10 Questions with Shontel Mays

Shontel Mays has served as president and CEO of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce since 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in chamber leadership, including various roles with the Pflugerville and Round Rock chambers and Convention & Visitors Bureau at the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber. Beyond her chamber work, Shontel has served with various nonprofit organizations, including as the senior development manager at the March of Dimes-Central Texas Division and as development manager overseeing charitable gift campaigns at the Ascension/Seton Healthcare Foundation.

Shontel has also enjoyed a career in radio and television media as news director at KTBB, radio personality at KORA, KTTX, KPLX, and KISS, morning news anchor at KETK, and evening news anchor at KTRE. It was at KTRE that she met her husband, Bryan Mays and they have two children and have called Central Texas their home for 20 years.

1. THE BEST LEADERS SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS

by empowering them to make decisions, allowing open communication, recognizing their achievements, and offering guidance along the way. I always strive for a positive work environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and encouraged to contribute their best efforts.

2. I DEFINE A GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS ONE THAT

prioritizes transparency, trust, and inclusivity. I want a team that collaborates and values diversity of thought. There’s always more than one way to accomplish something, and I encourage my team to continually look at all options. A great culture also promotes a sense of belonging and purpose, where everyone feels respected.

3. ONE THING I TRY TO DO EVERY DAY

is to never overlook the small moments of joy. Not every day is a good day, so continually being grateful for those small moments keeps me focused and balanced.

4. I FEEL MOST ALIVE

when I’m with my family riding roller coasters. I’m not much of a thrill seeker, but when it comes to roller coasters, I will always be first in line. Where else can you throw your hands in the air, scream with laughter, and not be judged?

5. TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS

I use the old-fashioned “to-do” list. There’s nothing better to keep me focused than a bullet-pointed list ranked in order of urgency. Crossing the items off as they’re accomplished is the best feeling, too.

6. I HANDLE NEGATIVITY BY

minimizing its impact on my mindset. Instead of dwelling on negative comments or situations, I acknowledge them briefly, pull out any potential lessons, and then consciously shift my focus towards more positive and productive thoughts and actions. I believe that giving too much attention to negativity only amplifies its influence, so I strive to maintain a balanced perspective by not allowing negativity to consume my thoughts or emotions.

7. ONE THING THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME BUT I ENJOY

is a tricky question. If it's difficult, it's hard to claim enjoyment, but if I had to pick a difficulty, I'd say patience is my struggle. I often find myself wanting things to progress faster than they do, so I con tinuously work on maintaining focus and preventing im patience from taking over and leading to frustration.

8. MY BEST ADVICE FOR HANDLING CHANGE IS

to embrace it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Change is inevitable throughout life, so I encourage people to be adaptable and resilient, maintain a positive mindset, and focus on the possibilities that change can bring.

9. IN TEN YEARS I HOPE TO

be right here doing what I love to do. Being part of this community, supporting businesses, and connecting with such incredible people all bring me immense joy.

10. I DEFINE SUCCESS AS

making a positive impact and leaving this place better than I found it. Success, to me, is measured by the difference I can make in improving the lives of others and the community around me.