I was thrilled to learn that Charles Koch will receive the Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty from the Cato Institute this May in Washington, DC. Mr. Koch’s impact on advancing free markets and individual liberty is undeniable—but for me, it’s also deeply personal. Mr. Koch’s investments in developing policy talent through the Koch Internship and Associate Programs profoundly shaped the way I think and work today.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Mr. Koch is that lasting success—whether in business, policy, or social change—comes from creating real value for others. His emphasis on integrity, principled decision-making, and entrepreneurial thinking continues to guide how I approach policy challenges and opportunities. Importantly, I learned how to give clear, constructive feedback and receive it with gratitude, using principle-based management tools like the situation-behavior-outcome (SBO) model, which has also been key to recruiting aligned talent. Mr. Koch’s books and programs equipped me with actionable skills for becoming a lifelong learner and mentor.
This award is a well-deserved recognition of Mr. Koch’s unwavering commitment to empowering people, fostering innovation, and expanding freedom. I’m grateful for the impact his work has had on my own life, and I hope you’ll join us in celebrating his legacy.