In Denton, influence doesn’t always come with a title. It shows up in the women who are building businesses, leading organizations, and quietly shaping the rhythm of our community. For this special piece, we gathered wisdom from some of our most respected female leaders. From the mayor's office to higher education, their advice is hard-earned and refreshingly real. These influential women are offering insight not just on success, but on leading with purpose.
Kristie Brooks
Owner of NTX Aesthetics Medical Spa
The advice I'd give my younger self is to wear sunscreen every single day. It’s the one thing you’ll never regret.
I’ve learned along the way that honesty builds far more than a business, it builds trust that lasts. Being honest, genuine, and truly present with each patient makes all the difference in both their experience and their results. My priority has never been to do more, but to do what's right. Clients appreciate transparency, realistic expectations and a provider who puts their well being first.
Lisa Bowerman
Head TWU Gymnastics Coach
If I could give any advice to my younger self it would be that you don't always have to have all of the answers to be a great leader. Listening more than you speak and surrounding yourself with the right people will allow you to be the best leader you can be and to experience a great deal of growth as a leader. I do believe I realized this very early in my career and have been extremely blessed to have had some of the most incredible people and coaches to work alongside me. I owe a great deal of credit to each of them for helping me become the leader and coach I am today.
I have learned more than I could have ever imagined I would in this journey of being a leader and a coach, but I think the most important thing I have learned along the way is to be unapologetic in who you are as a leader and in the culture you are building. I've learned that trying to be someone else or run a program the way someone else would only creates internal conflict and inconsistencies in myself as a leader. I know that communicating clearly who I am as a leader and what my standards and expectations are up front is the best way to create a culture that I can be proud of and that every person who is a part of our program can be proud of.
Mayor Lynn Clark
City of Hickory Creek
I placed my trust in Jesus as a young child, and I thought that my life would be an easy road. But my life has taken many turns, some joyful, some unexpected, with plenty of ups and downs along the way. When difficult times have come, I have reminded myself that if I can trust God in the good times, then I can trust Him even more in hard times. I would remind myself that in all my life, God is faithful, He is always at work and always writing my story.
Over the course of my life, I have learned the importance of relationships with others. Life is really about building those relationships and recognizing that the way we treat people truly matters. I believe strong relationships are built on honesty, integrity, and commitment. The relationships in my life give it deep
meaning and have shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that a life well lived should be marked by serving others.
President Erin Carney
Denton Chamber of Commerce
I’d tell my younger self that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Early in my career, I felt like I needed to say yes to every opportunity because I didn’t want to miss something that could help me grow. That curiosity served me well, but over time I realized that saying no is just as important as saying yes. It’s good to be hungry for opportunities, but if you take every one, you can miss the ones that are really meant for you because you’re stretched too thin to recognize them. I’d remind myself to trust my instincts more, be intentional with my time and energy, and know that the right opportunities have a way of aligning when you stay focused on what truly matters.
I’ve learned that relationships are everything. The people you meet—mentors, colleagues, and friends—shape your path in ways you often don’t fully appreciate until later. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from seeking out people I respect and asking them to share their perspective or explain something I didn’t yet understand. Learning from others and modeling the qualities I admire in them helped me grow both personally and professionally. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and that growth happens when you’re willing to listen and learn from those around you.
I’ve learned along the way that honesty builds far more than a business, it builds trust that lasts.
Kristie Brooks