Across the Aisle: GSPM Lessons in Leadership & Bipartisanship
How two Maryland leaders build trust across party lines
In the second panel of BFA’s Across the Aisle event, we partnered with the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) for a conversation with three GSPM alumni: U.S. Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), former Maryland State Senator Chris Shank (R), and moderator Tiffany Waddell of the National Governors Association. Together, they shared candid reflections on building trust across party lines — and why bipartisanship is more than a political ideal; it’s a leadership imperative.
“Now more than ever, bipartisan collaboration is essential in meeting the challenges facing our country,” said Waddell, setting the tone for the session. “At a time when polarization often dominates the headlines, we can quietly and effectively do the hard work of solving the nation’s toughest public policy issues.”
A Foundation in Service and Connection
Congressman “Johnny O” opened by reflecting on his time at GSPM, where courses in leadership and campaign management helped shape both his practical skills and personal philosophy. “One of the most important things I learned,” he said, “was the sheer importance of human connection in all the work we do.” That lesson, he emphasized, has remained at the core of his approach to governance.
As a former Baltimore county executive overseeing a jurisdiction of 875,000 people, Olszewski described how he governed with a council split nearly evenly between Democrats and Republicans. “Everything I did of substance required [bipartisan support],” he said. “There was only one instance in six years where it was a straight party-line vote. We found ways to bring Republicans and Democrats together to tackle really hard issues.”
The key, he explained, was respect. “It goes back to respect and authenticity and trying to understand… what their interests and passions were, what their pain points were… It wasn’t a competition. It was about collaboration.”
Working Through Conflict — Together
Former Maryland State Senator Chris Shank, who worked alongside Olszewski for years at the state level, echoed the value of finding common ground and shared his experience leading Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative. It was a deeply complex, emotionally charged effort involving law enforcement, public defenders, and policymakers from across the political spectrum. “That wasn’t easy,” Shank said. “We had to do a lot of negotiating between some very strong personalities. But it demonstrated that we… could forge consensus and pass really big legislation.”
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He added that the biggest challenge to bipartisanship today may not be ideological, but rather structural. “We have drawn legislative districts with such precision, such scientific accuracy,” he said, alluding to the practice of gerrymandering. “We have made it virtually impossible to do work across the aisle… because then you’re a DINO or you’re a RINO, and compromise does not seem to be rewarded any longer.”
These structural barriers to collaboration underscore why redistricting and representative governance are not just political issues, but also business concerns. When policymaking becomes polarized and unproductive, it introduces uncertainty, hampers innovation, and undermines economic growth.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Courage
Olszewski didn’t hold back when addressing the realities of today’s political climate. “I know that it takes real courage in this political environment to speak out,” he noted, recognizing leaders like U.S. Representative Don Bacon and former Governor Larry Hogan for their willingness to challenge orthodoxy and work across the aisle. “The threat of political violence is real. That speaks to a broken system. It’s going to require more politicians to risk their political fortunes in service of something greater.”
When asked what qualities future leaders need most, Olszewski emphasized that leadership today requires staying rooted in community — not just through polling or data, but by showing up. “One of the best things that keeps me grounded is just talking to people I represent, going to town halls… and not forgetting my roots.”
Shank agreed, citing a quote from To Kill a Mockingbird: You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. “That level of empathy is what we’re often lacking in terms of how we see the other side. Empathy and understanding is a lesson we could all relearn.”
What Business Can Learn from Bipartisan Leadership
The panel closed with a message that resonated far beyond politics. “We are truly at an inflection point,” Olszewski warned. “You all have a role to play in demanding that there’s collaboration, because in that collaboration we do find better results.”
As Waddell concluded, “Bipartisanship isn’t just a talking point. It’s a discipline, a mindset, and a daily commitment to put progress ahead of partisanship.” For the business community, this is more than an observation — it’s a call to action. Whether through internal leadership, public advocacy, or supporting principled public servants, business leaders have a critical role to play in restoring trust in government.
Business has a vital role to play in bridging divides and strengthening our democracy. Let’s lead by example — finding common ground and driving civic progress together. Learn more at bfa.us.
