Jon Greifenkamp, a senior level executive with the Chicago Cubs, offered students a candid look at leadership, career growth and creating impact beyond the ballpark.
April 21, 2025
By Kelly Kjetsaa
North Texas business professionals, students, faculty and baseball fans recently gathered for a packed breakfast event featuring Chicago Cubs Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jon Greifenkamp, the latest guest in the Tandy Executive Speaker Series.
In a candid conversation with TCU Neeley John V. Roach Dean Craig Crossland, Greifenkamp — who has served as the Cubs’ CFO since 2010 — shared insights on financial strategy, leadership and community impact, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with professional roles for lasting success.
“When you can marry up your passion with your profession, you’re going to be more motivated, you’re going to be driven and you’re going to have the opportunity to be very successful,” Greifenkamp said.
Greifenkamp also encouraged the students in the audience to start building their networks early—especially with professionals who can relate to the challenges of breaking into your industry, primarily those who are five to 10 years into their careers. These individuals, he said, often provide the most relatable insights for students entering the workforce.
Wesley Hill, a junior marketing and management major at Neeley, said that advice stood out.
“It was really useful when he said to network with people five or 10 years into their careers,” Hill said. “They’ll know more about the early aspects of starting a career that are more relevant to you.”
Greifenkamp’s leadership approach is rooted in empowerment and accountability. He intentionally hires people who complement his strengths and help offset his shortcomings.
“I try to hire people that can balance me,” Greifenkamp said. “If I can supplement within those roles some of my weaknesses, then the entirety of the organization can be better.”
Crossland praised Greifenkamp’s humility and said it was especially valuable for students to hear a leader speak openly about self-awareness, emphasizing how effective leadership often means recognizing your own limitations and surrounding yourself with the right team.
Beyond internal culture, Greifenkamp spoke about the Cubs’ role in the larger Chicago community—particularly during the renovation of Wrigley Field. He described Gallagher Way, a public plaza next to the stadium that hosts farmers markets, concerts and community events, as a key element toward developing neighborhood trust.
“Make that investment, and it will pay us back,” Greifenkamp said, reflecting on the long-term value of building trust with the surrounding community.
His focus on community engagement resonated with TCU’s values and long-term goals. Crossland noted that one of the four pillars in the university’s newly-released strategic plan is deepening community connections—something the Neeley School of Business aims to model by hosting leaders like Greifenkamp who understand the business value of local impact.
“I really like the idea of creating the comparison between TCU and the Cubs and the importance of community involvement,” said Brandon Clounch, vice president and commercial lender at Frost Bank. “Not only with the fans being involved with the university, but the university being involved with the fans—continuing to create that sense of community around the university.”
The event offered more than just breakfast and baseball talk — it gave students and professionals a candid look into what it takes to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships and create impact that lasts beyond the bottom line.
