Name:
Barbra Gazo

Years as Chamber Ambassador:
Eight months

Company:
Statesman Media & Cox Media Group

Resounding Words:
“I was brand new to Austin and joining the ambassador program instantly gave me a community of business professionals that were there to help, guide, and mentor me.”

What’s the best thing about being an ambassador?
Getting tapped in; the best thing about being an ambassador to me is that I am able to get tapped in with the Austin business community in very meaningful ways.

Why should others become an ambassador?
I was brand new to Austin and joining the ambassador program instantly gave me a community of business professionals that were there to help, guide, and mentor me. To be part of the business community at key strategic points when a company is expanding or just entering the market, you meet influencers at a time when they are very excited about their growth. Being an ambassador has put me in front of those people in a way that nothing else would have.

What’s your most memorable experience as an ambassador?
My first experience as a point person would be thus far the most memorable. That’s when I really felt connected and I felt completely part of the excitement that was happening. As the point person I got to intimately be a part of every process, learn the history of the organization, and what makes them unique. I was a little nervous because I wanted to really honor the people who were having the ribbon cutting. I wanted to do them justice. So, that was a very memorable experience for me.

What’s the hardest lesson you learned?
Coming across the country from the New York DMA, I assumed that, I would just move across the country and have better weather.(chuckles) Seriously, I figured I would just plop myself in Texas, have better barbeque, never have to shovel snow, and go on as usual.

Nothing could have been any further from the truth. I underestimated how different it would be, what an oddball I would be, and the amount of energy and time it would take for me to get fully acclimated to a new city. I never moved across the country before. So, it was it was very humbling for me to be an outsider.

This why I cherish my time in the ambassador program; I cannot imagine acclimating to this city had I not been involved with this organization. I cannot even picture my time in Austin without being in the ambassador program or with the Austin Chamber.

What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for adding value. No matter the situation, whether it is personal or professional, I want to be remembered for bringing value to the situation. Even if it is something as simple as bringing a sense of enthusiasm or a smile to someone’s face, that’s when I feel the most excited. That’s how I want to be remembered.

What is the best way to start the day?
I have two big dogs, bones and chooch, we go on a long run every morning. That is just our thing and I wouldn’t change any part of it. I leave about two to three hours of downtime every morning so that I can have that start to my day. I find that if I can build that in, I have this buffer that my day has started with a walk with my dogs.

The Ambassador Committee meets monthly. If you are interested in joining, contact Lacy Roesler at lroesler@austinchamber.com or call 512-322-5613.