CEO of Influence – Eric Gilbert – Duck Club Entertainment

Eric Gilbert, CEO and head of programming at Duck Club Entertainment has been the leader of the organization since 2011. He said that he learned the importance of hard work early on, when he worked as a bag boy and grocery cart “fetcher” for Fred Meyer in Meridian.

“I learned, and reference it often, that no matter how hard you work there will always be more grocery carts to fetch,” he said. “Thus, enjoy the process and work at the pace that works for you and don’t let the unfinished work at the end of day be a point of stress.”

Gilbert earned undergraduate degrees in music theory and music history on the road in a tour van and has found great joy as a traveling musician. He said that opportunity allowed him to build relationships with amazing people all over the world, each of them helping him become who he is today.

“I feel that I am but a vessel carrying the wisdom of countless mentors and role models,” he said. “I listen hard and am in a constant state of learning and evolution.”

Gilbert shared that leadership has always come naturally to him and he sees it as an act of service.

“It is not something that I pursued,” he said. “Nor do I see it as an accomplishment, but rather the honest expression of my true self and the best way I can contribute to a team. I long ago personally committed myself to a life of service to purpose and others. That was a practice I developed as a musician, and I have followed that muse into the role that has developed for me as a leader of this organization and in the community. It is a core principle that is a primary influence over how I lead.”

Gilbert said that his advice for ambitious leaders is simple: Aspire to be your best self and fulfill whatever role gives your team the best chance to succeed.

“All roles are valued,” he said. “Don’t get distracted by the allure of personal outcomes/success over something larger than yourself. Work on yourself, strengthen your mind and learn to not take anything personally. Always assume good intent with others and know that your word is one of your most precious resources: Use it wisely, gracefully and with the utmost integrity.”

When Gilbert isn’t working, he plays basketball or has thoughtful conversations with his 11-year-old daughter. He also loves immersing himself in live music, which for him, is a powerful dichotomy of being with oneself in thought but also surrounded by other humans.

He said, “It is a reminder to see the beauty around us and always brings me back to gratitude, my favorite resting place.”