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and each time the community has rallied. I can’t imagine surviving without the help of the community.” Lori said. “The time you take helping build up the community pays tenfold in the end.” When asked about the advice Lori would give to future leaders, she said, “Never make your leadership about yourself. Seek to understand before being understood. The things you do
by Caylie Howard | photo courtesy of Lori Fickling
t takes someone special to be titled a leader of the community. It takes time, dedication, and passion for being a leader. Women worldwide have been paving the way for future generations of women to become future leaders of the world. In our home of Denton County, we are honored and privileged to have a significant number of influential women leaders among us. Flower Mound resident Lori Fickling is among that elite group of women.
Lori’s long journey of service to her community started many years ago when she was a small-business owner. She sought out the assistance of her local Chamber of Commerce for the sole purpose of marketing. “I can’t imagine having a business and not seeking out the help of your local Chamber of Commerce. Even if it’s for selfish reasons, like promoting yourself.” Lori said. From there, Lori went on to serve on the board of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce. She was then promoted to vice chairman, went on to become interim president and eventually its president. “I love my community. Serving the community is in my blood.” Lori said.
“I learned not to count on myself alone. Teamwork is better work.” 28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | AUGUST 2021
But this job didn’t come without its challenges. As current president of the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce, Lori has faced the challenges of COVID-19, just like we all have. “COVID was just terrible,” Lori said. “Lots of businesses didn’t recover. People didn’t feel safe. It was gutwrenching and a slow climb back.” Over the many years of service to her community, Lori learned a lot about how to be the best leader that she could be. “I learned not to count on myself alone. Teamwork is better work. I learned not to take myself or things around me too seriously. I learned to value relationships and connections — to value the strength of the community.” Lori said. Lori said that when times got tough, she learned how beneficial the community could be. “I’ve experienced three tragedies in my years with the Chamber of Commerce,
Seek to understand before being understood. won’t always see the end result quickly, but the work you do is not wasted. Be aware of what you present and what you represent outwardly, and do things for the right reasons. Be proud of your work.” She added, “I love that I have invested in the community. I like that I’ve been in this place for decades. I’ve built great relationships that are priceless.” Lori said. Lori Fickling has proven over many decades of service to her community just how invested she truly is. She has given heart, kindness, and understanding in everything that she has done for Denton County. Because of her leadership, it is easy to say that she is most definitely a woman of influence. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
