50 years of Leadership Dallas: ‘It opened my eyes’

By Amber Dyer, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

To celebrate 50 years of Leadership Dallas (LD), presented by Grant Thornton, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s (DRC) premier leadership development program, we are highlighting a series of alumni to learn more about the LD experience.

For Nick Barker, Vice President and General Manager of Turner Construction Company, LD was transformative.

“It opened my eyes to so many aspects of our city and region that I had never fully appreciated before,” said Barker. “It gave me a deeper understanding of the history, challenges, and opportunities that shape Dallas and empowered me to share that story with others. I discovered just how much there is to be proud of—things I hadn’t known before—and it inspired me to think critically about how I can contribute to positive change.”

Barker was introduced to LD by former Turner Construction leaders who participated in the program.

“They have all consistently had the same positive experience,” said Barker. “I had heard about LD for many years as I came up through the ranks at Turner Construction, and I was grateful for the opportunity to join the LD Class in 2018.”

Before the program, Barker struggled with figuring out how to create a meaningful impact or unite others around a shared objective.

“LD truly transformed that for me,” he said. “It created a network of leaders from diverse market segments, giving me the tools and connections to drive change more effectively. What’s most remarkable is the beauty of bringing together people from all different backgrounds and perspectives. LD does an incredible job of creating a class that truly reflects the communities we work and live in, fostering collaboration and understanding in a way that inspires action and progress.”

LD enabled Barker to build genuine connections with key leaders across multiple industries, including DRC President and CEO Dale Petrosky, who broadened his perspective on leaders and leadership.

“No matter the leadership style, you have to stay true to your core values and what you
stand for but be able to adjust and be flexible based on your audience, [because] the most impactful characteristic in leadership is humility.”

Since graduating, Barker has enjoyed witnessing the baton being passed each year to the new leaders of Turner Construction and observing their increasing involvement with LD.

“I am the biggest advocate for the LD experience and often credit some of our success in the market due to our connectivity to the leadership of our city that our people have gained through this experience. To see their eyes widen, their hearts open, and minds blown, year after year, brings me great joy.”

Barker recommends LD for individuals who want to enrich both their professional and personal lives.

“I have gained several lifelong friends through LD,” he said. “LD has also helped [me to derive] a more meaningful purpose [from] my current job. I am grateful for the organization I work for, and LD has helped enhance that experience and tie [into] a bigger picture towards the work we do, allowing me to be more effective and passionate each and every day.”

Interested in applying to LD? Hear more alumni testimonials and learn how to build a strong application at an upcoming information session.