June 27, 2025 — The Fourth Annual Clovis Leadership Summit, hosted by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, took place on Thursday, June 26, at the Mercedes Edwards Theater.
The goal of the event was “an empowering and inspiring experience designed to foster collaboration, ignite motivation, and elevate professionals to new heights.”
The intimate audience of attendees comprised aspiring leaders, seasoned executives, entrepreneurs, and youth to become equipped for success not only in business but everyday life.
The three keynote speakers were Mark Turner (Mayor of Morgan Hill); Cedric Crawford (author and motivational speaker); and Nash Fung (magician).
Turner, the former President/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, presented “The Lens of Leadership” where his speech “draws a parallel between the development of a photographer’s eye for capturing compelling images and a leader’s ability to identify potential in others.”
Crawford, referred to as “Mr. Make-it-Great,” was so full of energy and equipped with inspirational quotes that it blew the minds of the crowd. He’s the author of the inspirational books Bread Crumbs to Making it Great Volumes 1 & 2. His story is one of inspiration having come from an impoverished life to succeeding in college football and is now an entrepreneur and personal development/success coach/mentor.
The weight of his passion was felt when he spoke to the Clovis Roundup. “The theme of my speech was leadership that was wrapped around the training I do called ‘Legacy Leadership by The Cards.’ Which deals with 52 cards plus two and all those are anchored to different laws and principles and traits of the great leaders, high achievers and peak performers,” said Crawford.
His thoughts on leadership: “It’s designed for anybody that wants to know better, be better, do better, and see better…At any time in life we’re going to have an opportunity to lead somewhere…You can continue to equip yourself so you can be ready for when the cards of life is dealing you those cards…it’s not about the cards we get but it’s how we play them.”
His views on change is an acronym he calls “Choose to Have A New Goal to Explore.” After his speech he was selling his books and offering advice to those that wanted a one-on-one with him.
Next to the stage was Fung. The award-winning keynote speaker can be seen trying to fool the legendary magic team of Penn Jillette and Teller on their television show “Penn and Teller: Fool Us.”
Not only has his love for magic guided his life but during his time as a crisis line volunteer “he learned how empathy can empower and positively impact others.” His speaking journey has lead him to talking to some of the most prominent companies like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, etc. He even did a TEDx talk that has garnered over 86,000 views on YouTube.
His speech obviously included magic tricks and personal stories. He even called upon Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua to be his assistant for a trick that excited the audience. It involved a Rubik’s Cube that delighted the mayor.
Afterwards there was a VIP meet and greet luncheon at Classic Catering at 625 where attendees could eat and grab a photo-op with the speakers in front of a Chamber of Commerce backdrop along with their members. Italian food was on the menu.
Mayor Mouanoutoua presented them each with certificates of appreciation. Even while taking photos Fung busted out some tricks like lighting his wallet on fire. The event had inspiration and passion that made it magical.
Greg Newman, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, would agree. “I thought it was fantastic. We had three great speakers that were brought into Clovis to educate, inspire, and entertain our attendees today. There were a lot of smiling faces as our attendees were leaving. It was a great success,” said Newman.