“When Leaders Get Better, All of Bakersfield, California Wins”

Greg Gallion, CEO of the Houchin Community Blood Bank in Bakersfield, CA was invited to the Summit for several years by his friend Holly Culhane. Knowing his influence in the community, she knew it was key to have him experience the Summit. But every year, he brushed it off as another religious conference. “I’m not in seminary. I’m not a theologian. I didn’t want to sit in a conference for two days and listen to speakers talk about religion,” said Greg.

But in 2015, Greg reluctantly accepted the offer, and it far exceeded his expectations.

“I was completely blown away,” said Greg. “Each speaker was excellent, and brought so much value into my life and leadership. I was reminded again of the importance of humility in leadership, and how Christian values can be threaded through your work in business. I saw that the Gospel message doesn’t necessarily need to come from a pulpit; if you lead well from a place of humility, the Gospel message can be seen in your life. What an excellent reminder. I am a more humble leader because of the Summit. I’ve learned to be a leader who isn’t defined by my mistakes, but someone who can humble himself and learn from them.”

Greg left the conference with a whole new perspective. He is all in. He recently joined his friend Holly and a network of business leaders in Bakersfield, California to help promote the Summit in his community. “We want to get the message across that it’s not just a religious conference. The Summit provides tools to become a better and more effective leader no matter where you lead, ultimately impacting the entire community.”

The team of business leaders in Bakersfield has come around the idea that when leaders get better, all of Bakersfield wins. “It’s not just about Christianity,” said Greg. “Christian values are woven throughout the business principles presented, and help leaders be the best they can be, no matter what their position.”