At 28, Sophia Kanavos has already made a name for herself organizing the Women’s Power Series, a conference spotlighting accomplished women, since 2023. What began as a passion project has turned into a profound learning experience, with one career lesson standing out above the rest after hosting 61 successful women across various fields.
Building a Platform for Inspiration
Kanavos launched the series to amplify women’s voices in industries ranging from tech to the arts. Over the past two years, she’s welcomed an impressive lineup of speakers—CEOs, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers—who’ve shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. The events, held in cities like New York and Chicago, have drawn hundreds of attendees eager to glean wisdom from these leaders.
“It’s about creating a space where women can learn from each other,” Kanavos says. “But I didn’t expect how much I’d learn myself.”
The No. 1 Lesson: Relationships Trump Everything
After moderating dozens of discussions, Kanavos distilled a recurring theme: the most successful women credited their achievements not just to talent or hard work, but to the relationships they nurtured along the way. “Every single one of them talked about the people who opened doors, offered guidance, or simply believed in them,” she reflects.
One speaker, a tech founder, recounted how a mentor’s introduction led to her first major investor. Another, a nonprofit leader, emphasized how her team’s trust propelled her vision forward. “It wasn’t about networking for the sake of it,” Kanavos explains. “It was about genuine connections—people who saw their potential and lifted them up.”
Putting It Into Practice
This realization reshaped Kanavos’s own approach to work. Previously focused on grinding through tasks solo, she now prioritizes building a support network. “I used to think success was about proving myself independently,” she admits. “But I’ve learned it’s okay—essential, even—to lean on others.”
She’s since reached out to mentors, collaborated more with peers, and invested time in helping others, mirroring the generosity she observed in her speakers. The shift paid off: a connection from the series recently linked her to a sponsor, boosting the conference’s reach.
A Lesson for All
Kanavos believes this insight applies beyond her events. “In any career, you can’t do it alone,” she says. “The people around you—colleagues, friends, even strangers who become allies—are what propel you forward.” As she plans the next Women’s Power Series, she’s carrying this lesson forward, encouraging attendees to not just chase skills, but cultivate relationships that last.
