In a world where leaders often chase results over relationships, true mentorship has become something of a lost art. Yet, behind every thriving organization lies someone who can see beyond profit margins—someone who builds people as much as systems. For Christendom alumnus Greg Polley ’00, that mission has become the heart of his life’s work.
Polley’s path didn’t begin with a master plan. As an intern fresh out of Christendom, navigating the historic streets of Washington, D.C., he had no idea that 25 years later, he would be helping business and nonprofit leaders find clarity, purpose, and success through mentorship and organizational transformation.
His career began at Charles Schwab’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., where his work ethic and curiosity quickly earned him promotions to senior manager and lobbyist. There, Polley learned firsthand how corporations and government intersect—gaining insights that would later shape his holistic approach to leadership.
This story comes from the latest issue of Instaurare Magazine, the official magazine of Christendom College. Read more from Instaurare here!
After several years on Capitol Hill, managing policy and appropriations issues, Polley pursued new challenges: first as a business president while earning his MBA from Christian Brothers University, then as Chief Development Officer at the Augustine Institute, where he discovered the inner workings of nonprofit leadership.
It was during this time that Polley encountered the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework designed to help organizations align vision, execution, and team health. With his deep understanding of what makes teams thrive—or falter—Polley recognized a calling.
Polley with his family including his wife, Anna (née Wright) ’00, and children—one of whom is a student at Christendom College.
“An EOS Implementer,” he explains, “helps organizations clarify their visions, execute effectively, and foster team health through open communication. We act as teacher, facilitator, and coach—helping entrepreneurs create better lives for themselves.”
Today, as a professional EOS Implementer, Polley guides leaders across industries, drawing on both experience and formation rooted in his Christendom education.
“The education I received at Christendom College provided critical thinking skills essential for navigating various environments,” he reflects. “It equipped me with the tools and courage to pursue a more unconventional career path.”
That formation went beyond academics.
“Our personal core values that guide us are essential to all aspects of life,” he says. “A strong connection to the truths of natural law and our Creator is fundamental to achieving success.
Living with integrity and a commitment to serving others will ultimately lead to a meaningful career.”
Mentorship, Polley believes, is where this formation finds its fullest expression.
Polley (left) during a training session with the Apostles Fund.
“Mentorship is ultimately an investment in another person,” he says, “and it is critical for all of us at any stage in life. Throughout my career journey, I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who made a significant impact on me.” These mentors include family members, a college board member, even his first boss from Washington, D.C., whom Polley still turns to for advice.
Reflecting on those experiences, Polley recalls long conversations with Christendom professors over coffee or lunch, discussing class topics as well as current events.
“Reflecting on these relationships reminds me of the profound impact mentorship had in my life,” he notes. “I hope this tradition continues at Christendom. It’s one of the unique strengths of a small college—nurturing the next generation of leaders for our world and the Church.”
At heart, Greg Polley remains a doer—but more profoundly, a builder: of people, systems, and futures. Whether mentoring a new entrepreneur, advising a nonprofit, or guiding his daughter through her own Christendom journey, Polley embodies what Christendom hopes for every graduate—a life of purpose, integrity, and service that turns vision into action.
Written by Lianna Youngman
Read more from Instaurare Magazine here.