There are some mornings that leave you energized long after the conversation ends. Our latest Women Empowering Business gathering was one of them.
For the first time, Frisco’s four women City Council members took the stage together for a conversation that was genuine, honest, funny, thoughtful, and refreshingly real.
From the beginning, there was an energy in the room. But what made the morning special was not simply having four accomplished women leaders together. It was their willingness to talk openly about the paths that brought them to leadership, the challenges they have faced along the way, and the lessons they are still learning.
Stepping Into Leadership
They talked about stepping into opportunities before feeling completely ready. About losing, regrouping, and trying again. About careers changing direction and priorities shifting. About the importance of relationships, mentors, and people who will tell you the truth, not simply what you want to hear.
They also talked honestly about something many women in the room could relate to: trying to do it all.
One reminder resonated throughout the conversation: you cannot continually pour into everyone and everything around you without also making time to refill your own cup. Sometimes leadership means saying yes. Sometimes it means recognizing when to say no, creating margin, being present, and giving yourself permission to pivot.
Honest Questions, Honest Answers
The conversation became even more meaningful when the audience joined in.
Questions touched on confidence, imposter syndrome, social media, career development, public service, and what it takes to work alongside people who do not always agree with you. The answers were candid. There was no attempt to pretend leadership is always easy or that successful people have everything figured out.
Instead, the message was that growth often happens in the uncertainty.
Respect Makes Room for Different Perspectives
One of the most powerful discussions centered on disagreement. With four women serving together on City Council, they were asked how they maintain strong relationships when they do not always share the same perspective.
Their answer came back to respect.
Different experiences and viewpoints are not something to avoid. They can make the work stronger when people value what others bring to the table, listen to understand, and remember they are working toward a shared goal. As one of the panelists put it, if everyone agreed all the time, there would be no need to have everyone at the table.
That idea feels especially fitting for Women Empowering Business.
Empowerment is not about everyone following the same path or thinking the same way. It is about creating space for women to learn from one another, encourage one another, challenge one another, and recognize the strengths each person brings.
Build the Relationships
There was also an important reminder for women early in their careers: do not assume good work will always speak for itself.
Build relationships. Have lunch with someone you want to learn from. Ask questions. Find mentors and sponsors. Tell your own story. And do not underestimate what you bring to the table.
Empowered Women Empower Women
The morning opened with a phrase that perfectly captured the spirit of the conversation. Caren Locke with TIAA had recently shared, “Empowered women empower women,” and it felt especially fitting for Women Empowering Business.
That is exactly what happened that morning.
Women at different stages of their careers and lives came together to listen, laugh, ask honest questions, share experiences, and learn from one another. We left with plenty to think about, but also with the kind of energy that comes from knowing none of us has to navigate leadership alone.
Thank you to our four City Council members for showing up so authentically, to our Women Empowering Business Council for creating the space for this conversation, and to every woman in the room who helped make the morning what it was.
If every Friday started with this much honesty, connection, and hot pink energy, we would not complain.
Looking to be empowered, encouraged, and connected with other women in our business community? Women Empowering Business creates space for honest conversations, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to learn from one another.
Learn more about WEB and get connected here.
Photo credit: 7 Seconds Media
