Don Emery on Leading With Curiosity and Why Great Clubs Never Stand Still

Walk the grounds of Grey Oaks with General Manager Don Emery as he shares a 41-year career shaped by curiosity, connection and a relentless drive to elevate the member experience. From clever service innovations to lessons born from COVID, Don’s stories reveal how great clubs, and great leaders, continually evolve. Discover why Grey Oaks is one of the most admired cultures in the industry. Listeners will step into the vibrant, community-driven world of Grey Oaks and instantly feel the energy, curiosity and people-first leadership that define Don Emery’s approach. As you “walk the property together,” you’ll hear:• A peek inside the culture at Grey Oaks: He shares how a family-rooted history, long-tenured membership and deep care between staff and members have shaped the club’s identity.• A surprising origin story: Don didn’t chase club management—he chased a bike and a car. That early work ethic, instilled by parents who lived through difficult times, became the foundation of his leadership philosophy.• Finding inspiration everywhere: From bank tellers to dry cleaners to hotels in Japan, Don explains why great leaders stay curious and see ideas everywhere, not just at other clubs.• The challenge that changed everything: COVID becomes a pivotal moment—forcing rapid innovation, removing outdated playbooks and proving that clubs are essential connectors for human happiness.• A masterclass in member experience: Don breaks down how all five senses—sight, sound, scent, touch and taste—shape unforgettable moments. He shares small, surprising examples that transform ordinary events into extraordinary memories.• How curiosity drives continuous improvement: He reveals his process for documenting what worked, what didn’t and how to make every experience “bigger, better and more meaningful”—even when staff groan at the extra homework.• Why connection is the heart of modern club life: From studying Uber Eats delivery patterns to rethinking club spaces, Don explains how Grey Oaks aligns with national trends while staying true to its community-first purpose.• Legacy and giving back: Don speaks candidly about developing people, building enduring clubs and creating a foundation to support the next generation of leaders.• A closing reflection for the industry: His encouragement for 2026—pause, look back, find pride in what’s been built and carry that inspiration forward into the work that shapes members’ lives.Throughout the conversation, listeners are invited to imagine themselves walking alongside Don Emery at Grey Oaks, hearing the stories and insights that rise naturally when you’re side-by-side, taking in the club’s energy, rather than sitting across a conference table.