50 Powerful Women Share Their Power Picks
We asked some of the most successful and stylish professionals we know to tell us about the one item they can’t live without.
When there aren’t enough hours in the day, it’s hard to fathom how the super successful women we admire manage to make work look so effortless, while juggling life as a mere mortal. Talk to them, though (we did!), and you’ll learn that being at the top of their game—shaping culture, dreaming up big ideas, and creating a meaningful impact—requires more than hustle alone. It’s not just about having a sharp business plan or enviable leadership skills, either. True success often lies in the habits, gadgets, and stuff that make day-to-day life a little smoother.
And so, we asked 50 women—from founders and creatives to changemakers and CEOs—to share the one thing they rely on to give them an edge. Their answers offer a glimpse at the essentials that fuel their success. For some, it’s insightful tech that maximizes their time awake; for others, it’s a grounding daily ritual that helps them carve out some calm amid chaos.
What the items all have in common is that they reveal that true mogul status isn't just about what you achieve, but also about how and what you use to recharge, refresh, and redefine what's possible. They’re also a reminder that getting to the top isn’t about constantly adding more to your plate—it's about choosing what truly works for you and letting go of the rest.
Artemis Patrick, President & CEO, Sephora North America
Power Pick: Oura Ring
"Sleep is incredibly important to both our physical and mental health, and I don’t get a lot of sleep time, so I was a little nervous about seeing my results, but [according to my Oura Ring] it turns out that my deep and R.E.M. sleep is good. Once the Ring has some of your history, it gives great tips and tricks on how to maximize the efficiency of your sleep, as well as how to manage your daytime stress and activity levels."
Charlotte Cruze, Co-Founder and COO, Alice
Power Pick: Playfield The Bailey Kit
"My first recommendation is a dog because nothing helps you ground yourself or remember to go outside and take a break more than a pup. And once you do that, get this fanny pack that fits everything you need, allows you to go hands-free, and actually disconnect for however long your walk is."
Lindsay Goodstein, Founder and CEO, Alice
Power Pick: Superhuman Email App
"I wouldn’t be anywhere near as productive or efficient as I am today without my Superhuman email app. My business partner introduced it to me in the early Alice days, and life has never been the same. Once I made the switch, I never looked back. It’s my ride or die."
Sade Lythcott, CEO, National Black Theatre
Power Pick: Olympia Gayot’s Picks at J.Crew
"From the boardroom to weekend brunches, my cheatsheet for feeling confident and chic is to shop Olympia Gayot’s picks at J.Crew regularly. From power suits made of beautiful Italian wool to playful cashmere in every style and color, I look and feel like a million bucks without breaking the bank! Oh, and P.S., they also monogram almost anything for $10. What’s more mogul than that?"
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Kat Cole, CEO, AG1
Power Pick: Clearlight Infrared Sauna 3
"Alongside drinking AG1 each morning, I sauna at home almost every day as part of my daily health routine. While I sauna at various gyms and spas when I travel, having one at home helps to keep the routine consistent. This has become a daily family habit in our home."
Laura Modi, Founder, Bobbie
Power Pick: The Skylight Calendar
"We are a household of two founder-CEOs and four young kids. It’s total chaos, but good calendar management keeps our chaos controlled. The Skylight calendar sits on our kitchen counter, and we manage it remotely. It’s traffic control for our life."
Clare de Boer, James Beard-nominated Chef, Writer, and Restaurateur
Power Pick: 'An Everlasting Meal' by Tamar Adler
"Tamar Adler's An Everlasting Meal is an everlasting favorite book of mine. Tamar captures what cooking—and eating—is all about, with grace, humility, and recipes that are as wide open as they are precise. Get a copy and read it every time you're uninspired."
Banu Guler, Founder, Co-Star
Power Pick: American Spirits Yellow Box Cigarettes
"A box of cigarettes (American Spirits yellows) is an expensive reminder that free will exists. Not an everyday habit, just when it counts."
