Cylenthia Hoyrd
Interim Director
City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity
Personal Journey
Can you share a bit about your personal journey and what led you to your current position?
As I matriculated through college I decided to become a lawyer. I was always told that you can make your plans but God makes his plans. Instead of Law School I ended up in a Master of Public Administration program because of a professor I worked for during student work study. From there I have found the most fulfillment in my career while working in public service than any other position I held. For the last 24 years I have managed and directed various government programs and departments for state, county, and local governments.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your path to leadership, and how did you overcome them?
Early on my challenge was managing individuals much older than me and gaining their respect and trust. I soon mastered that and was able to have a successful tenure supporting and growing that team. Other challenges have been overcoming the “invisible effect” which sometimes occurs with the intersection of race and gender. It occurs in different settings and most of the time I am able to use it to my advantage by turning it into a strength.
Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in your field?
As as intern in Chicago I was watching the news. A young boy had fallen from a 12th floor window to his death at the Chicago Housing Authority. The next day I went to my advisor and demanded to be provided an internship at the housing authority. She asks why would anyone want to work there? I replied that’s where my people need me the most, that’s where there are real problems, and I want to help solve them. I was placed there two months later.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal commitments?
My professional responsibilities are extremely important to me and I am committed to my work. My children and my emotional balance is more important. I try to plan out with my family opportunities to create moments and memories. I also make time for my female friend group who motivate me and cheer me on through good and bad times.
Advice for the Next Generation
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles?
Don’t rush the process. Take the time to learn from each assignment, learn from colleagues, and learn from a mentor. It’s also important to take on as many opportunities and variety of opportunities to make yourself more marketable.
Are there any specific skills or qualities you believe are essential for future leaders?
Vision, compassion, and dedication are qualities that are necessary. Skills are planning, data mining, conflict resolution, and continues learning.
Can you share a piece of advice you received early in your career that has stuck with you?
Work smart not hard; and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
How important is networking, and what strategies do you suggest for building a strong professional network?
Networking is very important. Today it seems the younger generation lack the gift of initiative and communication skills necessary to reach out first. You have to learn to approach and be approachable. You will need to ask for what you want and will be surprised at the number of positive responses you will receive.
Importance of Giving Back
Why do you believe it is important to give back through organizations like the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce?
Giving back is essential. Someone gave their time and invested advice and time to teach me or just to be a role model. This doesn’t just occur with youth we still need those same things in our professional lives.
Can you share any personal experiences or stories where giving back has had a significant impact?
I am one of the founders of Lipstick LeadHERS. We are a group of women in leadership roles and we provide a safe space for women to network grow and share. This allows me to share and inspire women in leadership. We know that the higher you go the smaller your circle and this affords us an expansive circle of trust.
How does being involved in the Chamber benefit both you personally and your organization?
The Chamber brings me into a space with like women. Women who are a part of the business community and interested in supporting others. My organization gains exposure and connections through the chamber events and meetings.
What initiatives or programs within the Chamber are you most passionate about and why?
I am still finding my space with the initiatives but I think the missions may be something that would peak my interest.
Additional Insights
What changes would you like to see in the business world to better support women leaders?
Women need more streams of capital to startup and expand.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?
I listen to a professional development book each week while driving. I bounce ideas off of trusted successful professionals.
Can you share any books, podcasts, or resources that have been particularly influential in your career?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Becoming, Unstoppable, Hello Tomorrow, When Women Lead, Love and Whiskey, Power of a Praying Woman, Power of a Praying Mother, Who Moved My Cheese, Hinds Feet on High Places
What do you believe is the biggest misconception about women in leadership, and how can we address it?
Men still believe women are emotional and cannot handle both work and family. Women can juggle more than anyone else because have so many roles. We just have to be informed and support one another. As a leader I extend grace and compassion to all my employees. If they need time off I give it.