Bus Obayomi
Meet Bus Obayomi, an accomplished Business Leader, Community leader, and transformational coach with a proven track record of delivering flawless large-scale enterprise solutions in Government, Financial Services, and Healthcare. Bus specializes in streamlining operations, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs by implementing industry best practices. He has worked with top industry leaders such as Vanguard, Nationwide, and Lincoln Financial Group and has notable expertise in project/program management, government, and leadership.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Bus is also an active community member. He was part of Gilbert Leadership Class XXV, part of Gilbert Community Task Force, and actively volunteered with various organizations, including his church community. With a Master of Art in International Affairs, Master of Business Administration, Certified Project Management Professional, and Scaled Agile Practice Consultant qualifications under his belt, Bus has built high-performance teams and established key executive stakeholder relationships. Bus's life revolves around his family, faith, and community/marketplace. He believes that every aspect of his life is integral to the person he is today.
Episode Transcription
Guiding Growth. Conversations with Community Leaders. In this podcast, we'll explore the human journey of leaders. There are stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks and lessons learned. Come join us as we journey together and uncover the questions you've always wanted to know. This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, providing resources, connections and belonging for business professionals and modern moments, an event and meeting venue in the heart of Gilbert. So do you know who's rolling in the house today? I've got a pretty good idea and I'm excited to speak to him in the house on the bus.
All right. Our guest today is an emerging leader in our community as a young child. He lived in Nigeria but moved to New York City as a teenager shortly after 103 210, which changed the course of his life and appreciation for his country. 250 years ago, he and his wife took a leap and moved to Arizona and they are now raising their family here. Gilbert. He is a wonderful family man, professional and a graduate of the Gilbert Leadership Program. Please welcome Obeo. Welcome to the show. Oh, thank you. Thanks for inviting me.
It's good to be here. It's great to have a fellow classmate on board today as well. The best leadership class that they've ever had, I forgot my role of no more class 225 members on the podcast. Well, that's too bad. Are you guys are trying to replicate class 25 with all these new classes? But it's never happened because it's just such a legendary class. You know, you, you guys really try to live up to class 21 and I understand it's hard to beat the class of the century with that.
Let's go to what we call rapid fire. Would you rather find your dream job or win the lottery? Find my dream job. But what is your guilty pleasure playing video games? Yeah. Would you rather host a party for all of your friends or enjoy a dinner for two, host a party on the DJ? Yeah, I love, I love hosting people. All right. What's on your nightstand? A couple of books? Yeah. And I love to write journals. Last TV. Show you binged. I don't watch TV, that much.
So, so it was the Kardashians. That's OK. No, no, I never watched the Kardashians. I, well, let's go to this one then fill in the blank. Success is, success is, is a, it's, it's a testament to your character. Success is perseverance. I do believe that for you to be successful, you have to endure. You have to pass a air. Uh You have to be resilient. That's, that's what I define as success. It's not more of the outcome. It's more of the, the journey that comes from it because that's what Mote your character.
So that's how I see success. It's enjoying the journey. Um Fantastic. What comes out of it. Yeah, I like the blank. What song makes you smile? You know, I, I love songs. I love Johnny Cash Occasional. Um and there's this random song I love to listen to. Don't worry, be happy. Just love to dance to everybody knows that one. Yeah. Yeah. It's just, I, I have an old soul and I think that's what people don't know. I, I kind of long for like old school music because kind of like, maybe that's my guilty pleasure too that people don't know.
I just love to listen to old school Stevens and songs is pretty random in my taste. So, yeah. But are you more cautious or bold? I'm pretty bold. I, yeah, I get over the details and I just, I just go, what is your favorite rainy day activity? Sleep? You don't sleep much? It doesn't rain much here. I know it doesn't, it's really, it's been occasional but we had a stumm like a couple of months ago that was staying indoor. I think that's a good one. And most importantly, just having fun with the kids playing around. Yeah.
All right. Last question. Here we go. Ready. What is one thing. Only one thing you were grateful for, for family. I have so many things. Yeah, I was gonna say life but grateful for family. I'm, I'm just, I won't be here without just, you know, people keep me grounded. So I'm very grateful for that too. Awesome. My wife and kids. Yeah. This podcast is brought to you by Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, recognized as one of the top 100 best hospitals by health grades Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is a full service acute care not for profit Community Hospital, providing exceptional health care to the East Valley with a staff of 1300 employees and 400 volunteers.
