🔒What is the nature of power? The Power 100 for 2025 provide their insights

For the Power 100 for 2025, WBJ asked all the professionals on the list: What is the nature of power? Here is a selection of the most interesting answers.

From the arts & culture industry

“Power is … understanding that stumbling along the way is simply the opportunity to rethink/retool/or innovate (in the Worcester way!)” - Bill Wallace, Museum of Worcester

“Knowledge of the truth is certainly a vital form of power.” - Brad Petrishen, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

“I have never believed that true power resides in a single individual. Instead, it emerges from the collective efforts of board members, volunteers, and staff.” - Jim Donahue, Old Sturbridge Village

“Power flows from the ability to share, learn, and impact people through storytelling and authentic experiences.” - Alan Seiffert, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts

“Power should only be used to effect positive change for others, to improve the lives of people and their communities.” - Nick Capasso, Fitchburg Art Museum

From the education industry

“Everyone has a story worth telling and when we empower people to share theirs, we foster a culture of growth, possibility, and collective strength.” - Marlina Duncan, UMass Chan Medical School

“From a Jesuit, Catholic perspective, we understand power not as control, but as a sacred responsibility. True power is the ability to serve others, promote justice, and uphold human dignity.” - Vincent Rougeau, College of the Holy Cross

“Power is … harnessing the intellect and contributions of our colleagues and students so that they can, in turn, improve the world.” - Dr. Michael Collins, UMass Chan Medical School

“From the perspective of a college president who values transparency, collaboration, humility, and shared success, the nature of power is not about control. It’s about influence, trust, and service.” - Barry Maloney, Worcester State University

From the entrepreneurial ecosystem

“I don’t love the term power. I prefer trust. I think we’ve been so successful at MBI because we’ve built trust.” - Jon Weaver, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives

“Power is taken. It is not given.” - Clifford Rucker, Rucker Investments

From the finance industry

“Those who uplift those around them have the greatest power.” - Todd Tallman, Cornerstone Bank

“Power is … about being brave when faced with obstacles and uncertainty, letting go of any ego, and being confident to surround yourself with highly talented critical thinkers.” - Shruti Miyashiro, Digital Federal Credit Union

“I've worked my entire career to ensure our region and especially the Blackstone Valley is just a bit better than at my start.” - Lee Gaudette, Gaudette Insurance Agency

“Helping people to be successful and to find their voice is a gift and is what gives you power.” - Dana Neshe, Middlesex Savings Bank

“When we do good in our community, all do well.” - Michael Welch, UniBank

From the government sector

“I cannot be an effective leader if I do not align with or live by the principles that drive the decisions I make.” - Eric Batista, City of Worcester

“The nature is of power exists within community.” - Robyn Kennedy, Massachusetts senate

From the healthcare industry

“True power doesn’t begin or end with one person. It flows through an organization, growing stronger as it’s passed along.” - Dr. Eric Dickson, UMass Memorial Health

“Leadership is about showing up with steadiness when others feel uncertain, being transparent even when the answers are hard, and earning trust by aligning words with actions.” - Rozanna Penney, Heywood Healthcare

“The nature of power is about achieving maximum impact with minimal friction.” - Dr. Cherise Hamblin, UMass Memorial Health

“Power is the ability to plant ideas that inspire others to grow them into more than you dreamed.” - Chelsey Patriss, Health Equity Partnership of North Central Mass.

“Power is not finite. It is not a zero sum game. Empowering each other in the work we do provides an infinite amount of power day in and day out.” - Stephen Kerrigan, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center

“When we break down silos, have real conversations, and find common ground, we can make a meaningful difference no matter the circumstance.” - Manny Lopes, Fallon Health

“Those who can shape direction, make decisions, and create meaningful impact hold power. True power lies in using that responsibility thoughtfully and for the greater good.” - Kurt Isaacson, Spectrum Health Systems

“Power is the ability to recognize a need, figure out the best way to meet it, and have the ability to see it through to a successful end.” - Michael London, Uwill

