3 Powerhouse Panel Lessons I’m Still Thinking About
Whether you joined us for the Powerhouse Panel or couldn’t make it this year, there were a few insights from the conversation that have stuck with me. Here are the ones I’m still thinking about and would love to hear how they landed for you.
Photo by Emily Star Poole
1.Purpose can change shape and still be meaningful.
Commercial photographer and owner of The Now Now Space, Clarin McDerrah spoke to the tension she felt moving from the nonprofit and social work space into entrepreneurship. With a background including the Peace Corps and parents deeply rooted in service driven work, Clarin shared how challenging it was to reconcile that history with her life as a business owner.
I loved how Clarin reframed purpose, describing her work now as creating magic for her clients and community by creating environments where people feel inspired, supported, and seen.
It was a quiet reminder that purpose does not disappear when our work changes. It evolves. And allowing ourselves to name that evolution can release a lot of guilt many business owners carry reminding themselves that their work can be meaningful even if it looks different than it once did.
Photo by Emily Star Poole
2.Systems are a form of self respect.
Founder of Honest in Ivory Bridal and Dearly Consignment Bridal, Cassie Cleary, left me thinking about how often structure is misunderstood. Cassie shared how intentionally designing her businesses to support her life has been central to their sustainability.
Focusing on building profitability into your systems from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought allows your business to function without constant overextension - both professionally and personally.
Sustainability is rarely accidental. It comes from thoughtful planning, clear priorities, and a willingness to design a business that works for the long term rather than just the next season. Be sure to check out Cassie’s favorite Mike Michalowicz and his book “Profit First.”
Photo by Emily Star Poole
3.Leadership includes preparing people for what comes next.
My final takeaway came from Danielle Nishiyama, owner of Craft Studio and visionary behind The Hair Symposium, and it centered on people.
Danielle spoke about building a team culture that recognizes growth as a natural progression. In her industry, many stylists move from employee to working for themselves, to possibly owning their own studios. Rather than resisting that reality, she sees it as part of her responsibility as a leader.
Her goal is not to keep people forever, but to support them fully while they are part of her team. Danielle wants them to leave with skills, confidence, and experience they can build on wherever they go next. The perspective that retention is something deeper than longevity makes it all about preparation, trust, and empowerment.
Together, these reflections point to a way of thinking about growth and leadership that prioritizes purpose, structure, and leadership that is measured not by control, but by what we help others carry forward. I’d love to hear what your biggest takeaways were from this year’s Powerhouse Panel. Send me your thoughts here.