Karla Welch,CEO and Founder, The Period Company
Power Pick: 'Emergent Strategy' by Adrienne Maree
"This book is my closest version to my bible. It’s a guide to remind me of our greater connection to each other and to all the systems of the natural world. I consider this essential reading for everyone."
Keia Clarke, CEO, New York Liberty
Power Pick: reMarkable Digital Notebook
"As CEO of the New York Liberty, every given day is different. My reMarkable digital notebook helps me optimize my workflow and stay organized."
Missy Tannen, Founder, Boll and Branch
Power Pick: Monica Rich Kosann 18k Yellow Gold Round Locket Necklace
"I have a gold locket that I wear, which was a gift from my daughter Brooke a few holidays ago. Inside are two pictures, one of Brooke and me, and another with all three of my daughters. This locket is a constant reminder of the love we share and the importance of being a strong role model for my girls."
Nell Diamond, Founder, Hill House Home
Power Pick: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
“I’m obsessed with a great cat eye. I rotate between a few different pens and pencils; my favorite is Stila’s Stay All Day liquid liner in black. I’ve been using this product for years, and it never fails me—it even stayed put while giving birth to twins in 2020. A cat eye has been my signature look that has evolved with me throughout my career. It makes me feel confident as a leader—from board meetings to pre-school drop-off and beyond, it helps me feel my best!”
Aishwarya Iyer, CEO, Brightland
Power Pick: Digital Membership with Open
"I use Open nearly every day to re-ground, re-center, and give myself five to ten minutes to reset. The meditations, breathwork, and movement exercises give me so much fuel for the day."
Tina Craig, Founder and Entrepreneur, U Beauty Founder and Entrepreneur
Power Pick: U Beauty Resurfacing Flash Peel
"U Beauty’s Resurfacing Flash Peel is my ultimate timesaving, skin-saving hero. It gives me smooth, bright, glowing skin in just five minutes."
Anna Glass, Chief Executive Officer, Dance Theatre of Harlem
Power Pick: Betrayal of a Belief Baldwin Journal
"The Betrayal of a Belief Baldwin Journal is my respite—a space to connect with my voice while reflecting on James Baldwin's legacy and Harlem’s inspiring community."
Gucci Westman, Makeup Artist; Founder, Westman Atelier
Power Pick: Gucci Westman Skin Activator Serum
"It's a very difficult task to choose only one product because I genuinely feel the same about all our products. I have an unrelenting trust and appreciation for knowing that our products are transformative for my skin and perform consistently. There is no comparison in my mind, but if I had to pick just one, I would choose our beloved Skin Activator."
Gina Duncan, President, BAM President
Power Pick: Seven Sacred Oils by Sparkle Tafao
"These luxurious smelling oils set the tone for the day, boost my mental well-being, and channel positive energy; helping me focus on my personal and professional goals."
Tory Burch, Founder, Tory Burch
Power Pick: Pierced Pump
"Everything has a sharper edge with the pierced pump."
Joey Wölffer, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner, Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Power Pick: Theragun Prime Plus
"With all the tension in work and life, nothing is more therapeutic and healing than heat and massages. I tend to hold all my angst in my neck, and this is my dream gift.”
Ashley Longshore, Artist, Entrepreneur, Author
Power Pick: Broadway Theatre Tickets
"Theatre tickets! Broadway baby! The stage affirms human existence; stories about love and resilience. Whether laughing hysterically or having tears streaming down my cheeks, my response to the theatrical experience always leaves me refreshed and optimistic. I moved my company to New York City to have limitless access to the stage."
