Martina Lemond Dixon

You have over 12 years of experience in executive and leadership roles. What traits do you think have helped you succeed as a business leader?

Succeeding as a business leader requires a combination of skills, traits, and qualities that enable you to effectively guide any organization, make strategic decisions, and navigate the challenges of being a leader. The traits that have been integral to my success are being able to see the big picture, having strong communication skills for conveying the vision and expectations, being decisive when making tough decisions, leading with honesty and integrity, staying curious and seeking new knowledge, being a solution seeker, and having a strong financial acumen, which is crucial to making informed decisions.

You are entering your seventh year serving on the Humble ISD school board. You were also appointed by the Governor to serve on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. What initially drew you to politics? What skills have you gained from serving in the political sector that benefit you as a business leader?

In 2006, my family moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE for my husband’s work. Upon arrival, I made a list of my interests as an attempt to focus my energy in areas important to me. After reflecting on the list for a few days, I realized the culmination of items sounded a lot like politics. I ran and was elected as a school board trustee at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, which is affiliated with the U.S. State Department. After returning to the states, I wanted to continue with political service and was elected to the Humble ISD school board in 2017, then again in 2021 with almost 80 percent of the vote.

The greatest benefit serving in the political sector has had on me as a business leader is engagement. Traveling to Austin and Washington D.C. to speak to elected officials about legislative priorities is key for the entities I serve. Decisions made in the political arena often have a direct impact on business, so it is important to build relationships, stay engaged, and maintain a seat at the table.

One of TBHF’s core values is community. You serve on the board and as an advisor to several organizations in the greater Houston area including Barbara Bush Ladies for Literacy Guild, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Houston Region Business Coalition (HRBC), and Downtown Rotary Club of Houston to name just a few. In your experience, how does community leadership go hand in hand with business leadership?

I have embraced a purpose-driven approach in an effort to create a better world, one where businesses thrive alongside individuals who are empowered to make meaningful contributions. Community leadership and business leadership are closely interconnected and complement one another. Purpose-driven leaders recognize that their role extends beyond the bottom line. Incorporating purpose into one’s leadership style goes beyond the pursuit of profits, showcasing a commitment to philanthropy, work-life balance, and the human element.

I have spent most of my adult life as a public servant dedicating myself to creating positive change and working to improve the lives of individuals and the overall well-being of the community. In an effort to inspire others, my goal is to focus on advocacy, representation, and community engagement.

How do you define “excellence” in business?

Excellence in business is a dynamic and evolving concept that requires ongoing commitment and effort. It is not a destination but rather a journey that involves a relentless pursuit of improvement, guided by a strong sense of purpose and a dedication to delivering value and making a positive impact.

You joined the TBHF Board of Directors this year. What drew you to the organization and what has been the most rewarding aspect so far?

TBHF is the perfect combination of the very things that are most important to me, business, philanthropy, and paying it forward to the next generation of business leaders. Serving as an interviewer for the TBHF Award Interview for University of Houston business students was most rewarding. The students were all so talented and impressive, and it was very difficult to make a decision to choose just one.