Executive Chairman, Valero
Search every verified Joseph Gorder interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In an October 2017 address to the Alliance of Men in San Antonio, Valero Energy's President, CEO, and Chairman Joseph Gorder spoke about his Christian faith and its role in his career. He described his relationship with the Lord Jesus as a constant in his life and recounted periods of spiritual and professional difficulty, including a "dark period" when he felt he was not being spiritually fed. Gorder attributed positive changes in his circumstances to events outside his control, such as Valero's acquisition of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, which he said altered the company's culture, and the appointment of a new pastor at his church. Gorder also discussed his leadership philosophy, stating that his job is to serve everyone in the company and that he cringes at the behavior of CEOs who think they are above it all. He advised the audience to avoid isolation, to be accountable to other men, and to treat every day as game day. He described email as "terribly disruptive" and recommended putting it in a junk folder. Gorder concluded by saying that when he trusts God, his path is straight, but when he does not, he "zigged and zagged and bounced off the guardrails."
“Valero bought UltraMart Diamond Shamrock — that was one great thing that took place ... the culture changed materially. We didn't have that paternalistic caring culture anymore; it was more of a 'we're window dressing this company for sale.'”
“The succession planning process was traumatic for all of us ... it's the kind of thing that a Board of Directors needs to do just to be sure that the dot the i's and cross the t's, but it's very disruptive to an organization.”
“I cringe when I see some of the behavior of CEOs of companies that think that they are above it all.”
“My job is to serve everybody in the company ... we're not here to be served.”
In an early October 12, 2017 morning address to San Antonio's Alliance of Men, Valero Energy's President, CEO and Chairman tells the assembled audience of ~300 men of his sometimes difficult walk with the Lord Jesus until reaching the pinnacle of his working career. His is an abiding tale of Faith without reservation.
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