Yola Jimenez, Founder, Yola Mezcal
Power Pick: The Dorothy Parker Audio Collection and The Fran Lebowitz Reader on Audible
"I’ve been trying to bring humor into my life with wonderful results for the past year. It provides a break to my worries, improves my mood, gives me perspective, and has made me more productive. My business partner and I used to laugh constantly when we started the company a decade ago, but we stopped once the work intensified. So we decided to say something funny to each other once a day, and we are closer than ever. Listening to Dorothy Parker and Fran Lebowitz for just five minutes a day is a key part of this."
Vivian Tu, Founder and CEO, Your Rich BFF
Power Pick: L'Agence Kenzie Blazer
"I’ve been focusing on investing in really high-quality pieces that are versatile enough for both work and play. The L'Agence Kenzie Blazer has saved me on countless occasions, tying together professional outfits while still feeling stylish for drinks with girlfriends."
Shruti Ganguly, Filmmaker and Producer
Power Pick: Tiger Balm Extra Strength
"This may sound basic, but I swear by Tiger Balm. The smell is nostalgic for me—I’ve known and used it my whole life. I apply it to my temples or neck, especially when I’m in the midst of production or on flights. These little self-care routines or checking in with how my head or body feels are crucial for me to power through."
Suneera Madhani, Founder and CEO, Worth; Host, CEO School
Power Pick: Invisawear Smart Jewelry
"I love Invisawear to keep myself, my mom, my children, and my family safe!"
Aerin Lauder, Founder and Creative Director, AERIN; Style and Design Director, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv
Power Pick: Smythson Portobello Notebook in Panama
"I was taught at a young age to always write things down. To this day, I still go to meetings with an old-fashioned pen and paper to take notes, which helps me stay organized and prioritize my tasks for the day. I always carry my Smythson notebook, no matter where I go."
Jennifer Fisher, Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Jennifer Fisher
Power Pick: 'Ketotarian' by Dr. Will Cole
"I discovered Will Cole's Ketotarian in 2020, during lockdown, and it was a complete game-changer for me. The book transformed the way I think about food, helping me embrace a more anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Being home gave me the time and space to experiment even more in the kitchen, and I began sharing my journey and new recipes on @jenniferfisherkitchen. The tools I learned from Will Cole’s book improved my personal well-being and enhanced my productivity and overall quality of life."
Asima Ahmad, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Carrot Fertility
Power Pick: The Sculpt Society
"I started using The Sculpt Society app on a friend’s recommendation during the pandemic and loved the blend of cardio, Pilates, and barre! It’s helpful to have options for longer sessions (less than 45 minutes) or shorter ones (less than 10 minutes), including special postpartum workouts, which I used after having my fourth child. I continue to use it since it also has workouts I can do from my hotel room while traveling.”
Rina Yang, Cinematographer
Power Pick: Porter Yoshida Tanker 3-Way Document Bag
"This has been the best work bag I have ever owned. I love its separate compartments, pockets, and different handle and strap options."
Barbara Sturm, Founder, Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics
Power Pick: Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum
"My Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum is a real power product, delivering intensive hydration, visible anti-aging results, and skin longevity in one single step. I love it because it's the perfect serum for when time is of the essence—but achieving a renewed and restored complexion is non-negotiable and the best way to elevate your skincare routine. I can't be without it."
Eliza Bank, Founder, The Sill
Power Pick: Trailing Plant Collection
"My trailing plant collection helps me achieve my goals by reminding me that, like each plant, we’re all growing at our own pace. In my office, they clean the air, elevate my focus, and inspire me to stay resilient every day."
Alison Roman, Author and Chef
Power Pick: Bottega Veneta Hop Bag
"I’ve had my eye on the Bottega Hop bag for a while, and this is the year I buy it—a little gift to myself for hitting some very nice career (and personal) goals and milestones. I’m justifying the purchase since I haven’t bought much in the way of clothing, accessories, or anything 'superfluous' in a while, and, well, I want it and maybe even deserve it. I’m extremely fixated on the 'usability' of items, especially expensive things, which means I may go classic black versus the Rosewood Red, the color I really want."