Patients can expect the expertise of more than 900 physicians representing all major specialties. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is proud to be part of the local community and an award winning employer, learn more at dignity health dot org forward slash Arizona. Alright, sir. So let's start this conversation about the beginnings. I'd always like to go to the beginnings. Uh Tell us about your journey in the beginnings because obviously you weren't in the United States when you started, right? So talk about that life and what that was like and growing up.
Yeah, absolutely. So a little back story, I was, I was born in Lagos Nigeria. Uh It's a big city. I grew up in a, you know, kind of a really small community there. I left when I was 503. Uh my parents left, um, four years before we moved here, just American story where your parents can move to a different place for a better life. But my case was we just, you know, we mostly had like uncles and aunts that lived with us. But our parents were not around for four years.
They came in during the Christmas and then they went back mostly just to because they, they won the lottery and, and were able to come to the United States in the 19 nineties. So they came here to prepare a place for us to, to come back and they come up with this challenge where we were so young and living in a new country. I mean, living in a different country. So, yeah, that's I was there for 14 years and I moved to New York City. I was a teenager and um I think I was excited to move to the United States to be with my parents because I feel like we're, you know, we're just distance for a long period of time for four or five years.
So it was nice we connected with them. Um So moving back, I, I lived in New York City, I think pretty much my milestones was kind of living in New York, coming from Nigeria, went to a public school in New York City. Um went to challenges. I tell people I went to three different high schools in three years because um yeah, going to like the Auburn struggle. I was, I lived in the Bronx with my parents. So the first high school was an interesting experience. Um, I think there was a shooting there and, and we, we just, just crazy finding a good school.
And then I went to my second school which, uh, was, uh, high school, uh, in, in New York City. Um, that then it wasn't the best of experience too. II, I, you know, I kind of got jumped and my friends like, OK, we need to get you out of here. So my last high school was Lehman High School, which where, where that was where I graduated from. But one of the lesson there was just, you know, being resilient and growing up in a pretty tough environment too in New York City um coming from a different country and trying to adapt.
So you have to kind of to uh yeah, you have a lot of pressure, right? One aspect is you're trying to adapt to a new country and at the same time, you're also trying to uh you find yourself in a culture, not the numb, but it was just a pretty open experience. Um A lot of the kids there were, I think the teachers were more focused on making sure the kids do not end up in jail than actually graduating. Um but that was uh I think that was more the moment.
But II I think I, I knew I wanted more for my life. I was very focused and I think I have parents who kept me grounded and had my fate and I think with that I was able to navigate kind of talk teenagers, um, in New York City. So I'm curious, going back before you made the move, what did you anticipate and what were you feeling in terms of, um, your expectation before you moved to New York? Yeah. I, I think, I mean, a lot of like what we knew about America was through movies.
I mean, my parents were here, I mean, I want to connect with my parents and I want to be in the, I mean, I was pretty young but I just wanted to, I was looking forward to, to move back and uh a lot more just, you know, stable society and I was looking forward to that. It was unfortunate that came around. I got out of the movies, right? That we were stable here. No, that was the movie picture. I mean, until I got here and then I ended up in the Bronx.
So that was a different story. So I had a good picture but then I got here and I'm like, I want to get out of here anywhere. I can only imagine that experience. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But um yeah, I just, you know, I think most importantly it was just me and my parents being just the same place with your parents and your siblings together and doing life together as a normal family. What did your parents do back in Nigeria before they came here? So, yeah, good. So my mom, my dad was a, was an architect.
Um back in Nigeria, my mom was uh was a school teacher out there. Um So my dad traveled a lot. Um It was, it was kind of traditional architect that they have plans and all that stuff. Then they would ask me, what does your dad do? I would tell them my dad is an artist because it was always painting and drawing stuff and it didn't make sense to me because I was like, he's always drawing houses and homes and structure. But, you know, it got to grow, you know, he was, he was an architect, he had plans and now you can do that digitally.
So, so are you an artist? No, I'm not, I'm not an architect. I did not study in architecture. I mean, I wish I spent a lot of time at the same time. It was when he left and, and they, he killed. My mom was, you know, I think maybe that would have been a moment for me to have picked up, you know, his creativity and all that stuff. But I don't, I don't think I did, but he also had all the passions too. He was very active in the church we were going to when we were younger.
I think we got that. It was also very involved in his local community. I mean, um, when I was younger, he did, he run for office in, when we were younger then. Um And um it was a very interesting time when I ran because you ran an oppo party for a local office. And at that point, the politics there, it was a do or die. So they were killing people within, you know, like locally for anybody to run within that party. And for me, I was just excited, my dad was running.
