Tucson Festival of Books

Lead with Curiosity, Act with Purpose


What does it mean to lead with curiosity and act with purpose? Join David Gelles, David Litt and John P. Schaefer for a conversation that spans bold adventures, unexpected leadership and public service. Expect insights, humor, and inspiring reminders of how each of us can chart a meaningful path.


Panelists
David Gelles

David Gelles is an award-winning correspondent for The New York Times. He currently writes for the climate desk and previously wrote for the business section and was the “Corner Office” columnist....

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David Litt

David Litt is the former senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama. He has been described as the comic muse for the president for his work on White House Correspondents’ Dinner monologues....

John Schaefer

John P. Schaefer, Ph.D. is president emeritus of the University of Arizona, where he had an active twenty-one-year career in teaching and research. A conservationist and avid birdwatcher, he helped organize the Tucson Audubon Society and founded the Nature Conservancy in Arizona....

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Books:
Dirtbag Billionaire
How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away
David Gelles
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Simon & Schuster
September 2025
ISBN 9781668032268
320 pages
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It's Only Drowning
A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground
David Litt
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Simon and Schuster
June 2025
ISBN 9781668035351
304 pages
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A Chance to Make a Difference
A Memoir
John Schaefer
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
University of Arizona Press
January 2025
ISBN 9781941451151
322 pages
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