overcoming obstacles and pursuing self-improvement.
In an era where understanding and upholding our ideals is more crucial than ever, On Character offers an inspiring roadmap for personal growth and integrity—a call to become our best selves, both as individuals and as Americans.
