Yesterday was nothing short of inspiring as I joined my Dallas Regional Chamber DE&I Leaders Council to reflect on our achievements, challenges, and the invaluable lessons from the past year! 
Listening to the phenomenal Cynt Marshall is always a highlight. Her wisdom and purpose-driven leadership serve as powerful reminders of how we can use our platforms to elevate, encourage, and empower others to WIN in this game called life.
Every speech is better than the last.
How she does it, I have no clue.
What a pleasure hearing her speak at our corporate office. I’m so lucky to work here and to finally get Cynt Marshall’s book signed 
I felt incredibly fortunate to attend the 19th Annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon and VolunteerNow (USA) 55th Anniversary Celebration, where Cynt Marshall was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her message on serving others and making their lives better was a true reflection of the humanitarian she is. In every space she leads, she intentionally incorporates service, bringing others along, from her work family to her own children. One point that deeply resonated with me was her perspective on leaving both footprints and fingerprints: footprints to lead the way and create new opportunities, and fingerprints to use influence and resources to make a lasting impact.
She also challenged us to shift our mindset by asking, “Where do you serve?” instead of “What do you do?” or “Where do you work?” A simple yet powerful reminder of purpose.
Her message was inspirational, but the most surreal moment for me was seeing Cynthia Marshall, the first African American female CEO of an NBA team, hugging Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. Witnessing two trailblazing women who have made history share such a genuine moment truly took my breath away.
Standing there, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, joy, and admiration. I have had the privilege of embracing both of these phenomenal women (on seperate occasions) and captured those moments. They are memories I will carry with me always.
What a powerful reminder of what a life of purpose, service, and impact truly looks like.
Cynt Marshall is the Real Deal! Just today I was sharing with a group of new friends at Sundance Festival that if there is only one book you read (or listen to) in 2026, it should be You’ve Been Chosen. It just may change your life!
In my life, I’ve met many inspiring leaders who’ve shaped the way I lead. But this morning, I experienced quite possibly the most inspiring leader I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from.
Cynt Marshall lit up the room with such energy and authenticity that everyone walked away thinking, “I want to work for her.”
If you don’t know who Cynt is, take the time to learn her story. She was recruited by Mark Cuban to guide the Dallas Mavericks through one of the toughest chapters in their history. Having now met her, I understand exactly why he chose her.
Thank you, Cynt, for sharing your wisdom and light with us. I can only hope to have even a fraction of the impact you’ve had on those you lead. Looking forward to reading "You've Been Chosen."
Last night, I had the honor of facilitating a fireside chat with Cynt Marshall and I’m honestly still in awe.
To sit across from her, ask questions, and experience her wisdom in real time… it felt like a masterclass in leadership and purpose.
What made it even more special?
We share the same birthday… and somehow showed up in the same colors.
No coordination. Just alignment.
She is, without question, one of the most powerful examples of people-centered leadership in our generation. And last night reminded me what’s possible when purpose meets preparation.
Together WE Rise!
Yesterday was truly unforgettable!
I had the privilege of connecting with so many inspiring leaders at the ChiefX event in Dallas. I was honored to facilitate a conversation with Chief’s CEO, Alison Moore, and was deeply moved by her story and bold vision for this incredible community of women leaders. Her concept of a “kitchen cabinet” — a close circle of trusted advisors who support and challenge you throughout your career — really stuck with me.
Then came the incomparable Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, who once again delivered pure wisdom. I’ve had the joy of hearing her speak before, but this time it truly landed in a new way. She offered three powerful insights for women in leadership:
- Deliver the goods. Show up, lead well, and meet the expectations of your role — performance always matters.
- Have a relentless focus on people. This one especially resonated with me, as people are at the heart of my purpose.
- Understand the difference between rubber balls and crystal balls. Rubber balls are tasks you can delegate — they may or may not bounce back, but they create growth opportunities for others. Crystal balls are your most vital responsibilities and relationships — if dropped, they can shatter and can’t be repaired.
This analogy was such a powerful reminder of how to lead with clarity, intention, and care. Most importantly, a reminder of what matters most, PEOPLE!
I left the day feeling inspired, grounded, and excited for all that’s ahead — both at Chief and within the extraordinary community they’re building for all of us. #Iamachief
Cynt Marshall captivated parents and graduates as the 2025 Austin College Commencement Speaker this Saturday with her powerful and unforgettable address, "The Ball Is In Your Hands." Speaking with humor, heart, and a touch of sports wisdom, she emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for their future while staying grounded in gratitude and kindness.
Cynt's G.R.O.W.N. framework served as a powerful reminder to be: Grateful, Ready, Open, Willing and Nice.
Through sports and personal stories, Cynt encouraged graduates to keep good teammates close, rebound with grace, and play with integrity. Cynt, thank you for totally creating an impactful send-off for our Graduates – and a message we can all take to heart. And thank you to Austin College for selecting such a wise, accomplished and entertaining speaker, and for being a brilliant college for my son.
Had the opportunity to listen to Cynt Marshall speak at High Point University today, and it was honestly one of the more impactful talks I’ve been to.
Her message about leading with faith, joy, and grit really stood out. She emphasized that success isn’t just about results, but about how you treat people, stay consistent through challenges, and keep your values at the center of everything you do.
One thing that really stuck with me was her quote: “Learn from the people. Listen to the people. Love the people.” Simple, but powerful, and something I’ll carry with me in both leadership and everyday life.
