“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
– Bill Gates
In my nine months as Executive Publisher of Small Business Today Magazine, I have learned many things from our cover story interviews and through my participation with several great organizations that include the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA), the Houston Minority Suppliers Development Council (HMSDC), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and MainStreetChamber.
The one thing that seems to be a common denominator in our cover honorees and those singled out at the various organizations’ awards events was that they excelled in empowering others.
Bill Gate’s quote was not only his vision but also the primary points of focus for his business.
Today’s business leaders and entrepreneurs have learned the power of creating more leaders in their organizations. They have taught me that no one creates and builds a successful business on their own.
This month’s cover honoree, Ms. Sue Burnett of Burnett Specialists, is a leader who knows all about empowering others.
In fact, on top of Sue Burnett’s desk is a sign that reflects her mantra for life, “Treat Others the Way They Want to Be Treated.” Figuring out how people want to be treated and then treating them that way is what Sue has done her entire life and because of it, she has reached the heights of success and in turn has shared the rewards with her employees.
Speaking of “empowerment”, Barbara, John, and I recently had the opportunity to make a presentation to the Bauer Women Society which is part of the C.T. Bauer Business School of the University of Houston. How exciting it was to see so many young women possessing an entrepreneur spirit!
When I was growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, I was told that if you get a college degree and then get a good job with a good company, you can be assured that the company will take care of you. Well, in today’s corporate world, that is no longer true. Barbara, John, and I were united in our message to the ladies of the Bauer Women Society to always have a “Plan B” ready and do not ever, ever give up on their dreams.
In the photo on this page with me from the Greater Houston Chapter of NAWBO 19th Annual “Business Woman of the Year” Gala are some of the leaders from the Bauer Women Society (from left to right) Uroosa Samar/Corporate Relations Director, Nourhan Wael/Member, myself, Sana Tobaccowala/Vice President, Aliya Garcia/Member and Sonia Harb/President. The ladies were volunteering to help at the event and served as models of the furs that were being offered in the event’s silent auction.
As we close this issue, which coincides with our first fiscal year in business, we want to take a moment to thank our Publisher’s Advisory Board members, our contributing writers and columnists, our staff – Barbara Davis-Levine/Assoc. Publisher & Creative Director, Eric Kleiman/Photographer, and Vanessa Vara/Graphic Artist, our clients, and especially you (our readers, subscribers, and “fans”) for your support of this very special magazine. We are very proud of our accomplishments so far and look forward to more of the same in 2013.
Have a wonderful, safe, and joyous holiday season!
Good reading, good sales, and great success to you all!
Steve Levine
Executive Publisher
