A Year of Learning

I believe that God has divine timing and a perfect plan, always. When I was asked to serve as the 2023 chairman of the board of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, I was stunned. My first thoughts were, why would they choose me? I’m in way over my head. I’m going to fail. Why would the business community follow me?

Every thought the devil could throw at me, he hurled. But my mentor, former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, calmly spoke to me and shared some of the kindest words ever. She simply said, “Katie, you are ready for this. It’s the right season in your life, and you’re ready, and you’re going to be great.” By the way, if you know Hope, you never say no to Hope.

Shortly after that, I had my first meeting with Phil Green, chairman and CEO of Frost Bank. He filled the room with grace, patience, kindness and a calm leadership style. He is a strong Christian and is truly a servant leader. I’ve learned so much in the six months I have spent as his vice chair.

I knew as soon as I met Phil that God had placed us as leaders within the business community at this time for a reason. One of them, I believe, is to ensure faith is at the forefront of business conversations. Not only in speech, but also in action. For example, how we treat each other, the space we give people to be their best selves and bringing opportunity to those who traditionally may not have access. Both Phil and I are unashamed in sharing the narrative that, despite what some may say, business can be and is a force for good in our communities, and that grace and service are at the heart of it.

In my faith journey and within the business community, I thank God when I come across yet another leader who is bold in their faith and unafraid to share it. With such trying and difficult times as we are in, we cannot be overcome by the ways of the world but rather must live and lead as taught to us by the Kingdom of God.

These first six months working alongside Phil have prepared me to step into a new and somewhat uncomfortable role. I believe that God placed this opportunity in my path not only to lead as best I can, but also to be challenged, to be pushed to new places in my life and to find the opportunity to meet others along their faith journey. All I know to do is keep my ears and eyes open to what God has planned for me and the messages I am meant to hear and deliver. Knowing that God is the one in control makes the challenge one I’m ready to tackle.