50 Leading Women: Debra Austin
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, Debra Austin, Chief Executive Officer of Chaos2Results Business Coaching. For the last, almost 20 years, Debra has spent her time and talents coaching small business owners to implement effective change, grow their business, AND enjoy their life outside of the office. As she runs and owns her own small business, Debra continues to serve the local community as the current President for the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce recently opened their doors to a brand new office & meeting space located right here in Plano. She previously served on the Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (TWICE) and was once appointed the Chairman & Vice Chairman of the Murphy Chamber of Commerce. Her desire the support the local business community is evident.
1. Do you remember your first time attending one of our Women’s Division events? Tell us about that experience and what made you want to come back.
I attended my first Women’s Division meeting in 2012, just a little after I left my corporate job and launched my coaching business. The meeting was a little intimidating because I didn’t know anyone there and this was one my very early forays into networking to promote my new business. By the end of the meeting, I had met a lot of phenomenal women who were informative, welcoming and supportive – not to mention enjoying a great lunch at Gleneagles County Club. I came back to get more of what I found that first time.
2. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.
My leadership style is a combination of driving and nurturing. I am a strong believer in being strategic and goal driven while at the same time nurturing others to fulfill their aspirations and develop their talents. I value integrity, ownership and commitment. I do not ask others to do more than I ask of myself. I believe everyone has something to contribute and I welcome their perspective. I actively look for ways to make the team better through the collective contributions of the team member.
3. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?
I think women often try to emulate the leadership skills historically demonstrated by our male counterparts, e.g. dominating, goal driven, etc. and downplay some of the innate strengths considered more “feminine” such as compassion and nurturing. I believe women can best develop their leadership skills by honoring their strengths while building the more traditionally recognized leadership skills of our male counterparts. Networking with other women leaders is a critical component of leadership development. Volunteering for leadership roles in organizations like Women’s Division is a great way to develop leadership skills.
4. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?
The most important decisions I make as a leader are generally centered around where an organization wants to go, what priorities have to be honored to get there, and how to keep the team not only engaged, but also as co-owner of the outcome(s).
5. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?
My biggest joy as a leader has been seeing the people I lead grow as we work together and seeing their accomplishments along the way.
6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?
The most powerful strategies for promoting inclusion in the workplace center around not only giving people a “seat at the table,” but also a voice in the process and equity in the results. By truly valuing the idea that each of us sees the world through a different lens, one that is based on our culture and life experiences, we can create a richer life not just in the workplace but also in our society. The “how” of it is where it becomes challenging. Each of us has our own set of biases. To promote inclusion, we have to own those biases and be willing to shift them. There is no quick fix. It is a long-term process that we must work through together. To be successful, we must be willing to accept our biases then extend and accept grace when we falter.
7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
I would say to my 25-year-old self, “Look for your own definition of ‘success’ and pursue that rather than the definition others may give you.” When you understand that and work towards being your best self, it gives you direction and purpose while silencing a lot of the noise around you. There is a rhythm of life that comes with self-defining and it is a beautiful thing.
8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?
To the next generation of female leaders, I would say, “Always have a growth mindset, honor your personal values, embrace your innate strengths, and make sure you keep yourself on your list of priorities.”
9. Who inspired you and why?
My mother and father inspired me. Neither of them graduated from high school, but both demanded that we acquire an education. They encouraged me to follow my dreams despite their fears for me moving away and being on my own. They let me know that they would always be there for me no matter what happened.
10. What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for making a positive difference in the world for others and for being a fierce mom who loved her two amazing sons and husband.