The Power of Influence: Leadership in Action

New York City banker Felix Warburg told a story of meeting a fellow wealthy businessman who was angry with public health nurse and Henry Street Settlement House founder, Lillian Wald (1876–1940). This businessman planned to see her and give her a piece of his mind. “No,” Warburg is quoted as saying, “don't do that. If you're sure you are right, you'd better write her a letter. If you see her,” he said, shrugging his shoulders expressively (so the story goes), “you might change your mind. I have.”1 Paul and Felix Warburg were in charge of Henry Street Settlement investments and worked with Wald frequently.