From the hospitality & tourism industry

“One of the most underrated forms of power is character: the strength to do what’s right even when no one is watching.” - Kimberly Golinski, Worcester Railers Hockey Club

“Power shows up in the simple moments: in the way we connect with fans, in how we demonstrate compassion in our community, how we show up for our teammates.” - Brooke Cooper, Worcester Red Sox

“Pausing for a minute and thinking things through, learning as much as you can without overthinking, is power.” - Caitlyn Carolan, Worcester Restaurant Group

“Power is learning, trying new experiences, and working together to support one another on this life journey.” - Noreen Johnson Smith, EcoTarium

From the life sciences industry

“No leader is perfect, but … leaders who focus on knowing what the organization needs from them and who genuinely want to serve those needs ultimately can drive more successful companies.” - Mike Cloonan, Sionna Therapeutics

“Most innovation comes from empowered, collaborative, and talented scientists working within an expanding network mentored by science leaders at all levels.” - Jochen Salfeld, AbbVie

From the manufacturing industry

“Power is the ability to get people to listen to you, even when you're mostly just talking about beer.” - Sam Hendler, Hendler Family Brewing

“For me, the true essence of power is in its ability to inspire and uplift women in the workforce, especially young women on the brink of their careers.” - Aimee Peacock, Flexcon Global

“Personal power is something that is earned by actions.” - Ken Winterhalter, Seaman Paper

“Power gives you both an advocacy role and the ability to implement true change.” - Abby Marschke, Saint-Gobain

From the nonprofits industry

“Threats and intimidation might work in the short term, but aren't successful in the long term … Nobody has to follow a leader; a leader has to earn that through their actions.” - Kathleen Jordan, Seven Hills Foundation

“The most impactful individuals understand the balance between leading, following, and supporting others.” - Liz Hamilton, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester

“If I do indeed have some power, it is wholly committed to ensuring that someday people who work in human services are finally recognized in society as remarkable and highly skilled professionals entitled to respect, fair wages, and gratitude.” - Mike Hyland, Venture Community Services

“My responsibility is to use power not for control, but for liberation.” - Debbie Hall, YWCA Central Massachusetts

“The nature of power is relationships. As a nonprofit, the ability to build relationships helps our organization and service to our community.” - Heather Elster, Whitin Community Center

From the professional services industry

“Power is the ability to impose one's will on others. It is undeserving of credit and reward and impedes progress.” - Michael Angelini, Prince Lobel

“The good use of power makes environments safe for everyone to succeed. We need more of that good power today.” - Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, Promoting Good

“When power is used to open doors, to give voice to those who haven’t been heard, and to invest in people’s potential, that’s when it becomes truly transformational.” - Jeannie Hebert, Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce

“Working together, we can achieve far more than we can achieve alone.” - Roy Nascimento, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

From the real estate industry

“Power isn't about having control. It's about having the ability to create opportunities, shape communities, and help others succeed.” - William Kelleher IV, Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates

“Those who find themselves with power have a responsibility to use it to lift people up and fight against those who abuse it.” - Joshua Lee Smith, Bowditch & Dewey

“To peacefully convince individuals and groups of people to embrace the public policies that help our republic and lift people out of despair and poverty.” - Christopher Egan, Carruth Capital

From the retail industry

“Power is a quantitative measure. Quality, however modest or obscure, is what really matters.” - Bob Patton, Green Meadows

“Power is pioneering with purpose. It’s having the courage to go first … to clear the path for those who come next or wish to join.” - Neelu Mohaghegh, Cafe Neelu

“True power lies in the ability to inspire, connect, create, and act with integrity, adding lasting value for both my business and our community.” - Amy Chase, Crompton Collective

From the technology industry

“Three essential traits have been instrumental in my success and are vital for any entrepreneur: drive, curiosity, and empathy.” - Girish Navani, eClinicalWorks

“Leading a company is an opportunity to bring out the best in people. I believe in high trust, high autonomy for my teams.” - Erin O'Dea, Great River Hydro

Brad Kane is the editor of the Worcester Business Journal.