Celebrating 25 Years Part 7: The Village Behind The Vision

Gail Davis, 19 September 2024

“You can’t do it alone” - no truer words have been spoken. I have tremendous gratitude for two organizations that have played critical roles in my entrepreneurial journey: IASB (International Association of Speakers Bureaus) and EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization). 

A Culture of Abundance

I joined the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) in 2001. It is an incredible organization of leaders who uphold the ethics and standards of our industry. I have always been struck by the collegial nature of IASB. From the outside looking in, one might think we are a group of competitors. But nothing could be further from the truth. We are like-minded friends who love what we do and support each other’s success. The entire organization operates on the abundance theory that there is more than enough business to go around. We are committed to industry standards and the education of our members.

I have had so many positive experiences with IASB over the years, including having the opportunity to build long-lasting friendships and industry connections. The GDA team has won a number of IASB community service awards, and it always makes me feel proud and humbled to receive recognition from my peers. In 2007, I had the honor of serving as chair of IASB’s annual convention, the organization’s premier event. That opportunity led to a board position which eventually led to me serving as president of IASB from 2001-2012. I have remained involved on various committees and continue to attend the annual convention.

Gail Davis and fellow IASB members (left to right): Martin Perelmuter (Speakers Spotlight), Michelle Joyce (Michelle Joyce Speakers), and Tim Mathy (SpeakInc.)

This year I attended my first IASB hub. This is a mid-year meeting outside the annual convention where a smaller group gathers for discussion. I was so impressed how committed new members and tenured members alike are to holding our industry to the highest standards.

IASB is like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for the speaking industry. If you are working with a speakers bureau, make sure they are an IASB member in good standing. If so, you can’t go wrong.

My People

In 2007 I joined the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). This organization has been my lifeblood on so many levels. These are my people. To be a member of EO, you have to have started your own business. This means no family business owners and no hired guns - just folks who had an idea and turned it into a profitable enterprise. It is a collection of dreamers who help and support each other navigate through common business challenges and struggles entrepreneurs face. Within each EO chapter there are forums, which I like to think of as your own personal board of directors.

Gail Davis and fellow EO members at Global Leadership Conference in Cape Town, South Africa

I sincerely do not think I would have survived the pandemic without the support of both EO and IASB. There were so many weekly check-ins and chats providing necessary information as well as encouragement.

Over the past 25 years I have traveled and grown, fallen down and gotten back up. Each step of the way on the journey of building GDA, I’ve always felt like I had the support of the many friends I’ve made through IASB and EO.

I am forever grateful for my people!