We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gail Davis. Check out our conversation below.
Gail, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
This summer, I took a two-month sabbatical to empower my team and prove they could run the company without my involvement. I was incredibly proud of the results. It confirmed that I have a talented team, and it was wonderful to see them shine. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know I’ve built something sustainable and strong.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the Founder and President of GDA Speakers. We help clients find the right speaker, at the right time, and at the right price to elevate their events. What makes our bureau unique is that I spent 20 years in the corporate world at EDS planning events. Every process and approach at GDA is rooted in my firsthand understanding of what it’s like to be in our clients’ shoes when hiring speakers.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without question, my friendship and business relationship with Nando Parrado. When I was a corporate event planner at EDS, I was challenged to find a speaker who was new, different, and globally relevant. After watching the movie Alive, I had a strong instinct that Nando – one of the survivors and heroes of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash – would make an incredible speaker. Many people discouraged me from taking a chance on someone without speaking experience, but I trusted my gut. That instinct proved right, and it led to a friendship that has lasted over 30 years. Nando’s story inspired me to leave my corporate career and start GDA Speakers. That experience taught me that I’m a visionary who can bring ideas to life, and that gives me immense joy.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When the pandemic hit in 2020, it was an incredibly difficult time – especially for the live events industry. In a matter of days, 245 of our events were canceled or rescheduled. I remember wondering if it was worth continuing. I had already enjoyed a successful career, and no one knew when live events would return. I had to make the painful decision to reduce our team from twelve people to four. It was tempting to give up, but I’m so grateful I didn’t. That period forced us to rebuild stronger than before and gave me the opportunity to refine our team and processes in meaningful ways.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My mother, without a doubt. Every time you call her, she answers the phone as if it’s the best part of her day. She approaches everything with optimism and always believes the best in people. She makes every occasion into a family event and truly prioritizes connection. I’ve learned from her what it means to be a great mother and grandmother.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do – both professionally and personally.
Professionally, I’ve always loved public speaking, storytelling, and connecting people. I don’t even see what I do as work. I get to collaborate with incredible speakers and help clients match with the stories that will move and inspire their audiences. It’s a perfect fit for me.
After celebrating GDA’s 25th anniversary in 2024, I started reflecting on our legacy. I’ve built a team capable of running day-to-day operations, which now allows me to focus on my visionary role – speaking at industry events, staying active in EO Dallas, and even co-chairing the 32nd Annual Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Luncheon with my daughter-in-law, Krystal Davis.
Personally, I’ve found my stride in what I call the third act of my life. Many people think turning 50 means slowing down, but I’ve discovered the opposite. At 50, you gain freedom, time, and wisdom – the perfect mix for reinvention. I ran my first half marathon in 2016, despite never having run to the mailbox before that. The next year, I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim and walked 110 miles of the Camino de Santiago. Most recently, I completed the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gdaspeakers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gdaspeakers/
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/gda-speakers
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GDASpeakers
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gdaspeakers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GDAspeakers
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