Teeing Up the Conversation with Executive Women's Day at the HP Byron Nelson Championship

Irving Mayor: Women can be assertive wo being aggressive. You either know ur stuff or u don't. U have a backbone or u don't. #pgatourwoman

— Lynda Oliver (@ltwoliver) May 13, 2014

I consistently lament the fact there aren't enough women's networking groups in DFW.  From tackling topics ranging from women hating other women in the workplace (that's a book I could write) to working motherhood, there are certain issues that career-focused women face.

The PGA Tour offers an outstanding initiative that gives like-minded working women a chance to connect with its Executive Women's Day.  This two-year old program includes a panel discussion, a behind the scenes tour of the inner workings of a golf tournament and an inspirational keynote address as well as an entire day of networking.

OVERHEARD: Either you stand up for what you believe or you don't. @astellas @PGATOURWoman @thatsportsgirl pic.twitter.com/MruzUpUxy0

— Momentous Institute (@momentous) May 13, 2014

With the HP Byron Nelson Championship teeing off Thursday morning, I moderated an impressive panel on Tuesday at the Four Seasons featuring Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Morgan Stanley Vice President Sallie Behnke, Corgan Interiors Principal Lindsay Wilson and Lockheed Martin Quality and Mission Success Director Robbin Murley.  They shared insight on mistakes they've made in their careers (learn from them and move on), offered advice for returning to the workplace after a hiatus (stay connected via networking) and more.

@PGATOURWoman #pgatourwoman Carla Harris - successful people use everything in their toolbox: intellectual background, experience, network.

— Debbie K Womack (@DKWomack) May 13, 2014

Morgan Stanley Managing Director and National Women's Business Council chairperson Carla Harris offered outstanding career and life lessons in her keynote address.

RT @hpbnc: What an amazing day here at the @hpbnc ... standing ovation for @carlaannharris #inspired #pgatourwoman pic.twitter.com/MxficivboM

— Mallory Beck (@beckisakeeper) May 13, 2014

The PGA Tour offers Executive Women's Days at various tournaments and will do so at The Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial next Tuesday.  I'm excited to moderate the executive panel there for the 2nd straight year.

This initiative will expand to 35 tournaments in 2015.  You can participate in the conversation throughout the golf season by following their account on Twitter and also follow #PGATourWoman.

What is this program's success a testament to?  The need for more opportunities like this for working women.