So I was telling people my dad is part of this party and my mom is like, you're gonna kill us. He even keep telling people. Um because then, you know, the, but it was an interesting. Um so he had all the passions I think we picked up on even with my siblings as well. I think it's much as leadership overall was something I picked up. What was the biggest cultural difference you've noticed from there to here, Nigeria and America. Um That's a lot of differences. II I think the, the it's so family structure.
So we think of family as, you know, like your, your, your husband, wife and kids. I think over there, you know, just people become family like, you know, uncles would come to your house and they would just easily, just integrate as a family. Um They would not really differentiate as much or aunt or so you have all this bunch of people, like extended family members that come in and leave with you and somehow they don't even respect the fact that it's your house but they act like it's their house because they start making you do the dishes for them or who clean their shoes or whatever.
But, yeah, that's, that's because you were a kid and they were just telling you what to do. Right. Yeah. Yeah, because we were kids. But, um, yeah, but that was, that was an interesting experience but some culture with differences um um between there. Um But iii I, I'm not sure how much I can infer from my experience there, but I, I do think a lot of my milestones were here um, growing up in New York and going to college upstate New York, which, where I graduated from and then I moved to Arizona.
Um, what do you study there? I used my undergrad was uh political science and, and I minored in um in sociology and my intent was to be to go to pre-law. I mean, it was a prelaw. My intent was to go to law school and I knew I wanted to get involved in one way or the other. Um But I also didn't want to stay in New York. So from there I, I went to get my masters as well, but then I brought me to Arizona was actually going to a law school here.
Um 10 years over 10 years ago. But, but I knew I, I didn't want to pursue law anymore, but I just wanted any reason to get me out of New York. So, education kind of did that. And I'm glad to, they have chosen to be in Arizona. They, they think I got lost. When I tell people I live in Arizona, car broke down, my car broke down. You shared with us though, the impact that 9 11 had because you had moved here just shortly after that. How do you think your experience was different because of the place our country was in at that time?
Yeah, it was a critical moment because everybody was talking about what just happened. I mean, it was like 15 minutes away from uh you know, just, you know, the World Trade Center, um just everybody was mourning. I think those. So it was a mixed feeling in terms of I was excited to, to reconnect with my parents, but also the mood of the nation during that period. I think that got me interested in American politics and absolve myself into that. Um It was a period where I was considering like joining the military actually.
So my last year of high school, I was um I was actually, I just signed up, I was about to sign up for the army, you know, and all that. And the um Iraq Afghanistan started and my mom and my dad was like, hey, you know, I joined the military and my mom is like, no, you know, you, you, if you want me to die then go, go to Afghanistan because it was, it was, uh, it felt like a dumb war during that period. So, um, I was close to actually just, you know, getting recruited and joining, but that changed because of just the politics of dance during that time. Yeah.
So it's interesting though when you talked about your parents and your dad being an architect, your mom, being a teacher and then looking at your pedigree of all these, these degrees, you have um you know, certified project manager, professional, um agile practice consultant, things like that. There's a lot of architectural and influence, teacher, influence, right? So certainly your parents had a big influence on, on the direction and path you went, who else kind of was in your sphere during that time? That might come to mind. So my parents um um definitely had an impact.
Um a lot of my II I after my brother in terms of just, you know, being poised, I, I think he was very driven and involved in a lot of things. Um um my older brother, you know, he had a great impact, I think sometimes younger bods just follow because we need to template. Um And I think he, he led um he had some good example where he really just, you know, it was really poised and really driven and ambitious too and, and just a good guy overall.
And I think that kind of laid the example of being resilient, even growing up in New York was kind of more like you don't have to become your environment. You go beyond your environment, you don't, you can live in a place you don't have to become it. You know, you, you, you build your character, you mold yourself to, to rise above um where you live or whatever situations around you. And a lot, a lot of that, I, I got that from him and fate I think is the biggest part of my life that kind of guided how I see and do things and, and I think that be my character in a more deeper way than I can imagine as well.
Um Yeah. And um I, I think one of my inspirations with different people through books, I mean, I read the um um I had the auto biography of Frederick Douglass in the part of how he taught himself to write a free slave and um decided to study his own newspaper. Um write it just do things by himself and not become a victim of the period he was in, but rise above that. So I think I've been able to, to get my inspiration from people who I've overcome obstacles and, and kind of take the bull by the horn if that's the right word and shape their own destiny.
