I always thought David Gergen was the gold standard for television political analysts: he spoke with clarity, reason, sincerity, and a level of gravitas that notably elevated every conversation he was a part of.
A few years ago, I cold emailed David to invite him to join me for an episode of Thirty Minute Mentors, and was excited when he accepted the invitation.
An advisor to four different U.S. presidents – from both parties – David brought a unique perspective and worldview on leadership to our conversation. He told powerful stories and shared instructive lessons from his decades working with leaders at the highest levels.
A memorable moment for me was when David explained how leadership has evolved by contrasting two searing images we have of U.S. presidents:
“One is when you think of John Kennedy. One of the iconic pictures of Kennedy as he’s in the Oval Office all alone is he’s standing up at a desk, but he sort of slumped over as if the weight of the world is on him and him alone. As if he is the only one. As if he is the answer to all our prayers. That was the 1960s.
Now, you come into the 21st century. The photograph that best captured Barack Obama is when he’s down in the Situation Room, going after Osama, and he was closing in on him. He’s linked up to admirals and so forth overseas. He goes minute to minute, and he’s surrounded by six or seven advisors. He’s not down there alone. He’s down there with his team.”
A key message throughout the course of our conversation is that we need more leaders. David’s big ask: for more leaders to step up to the plate.
David passed away last week at the age of 83. He was the definition of a leader to listen to.
