Christopher Gergen
Principal
Dark Horse Political, LLC
AAPC caught up with new Individual member, Christopher Gergen.
Connect with Christopher on Twitter (@cpgergen) and Facebook (Dark Horse Political).
AAPC: Why did you join AAPC?
Christopher: I joined AAPC because the association is widely regarded as the gold standard in our industry. Membership typically separates those of us who are professionals in this industry from those folks who embrace political consulting as more of a hobby. Additionally, I enjoy politicos; I enjoy associating with folks farther down the road in this industry, so I can listen to their wisdom and grow professionally to the benefit of my clientele.
AAPC: Who do you look up to in the industry?
Christopher: That’s a fantastic question. I have many mentors in this business and narrowing it down to one is not possible. However, if could isolate one trait they all have in common it would be their focus to execute a well thought out strategy with precision and excellence–doing the correct things properly at the most opportune time. After all, there’s no point to climb a ladder if its leaning against the wrong wall. My mentors have taught me which wall to climb and the most efficient way to get to the top.
AAPC: Why is being part of a bipartisan organization valuable to you?
Christopher: The value of bipartisan relationships hinges on the idea that no one person or group has a monopoly on good ideas. Some of my best friends work for “the other guys (and gals).” I find their perspective to be not only engaging, but challenging intellectually (and at times, frustrating!). I believe the Good Book declares, “iron sharpens iron.” These bipartisan relationships help to sharpen me as an individual, as an American, and as a professional.
AAPC: How do you manage high-stress situations?
Christopher: I learned to deal with stress through necessity when I was in the United States Navy. The military taught me to focus on the situation at hand, stay calm, stay focused, and trust my training. Stressful situations get put into a box (mentally) and placed on a mental shelf for unpacking at a later date. Once alone, I sit with the stress and think about it; I relax, reason with it, contextualize it, and deal with it. Once I’m finished with a stressful situation mentally and emotionally, I move forward.
AAPC: What’s your favorite book or movie on politics and why?
Christopher: I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius just about every day. His wisdom is undeniable and if I could travel in time to interview one person, he would be that person. It is a privilege to have access to the same wisdom that helped to shape political thought in the Western world for almost two-millennia.
AAPC: What’s next for Dark Horse Political, LLC in 2017?
Christopher: DHP is involved in several campaigns locally, nationally, and abroad. We are keeping a close watch on the Venezuelan crisis, the narco-trafficking dictatorship brewing in Bolivia and other South American countries. Strategically, we are positioning the firm through professional alliances to provide our clients with the best possible advantage in the 2018 cycle. What’s more, we’ve launched a sister company, Dark Horse Media Group, to handle digital and traditional media needs with our client base. We’ve enjoyed tremendous success thus far and look to continue our growth for the balance of the year.
Our newly launched Member Spotlight feature puts you in front of the AAPC community so that you can expand your personal and professional network! We encourage all AAPC members, new and veteran, to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other members. To be featured in our next Member Spotlight, contact Angela Pubal at apubal@theaapc.org.
