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 director, I spoke to women's associations all over Houston to encourage them to join. My passion to engage women resulted in 18 new member organizations—twice as many as previous directors had brought in. When I lost my first bid for president, I continued my engagement and served on the winner's board as newsletter editor, where I expanded the format, increased the number of pages and sold more ads than anyone else. Four years after joining, I was elected president of this 6,000-member organization.

I get a charge out of making interesting and valuable connections for women. If someone mentions that she needs an interior designer or banker or computer repair, I know who she can call. I am continually engaged in promoting the success of businesswomen in our community. Engagement is easy when you are passionate.

Leigh, a woman who doesn't tell her age

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Engagement gives you momentum to live your passionate vision. You'll engage momentum at ever higher levels using the Feminine Force of agility, which we'll explore next.

Do something every day that scares you.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT