Wicked Success is Inside Every Woman

LEIGH'S ENGAGEMENT

A bookstore owner I met early in my publishing career invited me to my first Houston Financial Council for Women luncheon meeting. The women who gathered for this networking meeting wore perfect accessories and drank wine. They all seemed so sophisticated and self-assured. I was in my 20s and not one bit sophisticated. I wanted to be like them, so I applied for membership. I wasn't a powerful networker, but I attended every meeting, and that got me noticed. A huge part of success is showing up, but I didn't know that then.

A member I admired was elected president and asked me to serve on her board. Who, me? I was flattered but unsure, having never served on any board, but she guaranteed I could do it. That was the beginning of my commitment to advance professional women, and I became totally engaged.

As program director, I brought in Ann Richards, before she was elected governor of Texas, to speak to our small group. As vice president of membership, I created information packets for potential members. I discovered the reward of always giving a little extra. As president, I introduced our organization into a larger arena, the Federation of Houston Professional Women, an alliance of women's organizations similar to ours.

Again, I showed up. I volunteered on Federation committees and proved I could be counted on. Just nine months after joining, I became a member of their impressive 20-member board. I gave hours to my cause when I didn't have money. As membership ...