Today we spend time at the table with Tony Brown’s former student, Tommy Sowers. Tommy took Tony’s course Enterprising Leadership about 20 years ago at Duke University. He sat in the third row at first, but soon moved up front, and was hooked. Tommy has actively leaned into leadership positions. After graduation, the Green Beret served in Iraq and Kosovo. He went on to hold major roles in the political, governmental, academic, corporate, entrepreneurial, non-profit and philanthropic worlds. Most recently, he served as president of the nation’s fourth largest private jet charter operation and is now working with Duke students on tech ethics. Tommy talks with Tony about what he learned from Tony about leadership, and how he has applied those lessons in his own career.

We invite you to leave us a voicemail at our website.

At the Table with Tony is a series of conversations with Tony Brown, Professor Emeritus at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Tony is facing significant health challenges, and he is clear about his 2025 priorities. In addition to prioritizing his wife, Teddie, and his family, nurturing a generative, “grow together” friendship community that creates benefits for others is an important 2025 aspiration. At the Table with Tony helps him do that.