Margaret Hilda Thatcher (placeholder)

I believe she was one of the greatest Prime Ministers Britain had ever seen. She also made long strides for female leaders everywhere just by being a woman at the top, although of course that wasnt her conscious intention. She is an extremely important part of world history in so many ways, and I just wish I could give her a hug and a thank you. I was in her neighborhood when I was living in London and I wondered what it would be like to sit and have tea with her. What a brilliant woman.

It was the late 1980s. We were on a school trip to London and Maggie jumped at the chance to meet some safe middle class kids from Northern Ireland. I think she spent the entire time talking to the most obnoxious girl in the group about pop stars, none of whom have careers anymore.

A few years ago when I went to her hotel suite in Washington, D.C. to interview her for my radio show, I had secured permission ahead of time for me to bring my then-9-year-old daughter Krissie so she could meet Lady Thatcher. After passing through the security detail, we were shown into her suite, and a moment later Mrs. Thatcher came in. I introduced myself and my daughter, then quickly set about to find an electrical outlet for my recorder.

Picture this: as I’m trying to find a place to plug in, I glance over my shoulder and see the woman who was once one of the most powerful leaders in the world leaning down and chatting amiably with my daughter about things like rollerblading and homework.

Krissie still talks about it—and so do I. It was a great moment.

She set such an example for modern women in politics in my opinion and I respect her immensly. I think the nickname “The Iron Lady” was probably the highest compliment she could have been given during her years in office. I would love the opportunity to meet her and glean as much from her as possible.