Greg Ebel Talks Energy and Leadership

Young Leaders with Greg Ebel (fourth from left) and Dorothy Ables (far right) of Spectra Energy.

Greg Ebel, president and CEO of Spectra Energy, talked about the next generation of energy and the next generation of leadership with more than 100 United Way Young Leaders on January 12.

Ebel kicked off the January Luncheon with Leaders by commending Young Leaders for their support of United Way. “This group really is a remarkable and inspiring force in the community,” Ebel said. “I applaud your generous spirit.”

As Houstonians, Ebel told Young Leaders, we all have a stake in the energy business. “Houston is the energy capital of the world,” he said. “And the energy industry drives about half of the economic activity in this city.”

Ebel talked about changes in the energy industry, including the increasing importance of natural gas. As head of a company which moves about 15 percent of North America’s natural gas every day, Ebel explained how natural gas is critical to addressing some of the biggest 21st century concerns: energy security, economic vitality and environmental stewardship, or the “Three E’s”.  

When it comes to leadership, Ebel said, “Three E’s” are also critical: energy, edge and execution. Ebel talked to Young Leaders about the importance of these qualities, both in business and community service.

“This is a group that represents the next generation of Houston’s leadership in the business community, but also in the philanthropic world,” Ebel said. “Given the tremendous human talent here, I feel very confident we’ll remain the energy capital of the world for centuries to come.”

Before taking questions from the audience, Ebel encouraged Young Leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to United Way and our community. “You have an important role to play and I ask you to continue doing that,” he said. “You’re the human capital behind the energy capital and we need your energy, your edge and your execution to make it happen.”

We thank Spectra Energy for generously sponsoring this luncheon.

Luncheon with Leaders is a series of intimate networking luncheons featuring prominent corporate leaders and important community topics. The series is just one of the many activities available to United Way Young Leaders throughout the year.

View a photo gallery of this event.

For more information about the Young Leaders program and upcoming events, contact Leslie Herbst.