Melody Lee, CMO, Mercedes-Benz USA
Power Pick: Nike Air Force 1s
"At five-foot, I used to feel a certain insecurity in a professional world where height is prized, so I was always in heels. As women have advanced, style norms have shifted, and my own experience has grown my confidence. My Nike Air Force 1s represent my own power and progress, whether they’re paired with a suit, dress, or jeans—or running for a flight."
Pritika Swarup, Model; Founder and CEO, Prakti Beauty
Power Pick: Papier Wonder Wellness Journal
"The Papier Wellness Journal is my daily anchor. It helps me reflect, set meaningful intentions, track my goals, and prioritize my mental and physical well-being, keeping me balanced and focused even during the most hectic days."
Wendy Ong, Global Co-President and CMO, Tap Music
Power Pick: HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat
"I truly thought this was hocus-pocus, but now I find myself using it when I meditate in the mornings and wind down in the evening. It’s helped me fall asleep faster, grounded me when I felt overwhelmed, and helped me focus when distracted. My cat Levon loves it too and always sleeps on it, so he can attest to how great it is."
Molly Baz, Founder of Ayoh; Recipe Developer; Cookbook Author
Power Pick: Mannkitchen Pepper Cannon
“This pepper grinder makes me feel like the Hulk, which you could argue isn’t the most desirable feeling, but it's everything when you love black pepper as much as I do. Take out your rage and season the hell out of that steak every single time.”
Melanie Masarin, Founder and CEO, Ghia
Pick: Ghia
"Not drinking is my superpower; it allows me to live a much fuller life. I can work long days, still go to the party, and be fresh in the morning. I love a crisp drink to transition from work into play, and I made Ghia for me—it's just a bit fruity with a sharp dry ending that has nothing to envy to a glass of wine."
Amber Lewis, Interior Designer
Power Pick: A farm
"This may be a strange pick, but an item that fuels me, and will fuel me for the next couple of years, is—a farm! It's a new project I recently purchased and I'm beyond excited about it. It motivates and inspires me both personally and professionally. Not only do I love a project and the endless design possibilities, but I'm also thinking about making memories here with my daughter and hosting all the family gatherings in years to come."
Marta Mae, Founder of Air Milkshake; Co-Founder, Angel Therapy and Dieux
Power Pick: Agent Nateur Calm Spermidine & Taurine Daily Supplement
"I have been prioritizing sleep for the first time in my life, and for months I have looked forward to taking this before bed. It really chills me out, and it's an accessible moment of self-care."
Danessa Myrick, Makeup Artist; Founder, Danessa Myricks Beauty
Power Pick: Sensate
"The Sensate has been a game-changer in helping me relax and reduce stress as I navigate life as a busy entrepreneur. The infrasonic sounds it provides does an amazing job of keeping me calm and helps give me the clarity I need to make intentional choices that fuel my creativity and energy. It’s a critical part of my success, and I can't live without it."
Sarah O'Leary, CEO, Willow Innovations, Inc.
Power Pick: Epiphone Limited Edition Hummingbird Performer PRO Acoustic-Electric Guitar
"I was hungry for a creative outlet that wasn’t tied to my career or children, so I started taking guitar lessons. It's been a very humbling and inspiring experience, but Epiphone's Hummingbird guitar will make you feel like you're a pro. It's a 'just right' splurge for a beginner guitar player; it's beautiful in appearance, sound, and tone. The guitar reminds me how soul-fulfilling it can be to learn something completely new.”
Lauren Ratner, President and Chief Brand Officer, Rhode
Power Pick: Miu Miu Fabric-Covered Agenda
"With a fast-growing company like Rhode, where everything moves a mile a minute, I have to stay organized to keep track of things. I don’t know what I'd do without my notebook to write everything down in real time and help me remember it all. Any notebook works, but I love this one I got as a gift."
