Will you still need me? Will you still feed me? When I’m sixty-four.

Yes, Myra, we still need you and we’ll feed you a very special cake for your milestone birthday, from the Beatles’ perspective. In fact, look who has joined John, George, Paul and Ringo on the album cover. You’re in great company!

When I bought out my first partner at the end of 1986, two years after we started the firm, I was exhausted and panic-stricken, so I sought advice from my mentor here in Indianapolis.  He asked, “Who is the preeminent professional in your business?”  I told him immediately, “Chet Burger.”  He advised, “Call him up and see if he’ll meet with you to talk about growing and managing a firm.”  I bought a ticket to New York City for March 17, thinking that I’d go to the parade if I couldn’t schedule the meeting with him.  Then I called his firm and asked to speak to him.  He took my call!  I said that I had planned a trip to New York and wondered if he would be willing to meet with me on the 17th.  He agreed.

The hour that he spent with me changed my life, personally and professionally.  He spent most of the meeting (55 minutes, to be exact) asking me about myself, my firm and my community.  At the end of the meeting, he spoke briefly about his firm’s services, personnel, etc.  He walked me back to the lobby, took my hand and said, “This is how you do business, Myra.  You ask the right questions and you listen to your client.  It’s about them, not you.  If you do talk about yourself and the firm, make it short.  Keep the conversation’s focus on the client, not you.”  Wise counsel from a most generous man.  I will forever be indebted to Chet for meeting with me that day, a day I will never forget.

Chester Burger passed away March 22, 2011, at the age of 90.

Today I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 “Making Herstory” Touchstone Awards, the annual Girls Inc. luncheon.

Congratulations are due to the four outstanding women who are this year’s Touchstone Honorees: Juana O. Watson, Ed.D., founder of Friends of Hidalgo and Badges Without Borders; Fay H. Williams J.D., attorney, private practice; the honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. Governor, State of Indiana – and our own Myra Borshoff Cook, founding principal of Borshoff.

Before the ceremony, Myra took a few minutes to chat with one of the terrific young girls who participate in Girls Inc. programming. Hear what Myra learned from Makala, who wants to be a clinical psychologist when she grows up.

We often cruise through life without giving much thought to how we ended up where we are now. And while it may seem completely random, if you actually stop and think about it, you realize that a course of events led you to this exact place. This may seem a little deep, but just stick with me.

Recently, I joined several colleagues to honor the accomplishments of Myra Borshoff Cook, who was recognized as an Indy PR Legend. Many shared personal and professional stories about the impact Myra has made over the past 30 years, celebrating the special characteristics that set her apart as a leader and as a person.

Witnessing this, I became keenly aware that Myra’s success has directly impacted my own career path. Thirty years ago, women did not hold leadership positions in companies, let alone start their own businesses. Myra’s fearlessness, persistence and willingness to take risks have paved the way for so many women like me who want to have it all – careers, families and a voice in their communities.

When I shared this observation about how far women have come in the business world, Erik Johnson wisely replied “But it’s still really difficult…” to which I  responded… “I agree. But at least now it is POSSIBLE.”

So congratulations, Myra. And thank you for breaking through boundaries and refusing to play by the rules. Your accomplishments have given me and many others the opportunity to pursue our dreams, share our talents and experience our own successes.