50 Leading Women: Mabrie Jackson
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, Mabrie Jackson, Director of Public Affairs for HEB/Central Market and the Honorary Consul of the Royal Netherlands. Mabrie previously served as a Plano City Council Member, the CEO-President of the North Texas Commission and the Interim President of the Plano Chamber of Commerce. She has secured her spot in the Plano Chamber’s Hall of Fame as our 2019 ATHENA Award winner. Mabrie is known in and around Plano for her generosity and servant leadership as she continues to promote the economic growth & well being of the North Texas community.
1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.
People learn by observing success and by making mistakes. I provide direction and boundaries without micro-managing the process. I’m working hard on lessening my dispensing of unsolicited advice and opinion.
2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?
Communication skills are critical to success. Diversify your subject matter exposure by working on the hard projects, and read, read, read! Read at least one book a quarter, above your normal reading level, about an unfamiliar subject. You will be amazed at the useful information you will uncover.
3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?
Who surrounds you in your work life and personal life often determines your success. Choose wisely.
4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?
Watching people grow into well-rounded, skilled contributors to their community and the world.
5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?
I have loved every role, with the exception of one, at each stage in my career. The one I didn’t care for was filled with individuals that didn’t have the best interests of others at their core. Again, who surrounds you each day is important.
6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?
Practice empathy. Acknowledge the experiences of others even though your experiences may be different. Each of us are responsible for calling out prejudice when we hear it and see it. Always ask, “How can I help you?”
7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Take more risks in your career. If it won’t kill you, experience it.
8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Know your worth. Learn to negotiate salaries. Work on the hard stuff at work. Travel a lot. Take a trip by yourself.
9. Who inspired you and why?
My family and Marshall’s family has always supported me, and I have gained great wisdom from them. Former Dallas County Commissioner, Maurine Dickey, has taught me more about navigating life in the last 10 years than anyone. I value her friendship and mentorship immensely. Of course, working for the Butt Family has been my front row seat for learning the power and responsibility each of us has to improve the lives of others.
10. What do you want to be remembered for?
I have lived a full life, and I hope I improved a few lives along the way.