Tracy Anderson, Founder, Tracy Anderson Method
Power Pick: HeartStone
"My Heartstones are my ultimate power pick—they combine weighted energy training, meditation, grounding, and sound healing to give my spine and nervous system a spa-like reset. The unity they create between my brain and body transforms how I feel and amplifies my creativity and performance in every area of my life."
Gabby Bernstein, Spiritual Teacher and Author
Power Pick: Weighted Vest
"I turned forty-five this year and am dedicated to maintaining optimal health. Whether I'm working out, walking through the city, or cooking at home, you'll find me in my weighted vest. This piece symbolizes my daily commitment to fortify my bones, enhance my strength, and ensure my longevity.”
Beth Ferreira, General Partner, Serena Ventures
Power Pick: Manta Silk Sleep Mask
"A great night's sleep is super important for just about everything, from healthy brain function to physical health. This mask transformed my sleep. I fall asleep faster, and my overall sleep quality has improved."
Shiza Shahid, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Our Place
Power Pick: 'Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved' by Kate Bowler
"My friend Kate Bowler's beautiful book inspires me to find meaning and beauty in the good and bad days. I'm building my business, Our Place, from a place of love and an urgent desire to impact the world positively—reading heroic philosophers like Kate grounds me in the purpose of it all.”
Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Co-CEO, Baby2Baby
Power Pick: Moon Juice Magnesi-Om Powder
"Sleep is my super fuel, so I take my Moon Juice Magnesi-Om powder every night to make sure I get all eight hours. I'm also an avid sleep tracker because getting a good night's sleep helps me feel ready to take on anything at Baby2Baby to ensure children across the country have access to the basic essentials they deserve."
Norah Weinstein, Co-CEO, Baby2Baby
Power Pick: Waze App
"I have the worst sense of direction on the planet. It’s like a missing chip in my brain that I inherited from my dad. As a kid at a restaurant, I couldn’t get from the bathroom to the table and had to leave a trail. Waze changed my life! I would not be able to run a company, much less get to a meeting across the city and balance kids and a career without it—I would literally be lost."
Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist, Founder, and Chief Creative Officer, Jones Road Beauty
Power Pick: iPad
"I use my iPad instead of a computer. I use it for everything—I do Zooms with it, respond to emails, scroll Instagram, and shop for everything I need. It's been a game-changer not to have to carry a laptop."
Vanessa Torrivilla Ariel, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Gold Belly
Power Pick: The Eight Sleep Smart Mattress
"The Eight Sleep smart mattress is absolutely, 100-percent life-changing and something I'll never be able to live without. As a mom and a founder, I'm obsessed with my sleep routine to optimize my all day performance. It tracks not just the length of sleep but the quality of my sleep and automatically adjusts itself to my body based on factors like temperature and heart rate to ensure I get the best night's sleep possible every night."
Chriselle Lim, Founder, Bumo
Power Pick: Peloton Treadmill
"I use my Peloton Treadmill almost every day right after I drop off the kids at school. Cardio has been a big part of getting me in the best mental state possible. I feel super focused, in control, and strong after doing a 20-minute session."
Sara Holzman is the Style Director for Marie Claire, where she's worked alongside the publication for eight years in various roles, ensuring the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation about fashion's ever-evolving landscape. With a degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is responsible for overseeing a diverse fashion content mix, from emerging and legacy designer profiles to reported features on the influence of social media on style and seasonal and micro trends across the world's fashion epicenters in New York, Milan, and Paris. Before joining Marie Claire, Sara held fashion roles at Conde Nast's Lucky Magazine and Self Magazine and was a style and travel contributor to Equinox's Furthermore website. Over her decade of experience in the fashion industry, Sara has helped guide each brand's style point of view, working alongside veteran photographers and stylists to bring editorial and celebrity photo shoots to fruition from start to finish. Sara currently lives in New York City. When she's not penning about fashion or travel, she’s at the farmer’s market, on a run, working to perfect her roasted chicken recipe, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork
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