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Bio:
Mary has an extensive business background in both the public and private sectors. Prior to 1984, Mary served as President and General Manager of two media corporations in Texas. Between 1984-1993, she served as the Commissioner representing Business at the Texas Employment Commission. In that position, she was a high profile, proactive business advocate and founded The Texas Business Council.
In 1993, Commissioner Nabers moved to the Texas Railroad Commission. At that time the agency regulated approximately $65 billion of the state's economy annually. She was active on both the state and federal levels and represented Texas on numerous national boards. Mary developed a reputation for initiating innovative programs in government and was recognized throughout Texas as an advocate for the business sector, a friend to taxpayers, and an accessible public servant.
In 1994, Mary founded Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a Texas-based research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services. SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.
Community involvement:
Mary is a former Chair of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors for the St. David's Community Health Foundation, a member of the Leadership Committee of the Austin Area Research Organization, a board member of the Texas Leadership Council of the World Conference on Technology 2006, a Board Member of the Lower Colorado River Foundation and Co Chair, United Way Capital Area Campaign ?06-?07.
Person most admired:
I have had many wonderful mentors who would share their wisdom, provide advice when I needed it and offer encouragement on a regular basis. Neil Kocurek was one of my all time favorites. I learned much from him and held him in high regard.
Favorite book:
Some of my most recent favorites include: "From Good to Great" and "The World is Flat." I read most of the popular and highly touted business books but particularly enjoy reading Covey, Harvey McKay, Faith Popcorn, and Al Ries and Jack Trout.
What I enjoy most about my work:
I enjoy being able to help our clients become more competitive, the every-day challenges of growing a small company, the continual learning process, and working with a fun-loving group of intelligent individuals.
Greatest accomplishment:
Being able to manage and enjoy a career, a family, a host of friends, and a great husband.
Greatest challenge:
Time management has always been my greatest challenge. I tend to think I can do anything in a short period of time and it usually takes longer than I anticipated.
Advances I envision in my field over the next 10 years:
We specialize in research-based business development. The trends change every year or so. As large corporations become more competitive, I predict that those who sell products and services directly to certain sectors will have to have extensive subject matter and programmatic expertise imbedded in all sales efforts.
Strategies to maintain balance in my life:
I was fortunate to have two parents who stressed the balance issue all my life. I am also fortunate to have a husband who anchors me at times when I am take on more than I should. And, I try to remember that it is often best to slow down and not try to control everything.
Advice for emerging entrepreneurs:
Take enough time to think through what you really want to accomplish in life, what you enjoy doing most (as far as using your skill sets) and how you can find a way to differentiate yourself from all competitors. Look hard at what entrepreneurship is all about and make sure this is what you want. If you choose to be an entrepreneur, make a commitment to be a good one and understand that success will only be accomplished through a lot of sacrifice. If you are unwilling to make the commitment, take the risks and put in many long hours, don't go this route. Choose another career direction.
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