Powering Illinois: Leadership, Strategy & the Future of Energy | With Wendell Dallas

Wendell Dallas serves as president and CEO of Nicor Gas, one of America’s leading natural gas distributors and the largest distribution company of Southern Company Gas. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring that natural gas reaches more than 2.3 million homes and businesses in over 650 northern Illinois communities. A champion for workforce development initiatives, Dallas serves on the boards of Intersect Illinois, Executive Club of Chicago, American Association of Blacks in Energy and World Business Chicago. He also believes in helping communities grow and prosper and is an active board member for the United Way and Chicago Field Museum. Dallas also serves as a member of the Southern Company Gas Management Council, The Chicago Club, Chicago United, Commercial Club of Chicago, Economic Club of Chicago and Business Leadership Chicago. A native of Opelika, Alabama, Dallas holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Savannah. Connect with Wendell:   / wendelldallas   -- Time Stamps: [00:00 – 00:34]: Opening thoughts on connection and leadership [00:34 – 02:23]: Welcome + Wendell Dallas introduction [02:23 – 05:22]: Moving to Chicago and embracing the community [05:22 – 09:19]: Family influence and leadership values [09:19 – 12:11]: Staying grounded as a CEO [12:11 – 15:16]: Teacher influence and choosing engineering [15:16 – 18:10]: What Nicor Gas does and its impact [18:10 – 21:54]: Natural gas and the clean energy conversation [21:54 – 27:55]: Stakeholders, customers, and long-term responsibility [27:55 – 33:43]: Building culture and trust in a large organization [33:43 – 42:17]: Servant leadership and developing teams [42:17 – 47:23]: Handling pressure, confidence, and perspective [47:23 – 53:05]: Time management, balance, and family [53:05 – 56:28]: Advice to his younger self + closing reflections -- If you're enjoying these conversations, make sure to like & subscribe to continue following along! Let's connect: https://linktr.ee/khalifestyle #Podcast #CEO #NicorGas #WendellDallas #Chicago #Energy #NaturalGas #Leadership #Business