Local Profile’s 23rd annual Women in Business Summit, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, is set for Sept. 13, 2024, at Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel.
This year, over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government will gather to celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn big ideas into reality.
Tickets are selling out quickly! Buy your ticket here.
One of Local Profile's esteemed speakers, Lisa Clawson, is a private wealth market manager and the senior vice president for the Bank of Texas. Clawson has extensive experience in the banking industry — such as mortgage lending, commercial lending, banking, credit analysis, cash management, asset management and securities. Clawson received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin.
Clawson is a Native Texan who grew up in North Texas. She currently resides in Corinth with her husband, Scott, and loves to read and travel to College Station to watch their daughter, Caroline, perform with the Aggie Wranglers.
What idea has impacted you the most in your field?
Mentorship. I owe my success to several trailblazing women executives who helped guide my career early on. Their wisdom and guidance helped me navigate a path to success and avoid some obstacles along the way. I would not be where I am today without their support. Being a mentor now is my passion and goal for professional fulfillment. It is my ”pay it forward” mission. I seek out future superstars and women with leadership potential in my firm to mentor. Becoming their staunchest advocate can help catapult their careers.
How do you deal with setbacks?
At the beginning of my career, I read a book by Nick Murray, The Excellent Investment Advisor. Murray said that for every ”no” you receive, you are one step closer to the next ”yes”. Don’t take rejection personally. Assess and dissect the challenge, glean lessons from the missteps and then move on. The next “yes” could be right around the corner.
What do you do when an idea strikes?
When an idea strikes, I start with the idea and envision the result. Why is this idea worthy of my time and should I consider the commitment? Is this idea even feasible? What are the biggest obstacles to prevent this from happening? Why has no one else thought of this idea before? I seek counsel from trusted advisors for their input. Then I start the journey by drafting a roadmap from inception to fruition.
How do you respond when feeling held back?
I step back from the situation and first turn the mirror inward. Self-analysis with unflinching candor is never easy. You must be willing to acknowledge your own missteps. Twice in my career I have worked for managers who held me back to make their jobs easier. I have learned to share what my plans and goals are, then enlist the support of mentors and executive leadership. The more who know what you want, the better.
What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in your career so far?
An opportunity to move to a new employer recently demanded more introspection than all other decisions in my career. I was at a crossroads where comfort and opportunity intersected. My current role at the time was comfortable after investing years of hard work in building my reputation. Should I walk away from a known but not perfect situation to start all over? Armed with a ledger of pros and cons, I ultimately took the leap of faith with the new opportunity. Change can be hard but can lead to tremendous growth.
What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry?
When I started my career in the 90s, I was the only woman hired in my office over a 4-year period. Financial services was a male-dominated industry back then. Women were relegated to the support staff positions. I have found that I prefer to work with women clients and centers of influence as we tend to be more detail-oriented, better collaborators, and relationship builders. Things have progressed though and are not as difficult for women starting their careers today.
Who is the first person you come to with an idea?
My first audience is a commercial banker that I have worked with at several firms throughout my career. This longtime confidant is with a different financial institution today, but we have maintained our reciprocal relationship based on honest feedback. We are also each other’s biggest cheerleader.
What is the biggest mistake you see women making when advancing their careers?
Men will reach for a job that they aren’t qualified for today. They will learn the skills while on the job. Women wait until they have mastered the skills necessary before even applying. Do not wait for mastery before daring to ascend. Plus are we ever truly fully prepared?
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is not personal accolades but the impact left upon those around me. Whether guiding clients and their families to their aspirations, or mentoring colleagues to their potential, there is no greater reward.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Honesty and integrity are key in the banking industry. A sterling reputation is the foundation of our industry. Do what you say you will do and deliver solutions on time. If you don’t know an answer, find it. This approach and hard work is why I have clients that have followed me for over 25 years.
What projects are you currently working on?
My focus is growing our team by hiring more superstars. Maintaining our culture while growing is key. Finding stellar talent with like-minded beliefs is my current project.
What is the best book you read this year?
I recently reread one of my all-time favorites The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett. My “go-to” genre is historical fiction. I love reading historical epics that ensnare your imagination while learning simultaneously.
Buy your ticket to Women in Business here.