And view their own character. So those has been my inspiration and the driving force for the man that I'm becoming the man I am right now in terms of don't make excuses and just looking for ways to be the best version, the best version of yourself. Yeah. And did you meet your wife? You met your wife in New York? Right. Yes, we did. We. Um Yeah, we, we sorry, the little back story. She, a friend of mine got married. Um, so I was part of the groomsman and she was part of the, she didn't she?
Yeah, she was my partner that way then. So she was my partner. We were like, we just got paired up and she liked me and I liked that there was a connection there. But honestly, for a period of time, we just organic friendship because it was like mutual friends. So we kept a friendship for a long time and there was a day she gave me a call. She was like, we've been friends for a while. Where are we going in this relationship? Like, do you like me or you don't like me?
So, and I had no other option. I was like, yeah, you're like, you're the only person that I care about. And I truly, I mean, even though I was focused on my career, but I was like, yeah, we, I want to take it to the next level. I just was waiting for the right time because I was being too slow. So, so you're saying she, Beyonce, you said no, she was, she called me out. She was like, I mean, is this friendship going somewhere or are we just talking, talking?
And maybe she was coming from a place too because she had all the guys who were coming to her and she was like, I didn't like this guy, but I just needed a sense of direction of where we've gone. So that was good. OK? And then you convince her, hey, yeah, we did and say, hey, we want to be together. And then afterwards was when I moved to Arizona, she never been here. She's a home buddy. She loves just be with the family and she was living in Quince, New York.
So I was on the other, she was on the other side of New York, but she didn't, she never thought of Arizona. I mean, nobody ever thought of Arizona actually down the east coast. But yeah, you know, and while I came here, it was like, hey, if I stay for too long, somebody is going to take you away from me. So I had to propose very quickly. And then afterwards, two years after we got married and we started living, you know, she joined me here. So it was kind of my way of making sure I sealed the deal and I completed because guys are crazy.
You wait a minute, wait a minute. So guys, no, no, no, not like New York. New York. New York guys like New York City guys. Like, even though she had their ring too, there was still guys who were like, but you still know marriage. I mean, and he's over in Arizona. Who cares? Like I like you. I'm like, like show some respect, you know, some territories. I was just gonna make sure you Sarah. Yeah. Yeah. Not, not like all guys but like I understood entirely what your message was and I agreed. Yeah. Yeah.
But um so you get to Arizona that's brand new for you. Where do you go? Who do you find who's helping you during that time of your life? So I came to and I was in law school for a year. Um just, you know, just figuring things out. I think it was focused on school and it was intense too the demand of that. But I wanted to and planning to get married and all that. I realized I couldn't balance all that. So I, I took on the job um you know, at that point because I was like, I can't continue with the law school and focus at the same time and the time I went to, to, to start a family, it just wasn't working out and I've been in school for a long time.
I have a master's at that point. And you know, so yeah, and so I transitioned and um, I, I mean, I, I also needed to get a job because I've always thought of myself working in the corporate world. However, the first job I got was in the warehouse, um, after, you know, because there was no other opportunities and I needed to feed myself. I needed to survive. So at that point, the priority was more of survival. It was a more fancy job. So I was doing like a, a night shift.
I was pushing cart. The interesting part was, you know, because I knew it was temporary. I was trying to stabilize, so I'll be pushing cart, but I will still have my blazer on and then I'll go to a warehouse dress really fancy as you guys see me and the guys there will be thinking, what the heck is this guy? You're in the warehouse, dude? Why are you wearing your blazer? And it was more from a point of just kind of like, you know, saying things are just temporary.
You're just and also reminding yourself like, ok, I'm a pretty focused on where I'm going. Um Just kind of reminder of not forgetting yourself. But during that period, I think that's how I stabilized. Um I, yeah, I made some few friends along the way, but honestly, it was kind of figuring out things myself. And after that, and then I got to a corporate world, I, I got a job with. So I was going to the financial sector for a while in insurance if you remember. So yeah, so there was a transition there.
It wasn't easy. I think there were times where I was barely paying my bills. I was living in Phoenix. Um Yeah, because I was in a kind of like a gap period. But those are more than who I am and those are the times in life that actually build character and remind you what your priorities are. Yeah. And those are the times too you can, um you know, you can easily forget yourself and, and you know, just, you know, lose your self esteem, your sense of focus, your sense of direction or these are the times you develop bad habits and that are destructive because you don't know how to maneuver and deal with life.
