From my earliest days growing up in rural County Cork, Ireland, the value of community was deeply ingrained in me. Life in a close-knit farming environment taught me the importance of mutual support, shared responsibility, and collective progress—principles that have guided my personal and professional journey.
Today, community remains a central theme in my life. Whether through my role at Visa or my involvement in external organizations, I actively seek opportunities to foster connection and shared purpose. One of the most impactful platforms for this has been GBTA, where I’ve been involved for over 15 years.
GBTA truly exemplifies the essence of community building. Its diverse membership, spanning the entire travel ecosystem, fosters an environment ripe for dialogue, innovation, and partnership. As the current president of the Allied Leadership Council (ALC) and a GBTA Board Member, I've witnessed firsthand the crucial role suppliers play in shaping the future of business travel. Their insights and collaboration are vital to driving progress across the industry. This is evident through the mutual sharing of thought leadership materials, lessons learned, and success stories among a wide range of suppliers. We all serve the same customer, and understanding how my supplier peers approach our mutual customer is both impactful and beneficial.
I am a strong advocate for thought leadership as a means of building a community. When we share ideas and experiences, we elevate not only our own understanding but also that of our peers. This belief is what drives my commitment to the ALC and to organizations outside of work that create meaningful communities—whether building better travel systems, providing education, driving sustainability and mentoring emerging leaders.
Ultimately, community is the thread that ties together our efforts at GBTA. It’s what transforms industry challenges into opportunities and individual contributions into collective impact. By embracing leadership and engagement, we strengthen the bonds that move our industry forward.
Tags: Edward Galvin, GBTA
