Let’s dial back to 1924 and see our fine cowgirls lined up at the British Empire Exhibition in London. Cowgirls, including Mabel Strickland, Bonnie McCarroll, Fox Hastings, and Tad Lucas to name a few, were right in the thick of things. These cowgirls were talented athletes and strong individuals but they were also part of a tight-knit team of women who cared about and supported each other. They helped each other put together better performances, and some married the brothers of other cowgirls. They took care of each other’s children and nursed each other back to health when things went awry in the arena.
The exhibition in London was the largest show of its kind ever held, with British royalty in attendance. In addition to the American cowgirls and cowboys, fifty-six nations of the British Commonwealth and Empire were represented. The purpose was to stimulate trade, strengthen bonds with the mother country, and bring closer contact with one another.
Mabel and Bonnie did more than just show up. They took home the Lord Selfridge World Championship Trophy. Cowgirls were doing just fine then and today.
Through the years I have had and still have so many wonderful friends. They are true treasures in life. Count each of your friends as a precious gem, just like the cowgirls did on the rodeo circuit. “Got your backers” is what we call them at T3.
Ann Dennison Normand has been more than a friend all of my life. She is a wonderful sister in every sense of the word. Ann has been with me through each tough time in my life and is always there to celebrate the victories. Educated as a teacher, Ann later went back to school and became an Episcopalian priest. As one of the first women to take on this role, she eventually became the canon to the bishop in Texas. In business terms, it would be like a chief operating officer. She still travels with the archbishop of Canterbury and recently spent an afternoon with the pope.
Ann and I laugh at all of the things we have accomplished, each step of the way, cheering each other on. Recently, I cheered at her wedding ceremony to an Episcopalian Bishop as she started another new chapter in her life. The Reverend Dr. Ann Dennison Normand is a cowgirl, and I have photos of her in her full priest regalia on horseback to prove it!
Cowgirls find their place in life, whether performing for royalty, visiting with the pope, or sitting on the back porch watching a sunset. They take control, make good judgment calls, and take responsibility for themselves. They understand when to push and when to let go. They understand the ebb and flow of life. They get it. They make things work. They stay positive. And, most important, they stay true to who they really are. And, for a cowgirl, nothing is more important.
Cowgirl power is a mind-set, a big idea that can help women in business today think about their roles, decisions, and careers in different ways. Cowgirls take responsibility for themselves and set new rules. We can create our own programs, find new ways to work, build lifelong relationships, and find meaning and satisfaction in our work.
As I began to understand and take control of my personal power, I learned to wield it for the benefit of others. Build your personal power so that you can begin the good work of empowering others. Leading by the empowerment of others is a stunning accomplishment. Your power can be the source of power for hundreds of others. Those hundreds can enable thousands to grow and be empowered.
Cowgirl power is there for you. There are no limits to it. I know you can redefine personal power in ways that empower you every day to give you much more control over your own life.
Look through your organization and find the cowgirls. I know they are there. Think about congratulating them for what they do. Encourage them to steal some of your power. Then get the hell out of the way! You can improve your culture, your product, your engagement levels, and your retention rates. Call me and thank me as soon as you get it done!
There is a saying in Texas that the best sermons are lived, not preached. I hope I have not preached too much. I’m passionate about women and business because I’ve lived it. I know what is possible. And I know what a wonderful gift a successful career can be personally and for your family. Find your own path. It is uniquely yours, but it is there if you open your mind and heart and begin the journey.
Here’s the bottom line. Be bold. Get out there. Kick some ass. And, as you do it, build buckets and buckets of goodwill as you go. Treat people well, do favors, and help their kids. Do the right thing and it all comes around. You make your own luck. Give a helping hand to good people who need it. Cowgirls have faith in the way things turn out if they approach life with a big heart. And cowgirls are usually right.
And go to gaygaddis.com and tell me about how you did it so I can share with my readers what we all can learn. Oh, and please share your tamale stories!
Climb on, cowgirl, and ride.