The fearless Boyers was recently elected to serve another two years as the Chair of ACA Connects, and she continues to be a leader in Missouri and beyond. Her influence in the nation’s capital continues to grow, and she was named this year to the FCC’s Communications Equity and Diversity Council. Her commitment to her community is unmatched, and Boycom helps feed hundreds each year through its participation in The Poplar Bluff United Gospel Rescue Mission’s Community Wide Thanksgiving Feast.
“Forty years ago, I was comptroller at a trucking company and had implemented drastic changes that were saving real dollars. It was time for my annual review so I marched into the office of the HR manager and asked for a significant raise. I had all the spreadsheets to prove just exactly how many dollars I had saved the company. What came out of that Godly woman’s mouth still stings. “Patty, while we certainly appreciate all of your efforts, your department doesn’t generate revenue, the sales department does. We concentrate our bonuses and salary increases with the men in marketing and sales and of course, the drivers. They have families to feed. You have a husband to make a living for you.”
How has work changed for women in corporate America over the last 10 years? COVID changed corporate America for everyone over the past 5 years! As for women, I believe that COVID may have had an even greater impact…childcare is and has always been a profound, front burner, top of mind issue for women. The ability of the mandatory “work from home” and the subsequent flexibility offered by many, many employers to have a hybrid schedule of home/office has given women of smaller children a little breathing room in regards to childcare. However, it is still in the top three concerns for all professional women in the workplace.
What has been your favorite trend from the past year? NORMALCY
Who is a woman today that you feel is changing the world? Each and every woman, who’s feet hit the floor each and every morning to keep pushing the envelope, to keep advancing the cause, to KEEP on KEEPING ON-Now, THAT’S the WOMEN who are changing the world!!!
What’s the toughest part about being a leader in the industry? Hell, honey, it is ALL TOUGH! However, for every responsibility comes a privilege. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to mentor younger women coming up behind me; to give them the encouragement and support it takes to keep on keeping on!
What benefits should companies consider offering to support women advancement and to make the workplace more equitable? EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK-PERIOD.
How has embracing your authentic self shaped your leadership style? Authenticity is a character trait and it has served me well all of my life. DON’T DARE TO BE DIFFERENT! Dare to be YOURSELF and if that doesn’t make you DIFFERENT, I don’t know what does!!!