And I'm glad I was able to kind of go through that, that experience and, and just be, you know, my character and just empathize with people and, and be, you know, put myself in people's shoes and know that look, it's, there's dignity and labor no matter what you do, take pride in it. It's not about, you know, it's not about what you're doing but do something and I think that's always a good start. Yeah, I love that. Ok. So now, fast forward a little bit. So now we're gonna go to Gilbert Leadership class 25.
We could, but we've already been there. So, so I'm actually curious because um as you established yourself in this community, you took the opportunity to run for a public office yourself. And what, what did that journey look like? Where did that inspiration come from? Yeah, I think I, I kind of made some like of childhood and things in my, you know, incline. But I, I always, um when I was in college, I actually was involved in student government. So I've had opportunities to serve, I was a school senator and then somehow I became the school.
So then government vice president and, and I realized that II I was able to thrive in those leadership, my personality, my friendliness, the the the the kind of just, you know, the, the person that I bring in was very unique and I also the level to make an impact. So my early experience in college was somebody calling me like and one of the students, you know, in the middle of the line and was saying, hey, I bought this textbook and somebody didn't want to refund the fact that I took actions and saw a result that came out of that it was refunded.
So all that kind of just inspired me that um you know, to, to be able to solve people's problems, to be in that leadership position and knowing that that carries influence. And I think the aspect of influence provides result and just being that voice of reason and speaking on behalf of those who for whatever reason they, they just need somebody to be there for them. And, and I think that has been my inspiration ever since. What did you take away from that experience running for public office?
Yeah, just, it's the journey. Um you know, don't, you know, don't despise the days of humble beginning and one, I mean, I talk about you, you asked me a question on the rapid fire, like am I bold or, you know, the other one? II I think I tend to, if I have a passion, I just go for it. And I always feel like you bring um you know, you always bring something that is this thing that others don't have. Um You might think there are a lot of great people around that are way more qualified than you are or well experienced.
But I think your passion, your care for the community. I think my care for people, my ability to connect on a personal level, my ability to want to know people well um from the super superficial. So all that has been a driving force. So me going to that experience is, is more than me. I would say the first time I read my first child was five years old now she was like a few months in and I would go to like downtown Gilbert. She would be on a stroller and I'll be asking for signatures.
And at some point, my wife was like, this is never going to happen again, you better find other people. I, I think you learned like a lesson learned of like you get to connect with people and also you get to understand the issues that impact the community. So, I mean, I started with, you know, my later understanding from g leadership, but I think along the process, you begin to understand what's most important to you um the constituents that you're here to serve and, and how do you, how do you be the right voice?
How do you um how do you make sure you're, you're, you're, you're really focusing on what's most important. And I think that's the maturity part. Well, I think it, it says something that you're willing to actually get in the arena, right? Like you're willing to, to put your time in and uh connect and learn. It's, I think very easy to sit in the seats and share opinions, but not everybody's willing to actually jump in the arena. So it's the, it is, I see it as the Olympic.
It is, it, it, you have no, I, I think everything molds you, right? And I, I do think that people, if you care about community, you don't need to have all the answers but be able to dive deep and see how you can solve problems. So it's always, I, I see things as milestones and journey, right? The outcome might not be what you expected, but it comes in different ways. So being able to enjoy the journey and not be resentful and just see, see what's the best that comes out of it and the relationships that you, you along the way and I appreciate people and see, you know, some people show up that you never know, like, you know, like out of nowhere and you develop these relationships just being open minded and, and more than that, um, as well.
So, but if you ask my wife, she'll probably tell you different things. She probably like, yeah, I don't want this anymore but she's been supportive and loving. So I think that that was most important. Yeah. Well, and grace in the, in the journey and understanding that even if it wasn't what you expected, it was what was planned. And so it's ok. Yeah, believe in lesson learned like you, you have your passion for something and you know, you sometimes you wait, you think there's a better time. I mean, like look at us this class 25.
I can't even believe that was a long time ago and we're going, I am going great here too. So I'm like Tommy's flying and, and, and Ben, you're already looking like looking like a grandfather now, but time flies and I think cherishing the times and I don't want to live in regret and look back and say, hey, I wish I've done that like I want to do it even if I didn't get a result, I really want to look back. And so I learned two things to things that makes me a better person.
So I don't want to live my life in regret of why, why I didn't do it. It's more of a question of, yeah, I did it. I learned and I'm glad it's, it's in the past. Well, now you have time to serve on Gilbert leadership board. So we're looking forward to that. I got recruited. I got, you fell for the trap. I know Ben just hurt that we've never asked him. It's OK. You know, so that's good though. I'm glad you're on that board because that, that's a great program.
