A Memorable Honor: About the Book

“This story shall a good man teach his son...”
— William Shakespeare, Henry V

William Shakespeare and Abraham Lincoln walk into a meeting . . .

But what happens next is no joke. By following the wisdom and example of these two visionaries, any leader can embody the honor, persuasion, and high-stakes art of leadership.

In A Memorable Honor, veteran business executive Frank P. Prager examines how Shakespeare’s over-four-hundred-year-old texts hold the key to making twenty-first-century leaders stronger, more compassionate, and more successful in their organizations. Using Abraham Lincoln—a lifelong lover of the Bard—as a prime case study, Prager offers an in-depth analysis of how themes found in Shakespeare’s plays shaped Lincoln’s leadership and response to the overwhelming pressures of the Civil War. Prager examines how characters in comedies and tragedies alike demonstrate the following essential tools for today’s leaders:

  • Honor

  • Poetry

  • Wit

  • Courage

  • Competence

  • Wisdom

  • Fragility

  • Memory

A Memorable Honor is a fascinating deep dive, an intellectual love letter, and an inspiration for how to meet leadership challenges with understanding, perfect for anyone seeking to become a more effective, just, and inspirational leader.

A Memorable Honor:

About the Author

“Who’s there? Nay, answer me!”
— Hamlet Act 1, Scene 1

Frank Prager (and friend)

Frank P. Prager, a lifelong fan and student of Shakespeare’s works, worked for nearly thirty years at Xcel Energy Inc., a public utility serving almost four million electric customers in eight western and midwestern states. He specialized in the development of energy, environmental, sustainability, and climate strategies, retiring in 2025. Across his varied senior leadership roles, he led the company’s federal advocacy, communications, planning, and enterprise security programs. He was the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer and served as chief of staff to the company’s CEO, where he helped set the overall strategic direction for the company.

            Prager is a graduate of the University of Colorado with degrees in chemical engineering and English. He earned his law degree from Stanford University. He resides in Colorado with his wife, Kimberly, and dog, Beatrice, and now spends most of his days helping to take care of his granddaughter.