49 – Dana Perino: Co-Host of “The Five”, Former Press Secretary for President George W. Bush

Summary: Dana Perino has achieved a distinguished career in politics and public service. Perino currently serves as a Fox News contributor and co-host of The Five, the channel’s daily 5pm news show that covers the day’s news in a fast moving and dinner table conversation format. The Five is one of the highest rated shows in cable news, with a ratings jump of 34 percent in its start in 2011. Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes→ Fielding tough questions and handing complex issues on the highly rated television show comes secondhand to Perino. She served as President George W. Bush’s Press Secretary from 2007-2009. Perino was only the second woman press secretary in U.S. history, and she was one of the most widely-respected members of President Bush’s senior staff.  CBS’ Marketwatch recently profiled Perino and cited her as fearless for knowing just what to say, and how and when to say it. She’s also been called the voice of reason on the show. After serving in the Administration, Perino runs a communications business, Dana Perino and Company; serves as the editorial director of Crown Forum, the conservative imprint of Crown Publishing Group; and speaks  frequently around the country on what’s really going on in Washington. President Obama nominated Perino  to the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees Voice of America; she was confirmed to that post by the U.S. Senate in 2010. Perino has taken the same dedication she applied to two decades in government service and directed it towards philanthropy. After leaving the White House, Perino spent time volunteering at an HIV/AIDS treatment center in South Africa. She has developed a unique interest in the areas of women’s rights and maternal health, especially in Africa. Perino also founded Minute Mentoring, an organization focused on giving professional guidance to young women starting their careers. Perino saw the need for Minute Mentoring after being sought after for advice by young women at various events. Knowing how far so many distinguished women have reached the heights of success, Perino came up with the idea to give these women a minute to mentor those who are coming up in their field. Her events are held across the country and, through its digital presence, is reaching more young women than ever before possible. Additionally, Perino serves on the boards of Mothers Day Every Day, Running Start, ONE Campaign, and Pets2Vets. Before she joined the White House, Perino was a spokesperson at the Department of Justice. Two years later, she moved to the White House to do communications work for the Council on Environmental Quality. Altogether, she spent more than seven years serving in the Bush administration. She has a masters in public affairs reporting and worked for PBS and CBS stations before moving to Washington, D.C. where she worked for Rep. Dan Schaefer (R-CO) and Rep. Scott McInnis (R-CO) Perino met her husband, Peter McMahon on an airplane in 1997 and she moved to England to be with him shortly thereafter. They currently live in Manhattan. Highlights From This Podcast: Dana discusses the genesis of Minute Mentoring & the importance of mentoring young women on career advice. Dana talks about her Father and the great advice and lessons he imparted on her. Learn about the importance of networking and being willing to relocate  & take assignments out of your comfort zone. Learn what it was like to work for George W. Bush and the leadership lessons he left with her. Dana's Website: DanaPerino.com Follow Dana on Twitter: @DanaPerino