LP 40 for 40 – Catherine Bywaters
The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.
Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 35, Graduate, Catherine Bywaters, Physician Relations Specialist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Catherine is a health care professional with expertise in public relations and communications, volunteer management and physician engagement. She has an extensive background in program management, writing and relationship building, along with a breadth of knowledge of the DFW health care
1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?
Before working at Texas Health Plano, I worked in Dallas hospitals and had always been involved in community activities to some degree. I knew Dallas well after living, working and volunteering there for many years. Since I wasn’t as familiar with Plano and Collin County, I knew it was important to learn as much as I could to better serve our patients and the community. Leadership Plano was the best way to do that.
2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?
I truly dreaded the class retreat but when it was over, it was obvious how essential the experience was for us to build trust and connections that will never go away. We may not see each other regularly as time goes on, but the bond is always there.
3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?
It is a way participants can get fully introduced to the many services and resources available in Plano, and a great way to make new friends and business associates – not just in our own class, but across all classes. The relationships built over LP’s 40-year history have helped Plano develop into the dynamic city that it is. This doesn’t happen by one individual, but by the collective efforts of many people from diverse and varied backgrounds working toward a common goal.
4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?
LP helped instill in me what “leadership” is truly about. It doesn’t always mean one is at the front of the room, leading the committee or calling all the shots. It means doing your part, no matter how great or small, and knowing there is value in it all. It’s listening to other perspectives to arrive at the best solution, and sometimes, it’s simply knowing when to step back and let others take the lead.
5. Why was your class the “Best Class Ever”?
Class 35 was a fantastic mix of personalities, backgrounds, cultures, ages, interests and professional paths. Everyone brought something unique to the class that enabled us to grow and learn from each other as much as we did from the monthly sessions. Plus, we had a few “class clowns” who made the year a lot of fun!