And so I'm really proud that you're in that because that just shows that class 25 continues to shine. Hey, but what's next? I want to know what's going on next that, where, where do you see yourself going now? What's going on? You know, I, I have different pockets. I'm multifaceted, right? You see, from the political ram and that's all they say. But if you see me from the ramp you, that's all you're gonna see, right? But people knew me from church and they're like, what's, what's this guy was pastor like doing in politics, right?
So I wear multiple hats and I, I, I'm most in the corporate world, right? I work as a management consultant. So I, I do want to be able to drive from their lands and also just impacting people in, in the, you know, I really focus on, you know, a consulting aspect of things and uh being able to ow inspire people and find opportunities in the, in, in that sector, technology sector. Um And also the, the kind of, you know, business we're building on the side and, and all that stuff.
Um Yeah, just I, I really do think, you know, this is not mutually exclusive, everything, it is intertwined in my world. And I'm trying to find a way to, to make sure, you know, to connect everything without conflict in, in any way. So, um I think there will be a, you're gonna see a lot of me give leadership to kind of came in and I think I'm in a place of just place of rest and let you've done the work, all the things will fall in place, just working in the pace of grace.
Um and just being yourself and keep doing it. Yeah, I, I'm really not gonna spend my money on campaigns anymore for sure. I'm not doing all that, you know. So it's, I enjoy it. I feel like just enjoying the process of, you know, giving back and whatever I can do. Um On the business side of Dent, that's my focus right now. Well, you're an important part of our community and I look forward to seeing how you serve in the future as well. It's been wonderful to speak with you today and get to learn more about you and I look forward to working with you more.
Yeah, such a pleasure. Sarah. I mean, you're, you know, amazing. I think I've gotten to know you throughout expanding. Hold on, hold on. Oh, stop, stop it. The trouble maker. Like how did you endure? Like a couple of podcasts with the personality? I read a lot of books trying to figure out just how to manage. I would say the was amazing for our class. I mean, he was the central JW is correct twice a day. So he had a good year. No, it's a great class. I mean, everybody was amazing.
I mean, you know, I can't remember every single person doing amazing things for the community. So, yeah, I look forward to working with you too. Sarah. I mean, just, I think leadership is kind of just, I've been looking for a place to just get connected and stay connected to the community without having to go in like more like, you know, public office type. But I think your leadership is a great opportunity to stay connected and stay involved and, and see what, what goes from there. So I appreciate it.
Yeah, I'm excited. You know, there might be people out here that are listening right now that have never heard of Gilbert leadership. This might be a good time to just kind of, how do you get involved in that, Sarah? Yeah. So, uh it's a wonderful program. It's a deep dive into the community. It's a 10 month commitment, uh a competitive program and um it just brings a lot of value to personal connection, but also a really strong understanding of how our community operates. So Gilbert leadership dot com for more information.
Yeah, it's great. I really do think G leadership was my stepping stone to overall just, you know, just Gilbert as a whole. It was an immersion into, into Gilbert every first of Gilbert business politics, every area you, you get to understand Gilbert on a larger scale, on, on a bigger scope. So I highly recommend like that. It was my gateway to Gilbert from my point of view. So do you have to be a unicorn like bus to apply for your, you have to live or work in the community or um be an employee of a chamber member business?
Um We usually have about 50 applicants a year. Uh And we only accept 25. So some people do come back a few years before they actually get in the program. Um Well, boss, thanks for being here, man. It's been great to connect with you. Thank you for all your story and sharing your story. It's a very interesting journey that I do. I, I just, it just a lot to talk about. But III I love, you know, just I have a lot of stories so a lot of things to share.
But this is not the place for that. You're probably at some point like bus, we need to hand the podcast right? We're gonna go hit the bar next, next story out. Yeah, we write a book. You go. There you go. Well, thank you. Appreciate it. All right. So if you like this episode, which I'm pretty sure you probably did. Sarah did. I think you should join our trip and subscribe and get all these episodes coming right to your inbox. We appreciate you listening and thanks for joining us, guiding growth, conversations with community leaders.
Ben, let me ask you a question. How do you see other community members being involved in this podcast? This is going to be a great opportunity for so many people in the community to have a chance to be heard if they want to tell their story or if they just want to be part of this journey with us and help sponsor it in a way that helps bring more people to the table with us. So I think there's many opportunities at hand whether you want to again be on the show, reach out to us, let us know what your story is and how you think you could be part of it.
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out, let us know and we'll see if we can make that connection.