I am in the airport preparing to return home after an action packed Gartner conference.
I have so many learnings, but want to share the following keynote reaction:
How might we lead well to reach a thriving state of being?
Cynt Marshall reminded me that leadership is not about perfection. It is about presence.
Her authenticity shined through every story. From growing up in Richmond’s public housing projects to transforming the culture of the Dallas Mavericks, she leads with heart, humor, and honesty.
Her courage shows up in the moments that matter most. She steps into chaos, names the hard things, and rebuilds trust one conversation at a time.
Her creativity lives in how she reimagines leadership by blending data based facts with empathy, technology with human touch, and structure with soul.
Cynt does not just talk about thriving through the unexpected. She lives it.
“Listen to the people. Learn from the people. Love the people.”
That is real leadership.
Cisco Radiate- Wow! Expectations exceeded!
It was truly an honor to sit in the room with and meet Cynt Marshall
One of the most powerful gems she shared was about protecting your values and learning to distinguish between “rubber balls” and “crystal balls.”
Some things can drop and bounce back. Others, if dropped, will shatter. Knowing the difference is taking ownership over your time and energy.
Living the difference is integrity.
Leadership isn’t a solo act. Even the strongest leaders need the right team behind them—people who challenge your thinking, support your growth, and share in the mission.
I was reminded of this yesterday at the Chief event in Dallas, an incredible gathering of women in leadership. One of the highlights was hearing Cynt Marshall speak; her energy, authenticity, and wisdom left a lasting impression.
She shared a powerful truth: "No one does anything great alone. We all need people who have our back, who will lift us up, and who will push us to be better." Cynt’s approach to leadership is rooted in what she calls the Three L’s:
Listen to your people Learn from them And most importantly, Love them
These aren’t soft skills—they’re success skills. Leadership is about building a culture where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead alongside you. I’m walking away inspired and grateful for the reminder that while we each have our role, we’re at our best when we lead together.
I just finished reading Cynt Marshall’s You’ve Been Chosen, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
This book brought me joy, perspective, and an unexpected level of encouragement right when I needed it. I first saw Cynt speak as a keynote at the Gartner conference, not realizing at the time what an extraordinary individual she is. After reading her story… I’m honestly in awe.
Cynt’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. She grew up facing incredible adversity, a father who described himself as a “hustler” and who was physically and emotionally abusive. Still, her mother was a warrior whose faith and determination served as a lifeline to her children. Cynt survived cancer, multiple pregnancy losses, and the heartbreak of losing a child. And yet she went on to build an extraordinary career at AT&T before becoming the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and transforming their culture. (Her story about not knowing who Mark Cuban was is priceless!)
Cynt is spunky, brilliant, funny, family-centered, and grounded deeply in faith. And the way she tells her story? I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I literally shouted out loud at times. The book reads, or listens, like a blockbuster movie (hoping they make one).
Cynt Marshall is now officially one of my heroes. Her courage, optimism, and grit were exactly what I needed to reconnect with my own motivation and sense of purpose.
My only regret? That I didn’t know her story before hearing her keynote… because I absolutely would have waited in line to meet her and get my book signed.
If you need inspiration, perspective, or simply a reminder of what resilience truly looks like, this is the book.
And yes… I’m even inspired to make the navy bean soup!
Today I had the honor of attending the VolunteerNow (USA) Hearts of Texas Luncheon, and I left genuinely moved.
Hearing Mrs. Cynt Marshall speak, the former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks (MFFL!), was something I needed as a high schooler. She said something that I haven’t stopped thinking about since: don’t just leave footprints, leave fingerprints. Footprints come from trailblazing and pushing into new territory. Fingerprints come from actually touching people’s lives. That distinction deepened something in how I see the work I already want to do.
She also spoke about finding your passion and channeling it into giving back, and that hit close to home. Using technology to make the world a better place is exactly what drives me, and hearing her put that framework into words made me feel like I’m already on the right path. Getting a brief moment to speak with her in person only made it all hit deeper.
This also connected so deeply to what I’ve seen in Voly, VolunteerNow (USA)’s platform built to make volunteering more accessible through technology. As someone who loves tech and has been building PathwayCounselor, seeing a platform where the whole point is human connection reminded me that the best technology doesn’t just solve problems. It touches people.
Today reminded me why I build what I build. I want to leave fingerprints.
I've been sitting with the good word that Cynt Marshall offered last night at Southern Methodist University's 60th Women’s Symposium since leaving the event. Her words have stayed with me and met me right where I am in what feels like a liminal season of life and vocation.
Cynt reminded us that the very fact that we were in that room meant something: we carry a deep desire—a call—to make an impact. She reminded us that we have gifts and skills that can help make meaningful change a reality. That we deserve to be at the table. That our voices matter. Everyone’s voice matters.
Her words gave language to something I’ve been reflecting on for a while. I often find myself bringing a perspective that institutions don’t always know quite what to do with. I tend to name things out loud that others may only be thinking. My Enneagram 6 counterphobic instincts help me notice potential roadblocks, exclusionary practices, and unintended consequences in institutional decision-making. I’m especially attentive to how decisions will be experienced across diverse communities and stakeholders.
More and more, I’m learning that institutions need people who can see around corners, ask hard questions, and help communities imagine faithful paths forward.
So I find myself continuing to sit with a question:
How do we faithfully offer our gifts in spaces that are still learning how to recognize and receive them?