50 Leading Women: Jan Rugg
In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.
Introducing, Jan Rugg, Coordinating Manager of Public Affairs, for Atmos Energy Corporation. Before joining Atmos Energy, she owned and operated a custom drapery business in Monroe, Louisiana for more than 20 years. As a twelve-year employee of Atmos Energy, Jan provides support to Atmos Energy Operations in southern Collin County and southern Denton County. In this role, she is responsible for fostering community relationships, providing customer service, and implementing community and public relations programs.
Jan has been actively involved in the community through volunteering with Metrocrest Services and Plano ISD. She currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for United Way for Denton County and the Board of Directors for the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce. Jan is a former Board Chair for Leadership Plano Board of Directors and is dedicated to giving back to the communities where she lives and works. Jan is a graduate of Leadership Plano Class 31 and Leadership North Texas Class 12. Most recently she received the Healthy Start and Healthy Future Champion Award from Communities in Schools, North Texas.
A native of Monroe, Louisiana, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jan has four children and three grandchildren. She and her husband Jack Jones live right here in Plano, Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling and especially traveling to attend concerts.
1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.
At my core I am a servant leader, and I am very hands on – I hope for anyone watching me will see that leadership is not just giving directions, it is being part of the process.
2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?
Learn from those who lead you! Watch others, pay attention to effective leadership styles. Begin to model styles you like and be sure not to duplicate ones you don’t like! Offer to lead a special project team at your place of business. Find a mentor but make sure that person cares about you, there might be some tough conversations ahead for both of you. Workshops, find something you are interested in or maybe a topic that you know nothing about, be willing to learn!
3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?
One of the most important decisions I make is in new hires. Finding the right match is critical to the success of the employee as well as our company. When hiring I always go into an interview with the mindset of hiring my replacement. It is very exciting when you find that right match!
4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?
Only one?? Seeing a friend or colleague find their sweet spot-the place where they thrive and are successful! I feel like we are all on a journey, the destination is different for each of us. There are many stops along the way and many people who influence your path. It is a great joy for me to be part of a friend or colleague’s success story! My part might have been as simple as making an introduction that opened a door or encouraging a person to apply for a position. In any case I am happy to celebrate a success!
5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?
Truthfully, I can’t think of anything. I am a “my cup is always half full” person. In situations that don’t play out as I had hoped I just feel that it’s not the right time for me and when the time is right…then the time is right!
6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?
Sorry, I don’t have a good answer for this question. Where is that emoji of the woman shrugging her shoulders?? LOL!
7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Give yourself some grace!
Set goals that are realistic.
Be ok with you and stop worrying about what others think of you.
Be ok with not getting all the holiday decorations in place-truly you are the only person who is critiquing you!
Enjoy the life God has given you, it might not be what you envisioned but enjoy what you have!
8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?
We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Don’t forget there are some very outstanding women in the community ready to support you! They have stood in your shoes and have paved the way for your success. Honor them by asking for their advice, listen to their insights, and use that information for your betterment and that of Plano.
9. Who inspired you and why?
Inspiration?? My Mama! Many adjectives come to mind when I think of her but mostly she was wise, strong, caring, dedicated to her family, her profession, and had a great sense of humor! Mama was a single parent and a nurse, she was well respected by her coworkers, other healthcare professionals and the patients she cared for. At an early age I recognized the trust and respect others held for her and felt secure in knowing that she was the person taking care of me. In her role she had to be strong at a time strong women weren’t necessarily accepted in the workplace. A situation some women experience today. She displayed her strength by knowing how to respond in emergency situations, understanding her team members and supporting them as needed. And finally, she taught me that I am not in control, but God is and if I just trust things will turn out as they are supposed to be!
10. What do you want to be remembered for?
I hope I am remembered for loving my family, being kind, sharing a laugh with someone, making a person feel better about themselves (hopefully at a time they needed it the most). On a professional level, I hope that I am respected and appreciated for doing my job well! Being a great brand representative of Atmos Energy and for being a good team player. Inspiring others to push themselves beyond what they thought they could do and if they don’t succeed be willing to try again!
