Brenda James
Breakthrough Coach of Brenda James & Company, LLC
Testimonial:
Joining the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce has been one of the best decisions of my professional life.
The sense of camaraderie and desire to uplift one another is one of the cornerstones of this chamber. The GHWCC has not only encouraged me to aim higher but has also provided valuable resources and mentorship to help me reach my goals.
Not only have I grown my network, built relationships and developed friendships. but I’ve also met women whose stories and triumphs continue to inspire me on my own journey.
“Together, we are stronger” and the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce is the embodiment of that belief.
What do you see as the most significant challenges that women and girls face in the business world today, and how does the Chamber address those challenges?
Despite the progress we’ve made, there is still a long way to go, especially for women facing numerous challenges in the workplace today. These challenges include gender pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership positions, discrimination, harassment, limited access to flexible work arrangements, unconscious bias, lack of support and mentoring, and inadequate representation in STEM fields. The GHWCC is actively addressing many of these issues through various initiatives.
Some of the ways GHWCC tackles these challenges include the “Women on Board” and “Thought Leaders” programs, educational workshops, committees, mentoring and allyship initiatives, and the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiative.
We have a responsibility not only to the current generation but also the next generation of girls who will be entering the workplace. There wasn’t a GHWCC in my mother’s time, but thankfully there is one now. It offers each of us an opportunity to serve, influence and impact change for the future.
What I’ve learned:
Starting my own company has been one heck of a journey, and it’s taught me some real-life lessons about grit, pushing through, growing, and learning. The tough times and challenges force me to dig deep and keep going, believing in my dream even when everything seems against me. But those challenges have made me stronger. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about having a brilliant idea; it’s about pushing through the doubts and setbacks with everything you’ve got. Each stumble is a chance to learn, apply grow, and improve. Embracing the idea that failure isn’t the end but a steppingstone to something better has been a game-changer. I’ve become more adaptable and open to learning new things, and that’s made all the difference. This journey is teaching me to be brave, face the unknown, and keep on growing. And I’m loving every bit of it!