Mrs Luxbacher, the first guest speaker for the Highlands School Leadership Forum.

May 14, 2008. Irving, Texas. The Highlands School has launched a Catholic Leadership Forum to continue fostering the leadership skills that are such an important part of the school’s integral formation program. The forums are tailored to the specific needs of boys and girls.

The first forum was held for the high school girls on May 1st, featuring guest speaker Mrs. Roberta Luxbacher, the General Manager of Corporate Planning at ExxonMobil.

Mrs. Luxbacher spoke on the subject of executive leadership and the Catholic faith. In her talk, she mentioned some specific qualities that have helped her in her career and life such as her faith, stress management, and various tips for getting the most out of life and work.

“Be genuinely interested in what you do,” she said. “Care about people and the business you work for. Look, listen and ask questions. Find out what you don’t know.”

Regarding her faith, Mrs. Luxbacher commented that, “[You] have to be at peace with God. My faith makes me a better person and really, I don’t know how I would make it without faith when things get tough.”

Lastly, Mrs. Luxbacher reminded the girls that as women we can’t do it all. There comes a time when you have to choose what is most important to you.

“I thought I could do it all, be a great Mom and wife, be great at my job, volunteer, play the piano, etc. But you can’t do it all. You have to choose and prioritize,” she said.
 
Executive Director John Borley said, “The Leadership Forum allows our students to learn about the application of leadership principles and traits through a variety of approaches, methods, and personalities from leaders of all walks of life. We are extremely fortunate to start off this series with a quality leader like Ms. Luxbacher”.

The Highlands School plans to continue the Leadership Forum with more speakers from the fields of industry, education, government, the military, and the clergy.

The Highlands School implements the integral formation program developed by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi. The Highlands educational program begins in Pre-K, and boys and girls are taught in separate gender schools from Grades 4 through 12.