Bill Anoatubby stood before promising high school business students Friday and told them life has many curves, forks and detours. His message: quality partnerships, leadership and passion are vitally important for success.
The Chickasaw Nation Governor, speaking before East Central University's Oklahoma Business Week participants, parents and supporters, constructed a narrative using the nation he leads as an example of how to succeed in business through passion and partnership.
"It's quite a humbling experience being the governor of the Chickasaw Nation. It is one that has moved from a job to a cause. My purpose and wish is to serve the Chickasaw people and to serve them well," he said. "But I didn't set out in life, or even after college, with that goal. I set out to be an accountant.
But there was a voice inside of me that said ‘there is more.' So it's important you listen to that voice inside you. When you get a call to serve, the path it takes you on just might change your life. It certainly did mine," the governor said.
"We have a number of partnerships we are very proud of. One of which is right here at East Central University. It's not just good business -- it is good business but it's not just good business," the governor said, adding, "partnerships provide opportunities for more success; more than you can usually achieve on your own."
A total of 85 students – up from 65 last year and with more than 30 possessing Chickasaw heritage -- took part in the week-long course offered for the second time by East Central University. Oklahoma and Texas high school students learned the basics of business shepherded by the dean of ECU's business school, staff and professors.
Gov. Anoatubby used the Chickasaw Nation to illustrate the message that dreams, along with a solid business plan, pay dividends.
"I've served the Chickasaw Nation for more than 30 years. It's been a wonderful experience. I've been governor since 1987. We had about 250 employees and we had a fairly decent budget," but funding was primarily provided by the federal government, the governor explained. "When you have funding like that, there are a lot of rules, a lot of regulations that really govern what you do.
"So our team went to work immediately assessing the needs of our people. We established a mission statement we live by to this very day: to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. For years, our programs and services were bound by federal rules. We determined to truly provide opportunities for Chickasaw people, we must first provide for ourselves. Our permanent focus is on education, health care, housing and economic development," he said.
"Access to health care was limited. Only a small number of scholarships and grants were available and we really needed to increase the amount of home ownership. So in 1987, with the 250 employees and an $11 million budget, we began slowly to build. We now have more than 12,000 employees and 10,000 of those employees work right here in Oklahoma. The tribe has an annual payroll of more than $315 million dollars," he told the crowd.
To accomplish such success, Anoatubby said, "It has taken a careful plan, creativity and a great leadership team. For thousands who work for the Chickasaw Nation, it's not just a job. Instead it's a passion -- a passion to go the extra mile to serve the Chickasaw people.
"For hundreds of years, the Chickasaws have been entrepreneurs. Trading and bargaining are part of our culture. Today, economic development provides the funding to operate our tribal government as well as services to the Chickasaw people.
"With diversification and with a strong team of employees, our tribe has seen tremendous economic growth. We now have 60 businesses and a variety of services and industries, such as hotels, radio stations, travel plazas, gaming facilities. The Chickasaw Nation has been very busy but we've (also) been very, very blessed.
"We still have more to do and we will work toward doing more. We all desire a prosperous future for the next generation. We have embraced the idea of teamwork and partnership as one of our guiding philosophies and keys to our progress," the governor explained.
"There is a saying that a rising tide raises all ships. This simple phrase illustrates the fundamental principles from which we operate. So partnerships are key. Working together in business and setting up charitable organizations and working with educational institutions like East Central University are the best ways to accomplish our end result. The Chickasaw Nation wants to be, and believes it is, a good neighbor," he added.
Turning to participating students, Gov. Anoatubby praised them and encouraged them.
"You put your dreams into action simply, and most importantly, by being here and expressing a desire to learn. So keep it up. With that kind of drive, anything is possible," the governor said. "All of you are leaders; leaders today and leaders with a future."
