Embracing Leadership: My First Experience at Leadership Texas, 2025

Welcome to "Things in a Home" Blog!

No better subject for our very first blog than our first experience with Leadership Women in Texas 2025!

Rebecca Castillo Interiors is an interior design firm led by Rebecca Castillo, founded in 2018 in McAllen, Texas.

In March 2025, Rebecca was invited by Leadership Women for the first time to participate in the 2025 Leadership Texas program, a year-long development program where participants will broaden their perspectives on Texas’ critical issues, gaining insight through visits to three major cities and engaging with experts, government officials, and thought leaders.

Leadership Texas Conference, March 2025

As an interior designer and business owner, I’ve always believed that growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone. This year, I took a bold step in my professional journey by attending my first Leadership Texas conference—a transformative experience that left me inspired, challenged, and eager to implement new ideas into my business, Rebecca Castillo Interiors.

From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by a dynamic group of women leaders from various industries, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. The energy in the room was electrifying, and I quickly realized that this conference was more than just a networking opportunity—it was a space for meaningful conversations about leadership, resilience, and innovation.

Throughout the conference, we had the opportunity to visit key institutions and hear from influential leaders. One of our first stops was the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, where our speaker provided insightful updates on Houston and Texas' regional economy. This session underscored the economic trends shaping our communities and the importance of staying informed as business leaders.

We then headed off to Space Center Houston, where we explored the evolving landscape of space privatization. Learning about the innovations and investments in the space industry broadened my perspective on how technological advancements continue to push boundaries, much like in the design field.

Our full day wrapped up at Chevron Headquarters, where we listened to a panel of inspiring women in energy. They shared invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. Their stories reinforced the importance of perseverance and adaptability—qualities that are just as critical in the world of interior design and business ownership.

Key takeaways from the conference

The importance of adaptability in leadership. As the design industry continues to evolve, staying ahead means embracing change, whether through new technology, sustainable practices, or shifting client expectations. Hearing from trailblazing leaders reinforced the idea that true success lies in our ability to remain flexible while staying true to our core values.

Beyond the professional insights, Leadership Texas provided me with a renewed sense of purpose. The connections I made with fellow attendees reminded me that leadership is not a solitary journey but a collaborative effort. It’s about lifting others as we climb and fostering environments where creativity and innovation thrive.

Leadership Women in Texas

Attending Leadership Texas has been an invaluable experience, and I’m excited to integrate these lessons into my business and beyond. To my fellow entrepreneurs and designers—never underestimate the power of investing in yourself and your leadership journey. The more we grow, the more we can contribute to the world around us.

I look forward to sharing more insights as I continue this leadership adventure. Our next stop will be in Abilene, Texas, where I look forward to gaining new perspectives and expanding on the lessons learned so far.

Have you attended a leadership conference that left a lasting impact? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!