David Gergen: The Future of American Leaders

David Gergen signed copies of his newest book, “Hearts Touched with Fire,” for students. Photos by Carlo de Jesus/Marist College

Marist College welcomed David Gergen, former Senior Political Analyst for CNN and advisor to four U.S. presidents, for a night about leadership and the future of America. On Thursday, campus leaders attended a private dinner with Gergen and President Kevin Weinman, followed by an open discussion on Gergen’s new book “Hearts Touched by Fire.” 

Gergen’s illustrious career working closely with some of the world’s most influential leaders provides him with a unique perspective on the qualities that define a truly great leader, as well as the trajectory of democracy in America.

In the discussion led by President Weinman, Gergen opened the conversation with a call to action for Generation Z to take their places as the newest breed of leaders.

“I think the time has come to pass the torch,” Gergen said. “We need fresh blood, fresh vision, fresh energy.”

As America becomes increasingly polarized, Gergen believes the solution to bring us together is already here, laying in wait. In his view, the country’s youth is poised to reunite the country through new ideas and the desire for public service.

“Each new generation is a new America,” he said. Gergen lamented that the Baby Boomer generation “in general has been a disappointment,” but remains hopeful that the future is bright.

Passion for shaping and inspiring a new generation of leaders is at the forefront of Gergen’s latest work, including his new book. The author offered valuable advice for Marist students with aspirations to make their mark on the world.

According to Gergen, the key to stepping into yourself is by finding your “True North.” A person’s True North is the passion and values that drive them forward to find their purpose in life, like an internal compass always pointing you to the destination of your destiny.

Even if the future seems unclear, Gergen encouraged young students to “find what really matters to you as a human being” and put all of your energy towards it. One way to discover this is by dedicating time to public service, which Gergen is a tireless advocate for.

While discussing the path to leadership, Gergen addressed the hardships many people face, referring to these formative experiences as “crucibles.” Citing the experiences of the presidents he served, Gergen explained that these crucibles instill people with humility – an essential trait for leaders.

“Through their struggles, they gain moral purpose,” he said.

President Weinman couldn’t let Gergen off without questions about his thoughts on the recent midterm elections. 

“I think something good is happening,” Gergen said, largely in reference to the high turnout of young voters in the midterms. After a relatively calm election, Gergen believes the country has emerged with a possibility to return to previous civility, as well as an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation that will set America on a path of progress.

Students expressed their excitement after hearing Gergen speak as they waited in line for signed copies of his book, feeling reenergized as they looked toward their future careers.

“Gergen overall was incredibly informative and had offered a very bipartisan view on the midterm elections. He has demonstrated his desire for a younger wave of leadership to begin entering the House, Senate and even the presidency, which I think really aligned with the beliefs of the majority of the students present,” said Gabriel Borbon ‘23, President of Student Government. “I think that overall the talk was very interesting and I’m extremely grateful Marist college was able to bring him in to speak to us!”

Rachel Dillon ‘23, president and co-founder of Marist Moderates also found the experience encouraging and thought-provoking.

“Hearing David Gergen speak to Marist students and faculty tonight with so much dignity and honesty was a breath of fresh air in today’s political climate,” Dillon said. “It’s a reminder in these times that there is hope for our democracy when someone who has witnessed so much American history continues to believe in our country and in us.”