50 Leading Women: Mimi Conner
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, Mimi Conner, Plano Chapter Lead, of Lovepacs. Born out of a desire to help children in need, Lovepacs was created in order to provide meals to students, who would otherwise go hungry during school holidays. Through coordination with local schools and its volunteers, Lovepacs engages communities to feed children as an expression of love. Lovepacs was introduced to Plano in 2016 by Leadership Plano class 33 and has grown from serving 5 schools and 120 students to serving every school in Plano. Wherever the need is, Lovepacs is there and wherever Lovepacs Plano is, Mimi Conner is there. Due in part to her leadership, Lovepacs Plano was nominated and named, 2021 Community Partner of the Year by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. She has been integral in securing a physical location for Lovepacs Plano to house donations and provide a space for volunteers to further the Lovepacs mission. Mimi has been a proud Plano resident for the last 30+ years. Prior to her volunteer role with Lovepacs, Mimi pursued her long-time passion, swimming, by teaching swim lesson and aquatic fitness. She started her first business, Swimmers by Mimi, in 1991 and later founded Aqua-Fit in 2008. Mimi truly loves the Plano community and continues to pour her time & talents into the next generation. Thank you for being you, Mimi!
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 remember going to my first Women’s Division Luncheon when I owned Aqua~Fit Swim & Fitness Wellness Center. It was one of the first times that I had been to such a large networking event and truly felt it overwhelming. I wasn’t there more than five minutes and ladies started to come up to me and introduce themselves and to welcome me. Being a newbie, didn’t seem so bad now. I started to meet likeminded small businesses and knew I was in the right place. We all wanted to grow our businesses and we wanted to help others as well. I have been coming back ever since.
2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?
Women can develop their leadership skills in the workplace by getting involved, be a part of something that takes you out of your comfort level. Be a good listener, learn from the best, model after those you admire and don’t be afraid to get educated and to speak up. Volunteering can open up so many doors and lead to many new experiences and teaching moments. Don’t be afraid to take on a new and different role. It’s how you find your passion.
3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?
The most important decisions I make as a leader are making sure that the solutions benefit the majority and not just the few.
4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?
One of the biggest joys as a leader is to see the successes of my teams and their growth. What sometimes seems like the impossible, they made it happen. See and hearing the wonderful stories about what aa difference we make in the lives of our students with food insecurities. Hearing from our teachers how grateful they are for Lovepacs, making a difference one student at a time.
5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?
My greatest career disappointment was selling my business to the wrong buyer, who couldn’t keep it going. 10 years of growing a successful company lost within two years. I learned that when you don’t ask for help and don’t succeed, it falls on you. We can’t run a company without a good support system.
6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?
Strategies that can be used to promote inclusion in the workplace are making sure that you have a safe and a place of growth, recognition and respect the differences. I learned early on to delegate with patience. If the job is completed and done well, then it shouldn’t matter that it was done my way.
7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Advice that I would give to me as a 25-year-old is to be a better listener and that your way is not the only way. Be a risk taker and learn from your failures and celebrate your triumphs and wins.
8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Find networking groups that have your same values and passions. Find groups that you can grow and help others as well. Always present yourself in a professional manner and respect others. Dress appropriately and walk tall with your head held high. Wear a smile and always ask about the other person first.
9. Who inspired you and why?
I have been inspired by so many great female leaders. I would say my mom had the most impact on my personal and professional life. She was the most giving person I know. She taught me about respecting differences and embrace them, never give up, be the ever-ready battery bunny…keep on going. That the power of Faith and Prayer will get you through tough times. Family always comes first and that you can’t always do it by yourself. Asking for help or advice doesn’t show weakness but strength. Strength in yourself to reach out to others which equals teamwork! There is no I in Team. Thanks mom!
10. What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as someone who gave it her all. She was always there to help and make a difference. Whether it was small or big, it mattered. That I was kind and respectful towards others and that she loved her family and friends unconditionally. She changed lives of children through swimming lessons and feeding children with food insecurities.
