Meet Kathy Doyle Thomas, Texas Delta
Pi Beta Phi recognizes Kathy Doyle Thomas with the 2023 Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award for her efforts in literacy advocacy.
As President of Half Price Books, Kathy has been the driving force for innovative initiatives, including a nationally acclaimed green program and strategic partnerships with Amazon and eBay. Beyond her corporate role, Kathy's dedication to literacy is exemplary, evidenced by her founding of Literacy USA and her involvement in numerous educational programs. Her multifaceted contributions, spanning from the boardrooms of major corporations to grassroots literacy efforts, underscore her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
How has your involvement with Pi Beta Phi influenced or shaped your approach to leadership?
I served as an officer in the Texas Delta Chapter while attending Texas Christian University. This provided invaluable leadership and professional development skills that have served me throughout my life. Those early years with Pi Beta Phi helped set a foundation for my Lifelong Commitment to service. As a working professional, I have continued serving on various Pi Phi committees which has allowed me to serve alongside strong, thoughtful women who have become great role models for me throughout my career.
Who (or what) motivates and inspires you to continue your efforts in your career?
I love working with the next generation of motivated and committed career women I meet at conferences across the country, at Half Price Books, and in my volunteer roles. They encourage me to discover my passions and be a servant leader. I am inspired most of all by my daughter, Kristen, who is also a Texas Delta. She has high goals and has worked diligently to achieve them, and she is also President of the Young Alumni Association at Texas Christian University.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do not be afraid to make mistakes! You have to stay positive and challenge yourself with new experiences. I have made mistakes in my life and had to overcome the embarrassment of things going wrong or the rejection of my ideas––it can be difficult in that moment but there is always tomorrow.
How do you measure personal success?
A successful person is happy with their contributions to their family, work, community and, most importantly, themselves! We often set our personal goals so high that we are frustrated when we can’t reach them as quickly as we had hoped. Be patient and you will find your version of success at just the right time.
Published August 1, 2024