As the founder of several prominent Washington, D.C., think tanks and a veteran political consultant, Suresh Gaddam has enjoyed a lengthy career in which he has played a critical role in shaping policy within the United States as well as outside its borders. Although he was raised in Fairfax, Virginia, and attended Georgetown University as an undergraduate, Suresh also possesses strong ties to the United Kingdom, as he was originally born in London and attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.
With offices in Washington, D.C., London, Dublin, Canberra, Mexico City, and Berlin, Suresh is known for his sharp insight into the most delicate matters influencing foreign policy and international relations. As a result, his consulting firm is held in the highest regard and is one of the most sought-after among politicians in Washington and beyond. Since founding the consulting firm so many years ago, Suresh has repeatedly showcased a unique ability to understand public sentiment across the vast political spectrum while advocating policies designed to benefit society as a whole, both at home and abroad.
At Georgetown University, Suresh majored in philosophy and began to develop a deeper interest in political science and economics, subjects he would later pursue with greater depth while attending Oxford and earning a master’s degree in economics. Following a brief but successful foray into local politics in London, Suresh relocated to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned his law degree from Harvard University.
While he did consider a career in academia, Suresh returned to Northern Virginia to work in private practice. Given his longstanding interest in the political realm, he often became involved in political campaigns, quickly earning a reputation as an expert economic adviser responsible for guiding some of the most successful campaigns in the area. At the urging of his peers, Suresh eventually founded the think tanks and political consulting firms that have since earned him the respect of politicians on all sides of the aisle.
1. What was your best/favorite subject in school?
I’ve always enjoyed all aspects of academia, but I do believe there is something uniquely fascinating about political philosophy and economics.
2. What was your first job?
It was many years ago, but my first job was working as a grassroots organizer for a small political campaign in Fairfax.
3. Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
It was something I was always interested in, but I only became serious about it after several longtime industry professionals strongly urged me to pursue a career in the field.
4. How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
My previous jobs, as well as my academic background, have given me a well-rounded perspective with regard to crafting policies that benefit everyone involved.
5. Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
I thoroughly enjoy the days in which I am able to have thoughtful discussions regarding viewpoints that seem to be diametrically opposed. The days in which we are able to find common ground are always the most rewarding.
6. How do you keep yourself motivated?
There is always so much that needs to be done and so many people who needs a greater voice in governance, so I feel motivated to work on the behalf of those who ought to be heard.
7. What kind of business ideas excite you most?
For some, compromise feels akin to losing; I enjoy arriving at a compromise and showing people that such an approach benefits everyone at the expense of no one.
8. Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
No, and it is quite rare that we even require any kind of marketing at all.
9. What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Some of the economic policies I have helped draft have become some of the most successful pieces of legislation in recent memory, and I am quite proud that these policies so frequently receive bipartisan support.
10. What wisdom you would have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
I would have invested heavily in our recruitment efforts at a very early stage, but even though we delayed making this kind of investment, we have still been able to attract and retain some of the most talented and creative professionals.