With more than 40 years of experience in national and state politics, philanthropy, and communications, Chris Georgacas brings unparalleled insights (and riveting stories!) to his role as Goff Public’s chairman. From state political party chairman to our founder, Bob Goff’s, successor – Chris has faced public affairs and public relations industry changes head on. Find out about his proudest accomplishment, most unique hobby and more in this month’s Team Goff Q&A.
What has been the most significant change you’ve witnessed in public affairs and public relations over your 40 years in the industry?
Not the predictable responses of “the advent of the internet and social media” or “greater social divisiveness,” but this: The loss of credibility in so many institutions and putative experts. It began in the 1960s (when I was a very young child), so it’s not new. But it has accelerated exponentially in the past three decades. Some lament it, but I believe it’s led to the slow-but-real rise in critical thinking by more ordinary Americans about what they’re told to believe. This is an overdue and healthy phenomenon, despite being unsettling to the status quo. As professionals in the persuasion business, we must be alive to this and advise clients to prove their trustworthiness.
What is one professional accomplishment that you are most proud of?
It would be tempting to cite something during my Goff tenure, because it’s been my professional home for the past 26 years. But what prepared me to be useful to clients and colleagues here were my four tumultuous but successful years as a state political party chairman, in my early 30s. I had to meet payroll, develop and articulate a positive organizational vision, reform antiquated systems, spot and promote talent, defend people and ideas in public (even when they weren’t wholly defensible!), learn to give private advice effectively in trying circumstances, keep my cool under fire, and work hard and long – all while maintaining a pretty normal family life. It molded me into the wise and effective public affairs consultant I am today, and the good boss I was! (Wink.)
What is the best career advice you ever received?
“Don’t f*** it up!,” from Bob Goff, the founder of our firm, when he made me his successor as CEO. Bob impressed the importance of unfailing dependability to clients and stability as an employer. In my 18 years leading Goff Public, I perhaps erred in being a bit too risk averse at times in running the business. But when clients expect consistently high-quality service and colleagues depend on paychecks and health benefits, it puts a very sobering burden on a businessperson’s shoulders. Our clients and our people love Goff Public because we still practice the time-tested fundamentals of great service without compromise.
What is one piece of advice that you would tell your younger self if you were starting out in this industry today?
“Be a student of human nature.” It’s the single most important body of knowledge one needs to succeed in public affairs and public relations.
What is your most unique hobby?
Fixing and off-road driving old Land Rovers. I have four Series Ones, from 1948 to 1956, all in various states of road(un)worthiness, as well as some more recent ones. It’s a cult or disease rather than a hobby, but great fun, nonetheless.
What are your top three road trip songs?
Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”; Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile”; and The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” But three is such a small number, even for a “top” song playlist. For a road trip of any length, I would add more hard rock, plus blues, jazz and lots of classical tracks.
What book would you recommend, and what is one book on your to-read list?
I suffer from bibliomania, so it’s a really hard question. If I had to select something for deserted island or deathbed reading out of the totality of world literature, the Homeric Odyssey. I’ll cheat slightly in replying to the second question: Last year, I resolved to read all of Dostoevsky’s works and am slowly working my way toward that goal. But, lots of other reading intervenes.
Which spot do you recommend out-of-towners visit when they come to Minnesota?
Any of its lakes. They’re the essence of Minnesota’s natural beauty.