Texas Tenacity

Susan Combs double-dog dares you to be the person you want to be!

Susan Combs has pretty much been, been through, or done it all. As a rancher's daughter turned wife, mother, lawyer, ranch operator, state legislator, Agriculture Commissioner, and Comptroller of Texas, she has taken her life experiences and willed who she wanted to be. With hilarious honesty and a unique voice, Combs takes us along on the colorful twists and turns her life has followed from West Texas to New York to the world of Texas politics.

Feisty and intelligent, Texas Tenacity reassures us that ups and downs are normal in life. Combs can say this because she knows it's true. She's experienced domestic abuse, fought for children's rights, pounded tough pavements running for office, and won and lost battles in the bruising world of politics.

Crediting her tenacity to an optimistic nature and the wit and wisdom of her father, Combs says she simply never gave up, no matter the cause she was championing. She inspires us to deal with ups and downs in the same way. She encourages women and girls to hold on to their identities and to recognize and take opportunities wherever they find them so they can be the person they want to be.

Women (and men too)—regardless of their age—will find something to relate to and laugh out loud about in these rich stories of an uncommon life and lessons learned on the way.

''Susan Combs is the personal epitome of Texas tenacity. The tale of her fascinating life—way-tall girl; Vassar graduate; New York ad agency copywriter; lawyer; rancher; member of the Texas Legislature; holder of two Texas statewide elective offices; mother of three; intelligent pragmatist; wry humorist; and superb and balanced counselor for women—is an eminently readable and enjoyable olio of inspiration, fun, accomplishment, and role-modeling. I once advised her from the rostrum at a large public gathering she attended, that if she had started smoking as early and often as I did, she wouldn't have become so gawky-tall. She swatted me. I forgive her!'' --Herb Kelleher, Cofounder, Southwest Airlines

''Texas Tenacity is the ultimate call to women to take control of their lives and go after what they want unabashedly . . . It's a must-read for anyone in need of inspiration to go out and make their lives happen.''
--Teresa Taylor, Former CEO, Qwest, and Author, The Balance Myth: Rethinking Work-Life Success

''Susan does the right thing for the right reasons. She expects to win and is the smartest person in the room. Her book will change your life.''
--Red McCombs, Businessman, Cofounder, Clear Channel Communications, Former Professional Sports Team Owner, and Philanthropist.

''Susan Combs's Texas Tenacity is equal parts memoir, advice column, and political strategy road map . . . Balancing her passion to drive societal change through her legislative work with her family business raising cattle, Combs walks through the lifelong challenge of creating a fulfilling and productive life that allows room for family, work, advocacy, and volunteerism. Her experiences and advice leave you wanting to do more.''
--Elissa Ellis Sangster, Executive Director, Forté Foundation

''Texas Tenacity is a must-read for anyone whose inner voice ever says, 'I just know I can.' It's a trust in the universe you can't explain to anyone, whether it be society or your parents or a friend. Susan Combs has an unparalleled level of curiosity, and understands that you cannot teach someone to want to learn by doing—it is inherent. As a business owner, I always tell my senior team, 'Give me work ethic and character in new hires, and I will invest my time.' Reading Susan's book confirms that what you hold in your head and your heart should always prevail. Susan provides the inspiration, knowledge, guidance, and most importantly, the confidence to help spur on those who dare to dream big and to act upon that dream. This was a very special book from a very special person—sit back and enjoy the ride!''
--Annie Liao Jones, Principal & CEO, Rock Candy Media

''Susan, in this humorous, winding tale of life, love, politics, and even fashion, gives women everywhere a great path to follow. We all have challenges to overcome in life, but with a little humor and a lot of confidence and tenacity, we can all rise above them and find success. As women, we need to stick together and share our stories with each other in hopes that our story might just make the difference in someone else's.''
--Melinda Garvey, Publisher, Austin Woman magazine

''This book is interesting, fun, informative, and will empower women to know ' . . . if they come to a closed door, they have to learn how to unlock it, or they have to find a new door, or they have to work around that door.' The perspective that Susan Combs puts forth should be read by all women.''
--Toni Anne Dashiell, Republican National Committeewoman for Texas

''Texas Tenacity is a guide for growing the self-awareness needed to recognize your defining moments, and more importantly—to act upon them. Susan Combs is a valuable example of how women can embrace their uniqueness and channel it to find their true talents and calling. After reading Texas Tenacity, you will be one step closer to grasping the hand opportunity is holding out for you.''
--Stephanie Breedlove, Co-founder, Care.com, HomePay, and author of All In: How Women Entrepreneurs Can Think Bigger, Build Sustainable Businesses, and Change the World