Part of what makes D CEO so unique is its access to some of the biggest names in Dallas business. As a part of our 2022 Dallas 500 publication, we asked North Texas’ most influential business leaders with whom they would like to have dinner. Many of the answers were expected names, but others were more under-the-radar leaders and some were completely unknown strangers. Reach on to learn who is on the invite list for what would surely prove to an interesting meal.
Bernard “Bernie” Uechtritz • Founder, Icon Global
“I’d choose Harlan Crow. He’s a fascinating man with a passionate love of history and art. I recently visited his library—it’s incredible. I am in awe of that kind of deep and intellectual passion and knowledge. I’d also choose Andy Beal—highly intelligent, risk-taker, and successful entrepreneur. He’s a complex dealmaker, and I am fascinated by that!”
Linda Silver • CEO, Perot Museum of Nature and Science
“I had the privilege of meeting Caroline Rose Hunt and Margaret McDermott before they passed away. Both women were incredibly instrumental in building Dallas, and I would love to be able to spend more time with them and hear about their visions for our community.”
Mark Cuban • Owner, Dallas Mavericks
“I would randomly pick a couple of young entrepreneurs. It’s not interesting to me to eat dinner with leaders or celebrities. It’s a lot more appealing to share a meal with people who have far different life experiences than I do.”
Sheryl Adkins-Green • Chief Marketing Officer, Mary Kay
“I’d choose Cynt Marshall and Mark Cuban. I have tremendous respect for them as accomplished business leaders and concerned citizens of Dallas. I’d love to better understand what makes their partnership work—how they leverage their differences and similarities to navigate uncertainty, achieve goals, and maximize the potential of the Dallas Mavericks.”
Geoff H. Walker • CEO and President, KidKraft
“I’d choose Steve Ivy of Heritage Auctions. His auction house for high-end collectibles has seen explosive growth. And as an avid collector, I’d love to pick his brain on the growth across categories. I’d also choose Doug Parker of American Airlines. He has navigated the company through very challenging times, and I respect how he has managed to do so.”
Zaida Basora • Executive Director, AIA Dallas
“I’d choose Gail Thomas and Dr. Elba García, for their inspiring and collaborative leadership. Gail, a founding fellow of the Dallas Institute, has been a strong advocate of the active presence of the humanities in the life of the city. Dr. García is a community leader, a mother and wife, a dentist with her own private practice, and a role model for Latina women from all walks of life.”
