Staff writer: Brye Butler

Linda Spalla learned the hard way how to empower herself.

She married young, and at the age of 28, with a small child “I found myself divorced, jobless and homeless,” Spalla said. “…My story is important for what we’re talking about today —empowering women.”

Spalla, author and successful career woman, was the keynote speaker at the YWCA “Empowering Women with Tools to Dream” Luncheon Friday.

Spalla’s message to more than 400 women, and even a few men: women need to empower each other and themselves.

“The event was a fund-raiser for YWCA programs, like the Breast Cancer Awareness program. Which offers free mamograms to those who cannot afford them, and the Y-Teens program that teaches young girls both social and life skills, said Linda Eaves, executive director.
Spalla, who is now retired and spends her time writing and publicly speaking, shared with the audience her “rags to riches story” of her career rise.

Her book, “Leading Ladies: 30 Tips for Dynamic Female Leaders,” served as the center of her speech.
I'm just like you, and I think my story is extremely inspirational,” Spalla said. “If I can do it, you can do it.”
She started as a secretary at a TV station in Huntsville, Ala., and worked her way up to become the station’s president and CEO after 25 years.

Her first piece of advice to career women was “Quit trying to act like a man. …Take those traits (of femininity) and transfer them to the workplace.”

Spalla reminded the audience that good leaders also are good people. Being fair, honest and willing to admit mistakes shows strong character, she said.

Always stand by convictions, even when leadership is tough, Spalla said.
“Prepare to be hated,” she said.”…(But), stay the course. If it was the right decision when you made it, just because there’s negative backspin doesn’t mean you should abandon it and do something else.”

Spalla reminded leaders and would be leaders to “slay your dragons” and always deal with conflict immediately and don’t ignore gut feelings.

Her final words to women wanting to leave a legacy and lead successful were ones of reassurance.
“Behind every successful woman is herself.”

Published in the Abilene Reporter-News, Abilene, TX; Saturday, October 2, 2004