Leadership, Leverage & Legacy: Lessons from the Power Up Women’s Leadership Conference 2025
- Lydia Cutrer
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
This year’s Power Up Women’s Leadership Conference in New Orleans was more than just an event — it was an energizing experience filled with real talk, visionary insights, and bold reminders of what it means to lead with impact. As a business owner, broker, and community advocate, I walked away with gems that every entrepreneur, investor, and strategist should carry into the rest of 2025.
Here are just a few of the standout insights that continue to echo in my mind:
🚀 AI Isn’t Just a Trend — It’s a Toolkit
In the session by Anntoine Marketing, we were reminded: AI doesn’t replace us. It strengthens us.
Use it for forecasting, creative workflows, automation & documentation (tools like Canva, Gemini, Fyxer.ai, ClickUp, and Scribe AI are game changers).
But never forget—AI lacks emotional intelligence. Oversight matters.
Don't upload personal or client data, and be careful not to over-automate relationships.
💼 Building Businesses for Impact AND Exit
The Gulf South Angels panel drove home the importance of long-term thinking:
Know your exit strategy from day one.
Build a strong management team, understand your margins, and scale strategically.
The reminder: “Every obstacle is an opportunity.”
And maybe most powerful: “Don’t let your company define you. You are more than your role.”
👠 Brand Presence is More Than Your Wardrobe
I.A.S. Image Consulting’s session on image was a masterclass in self-respect:
“Your image speaks before you do.”
Be comfortable, confident, and expressive in how you show up.
“I don’t look the part. I am the part.”
🧠 Scenario Planning is the New Survival Skill
In the Women’s Professional Council workshop:
Embrace PESTLE Analysis for strategic planning.
Ask, “What’s in my control?” and build scenarios from extremes.
Forecast unknowns like you’re packing for an all-weather trip. Insightful and practical.
❤️ Legacy, Leadership & Authenticity
The keynote talks from Tara Hernandez, Angelica Rivera, and Iam Tucker stirred the soul:
“Understand your currency — it’s not just financial.”
“Build meaningful relationships. Be your authentic self.”
“Happiness is not a destination. It’s a manner of traveling.”
The theme across every room, every woman, every session? Lead. Share. Show up. I’m leaving Power Up reminded of the power of connection, clarity, and showing up for our communities and clients with excellence and heart.
Special thanks to Fidelity Bank and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce for making this event possible.
✨ Let’s build, not just businesses — but legacies.
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