Anyone remember the whole ‘Urban Cowboy’ Era? For those that do not… this was John Travolta’s first real venture into a more serious acting role, following his time on Welcome Back Kotter (a 1970s sitcom, in which he played a less than serious student). Urban Cowboy was a drama which shined the light on a whole Cowboy sub-culture. Bull riding, partying at Mickey Gilley’s nightclub in Pasadena, Texas, oilfield work, and all of the resulting drama to which I (may or may not testify to) as being pretty darn close to a true depiction!

My roots are in the ARK-LA-TX area, and I had exposure to family farming-ranching, roping-riding growing up, and a Father who happened to be something of a rock star in the oil industry, known by the term: ‘Wildcatter’. Although my Father, also a former fighter pilot in the USAF, was a larger than life influence to me, I did not fully realize or appreciate his most valuable gift until his passing: his gift of empathic kindness. This gift built relationships with industry leaders on a worldwide scale. It is a gift that I strive to fully step into on a daily basis. But, getting back to our story…. even as a child, I identified as a Cowboy. Embracing all that is Cowboy, and educating myself on all things Cowboy. For a young lady, an odd pursuit, but nonetheless, I followed my passion.

When my Father’s career took our family from Houston, Texas to New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 70’s, the Cowboy culture at that time was definitely not a ‘thing’. My odd proclivities had me sticking out like a flaming, sore thumb (I am also a redhead- there is literally nowhere to hide!). Not long after, I discovered a Western Wear store close to where I went to high school. The owner of this store, Ronnie Sylvester, happened to be a friend of Mr. Mickey Gilley himself. I wanted IN! It was a place where I could finally ‘fit in’. I took a part time job and immersed myself. My manager was not the warmest woman, and I was quickly tasked with polishing all of the brass railing in the store. All 2 stories of it. So. Much. Brass Railing. But, I mastered the brass, and slowly but, surely made my way to selling the high end boots, exotic imports, and becoming the in-store expert on custom steamed cowboy hat shaping! Customers came in and asked for me, BY NAME! And, although I am no longer selling in the Western Wear arena, I can still steam a mean brim or crown in a straw or pelt! And the lessons that I learned selling and building customer relationships within a world and culture where I felt at home, are lessons that continue to serve me (and those that I serve!) to this day!

A few lessons that I have learned thus far? Follow Your Passion/s. Embrace, Immerse, & Become the Expert in your field. Let Your Unique Proclivities and Lessons Learned Lead You. Be Authentic Always. Focus on Building Relationships. Lead that you may SERVE!

As Danny Devito’s character, Frank Reynolds said in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’: “well, I don’t know how much time I’ve got left but, I’m gonna get real weird with it”.

#employmentstories #leadershiplessons #relationshipsaretherealassets #chaseyourpassions #enjoythejourney #whatsyourstory #whatsyourlegacy