JOHN POLLACK has counseled private sector clients since 2002. During that time, he has advised CEOs and other senior leaders on a range of strategic, creative and communication challenges. John's approach is unique: he helps leaders and companies understand how the analogies they use or accept shape not just their thinking, but outcomes — and how to choose better ones.

Broadly defined, an analogy is a comparison that asserts a parallel, explicit or implicit, between two distinct things based on the perception of a shared property or relation. And although analogies often operate subtly or even unnoticed in forms as diverse as business models, lawsuits, ads, algorithms and sports clichés, they all make an argument. And whether someone aims to prevail in a dispute, outsell the competition or claim victory in a campaign, whoever makes the best analogy usually wins.

Analogies do more than just persuade, however — they also play a vital, catalytic role in innovation. From the loose coins that gave Johannes Gutenberg the idea for moveable type, to the Chicago slaughterhouse that inspired Henry Ford’s first moving assembly line, to the virtual “desktop” that Steve Jobs envisioned as a friendly Macintosh computer, analogies have played a dynamic role in shaping the world around us — and still do today. 

Known for his curiosity, creativity, insight and enthusiasm, John works with clients to help them:

Recognize the analogies that impact their company and its performance

Reframe analogies to better identify challenges and opportunities

Hone their team's analogical instinct to become more innovative

Identify the right analogies to persuade and sell more effectively, whether the target audience is comprised of investors, customers, employees or media.

To explore possibilities, contact John.David.Pollack@gmail.com.

JOHN POLLACK has provided strategic counsel to candidates, government leaders and public institutions for more than 20 years. As a Presidential Speechwriter for Bill Clinton, he helped articulate national policy and persuade citizens on a wide range of issues, including economics, the environment, historic preservation, education and innovation. Prior to his service at The White House, John worked as the chief speechwriter for House Democratic Whip David Bonior, on Capitol Hill. There, he helped influence national debate on globalization, domestic policy, humanitarian intervention, impeachment, civil rights and the environment.

John arrived in Washington after working as a journalist and in a range of roles on gubernatorial, congressional, senate and public interest campaigns. In those political endeavors he worked as a field organizer, canvasser, opposition researcher, communications director and campaign manager. For the past there Presidential elections, he has served as a speechwriter in the “boiler room” at the Democratic National Convention, drafting and editing speeches for some of the nation’s most compelling speakers.

This rich, rough-and-tumble experience has helped John develop an acute sense for the nuances of strategy, framing, messaging, and persuasion – a talent he brings to bear for public sector clients seeking to influence opinion and inspire action.

Over time, John’s approach has evolved to focus on the effective use of analogy. Broadly defined, an analogy is a comparison that asserts a parallel, explicit or implicit, between two distinct things based on the perception of a shared property or relation. And although analogies often operate subtly or even unnoticed, they all make an argument. And whether someone aims to define an opponent, prevail in a debate or claim victory in a campaign, whoever makes the best analogy usually wins.

Not all persuasive analogies are true or lead to positive outcomes, though.  For example, the so-called “domino theory” — at once succinct, simple and seductive — misled the United States into the morass of Vietnam, yet turned out to be utterly wrong. Similarly, a spate of “Three Strikes and You’re Out” laws in the 1990s drew on the popularity of baseball to sell the notion of final and definitive justice, but ended up filling America’s prisons with shoplifters and other non-violent offenders at an annual cost of $75 billion. In short, the analogies we embrace carry consequences, and it’s important to choose them carefully — or pay the price.

Known for his curiosity, creativity, insight and enthusiasm, John works with clients to help them:

Recognize the analogies that define and impact their performance in the public arena

Better identify their challenges and opportunities

Develop analogies that frame the terms of debate

Reframe arguments to become more persuasive

Design and execute strategies to achieve their goals

To explore possibilities, contact John at John.David.Pollack@gmail.com.

JOHN POLLACK has spent more than two decades working in journalism, politics, government, nonprofits and the private sector — experience that enables him to offer insightful counsel to leaders and organizations seeking to bring about change.

In addition to his work as a Presidential Speechwriter for Bill Clinton, his service on Capitol Hill and his labors on a range of political and public interest campaigns, John spent several years as a project manager at The Henry Ford, a museum of American innovation. As a consultant, he has worked with major foundations, libraries, museums and philanthropies to help them articulate their goals, build support and communicate more effectively.

John’s approach has evolved to focus on the effective use of analogy. Broadly defined, an analogy is a comparison that asserts a parallel, explicit or implicit, between two distinct things based on the perception of a shared property or relation. And although analogies often operate subtly or even unnoticed, they all make an argument. And whether one aims to redefine a challenge, prevail in a debate or rally support for a cause, whoever makes the best analogy usually wins.

Known for his curiosity, creativity, insight and enthusiasm, John works with clients to help them:

Recognize the analogies that define and impact their performance in the public arena

Better identify their challenges and opportunities

Reframe arguments to become more persuasive

Design and execute strategies to achieve their goals

To explore possibilities, contact John at John.David.Pollack@gmail.com.