by Kathleen Hurtubise, CEO, & Founder of Gourmet Events Hawaii, AlohaHP
Leadership is a choice we make every day—not simply to drive results but to lead with intention and create spaces where others feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. It’s not about commanding attention or wielding authority. You have to foster trust, nurture potential, and set a standard of care and accountability that resonates throughout the organization.
Purposeful leadership requires courage—to lead authentically, to make difficult decisions with integrity, and to challenge systems that no longer serve. It also requires an unwavering commitment to lifting others as we climb, where we recognize that our success is intertwined with the growth and well-being of those we lead.
Empathy in Action
For women leaders, empathy allows us to connect in ways that drive deeper trust and collaboration. When I founded AlohaHP, I built the company with empathy at its core—choosing to focus on the human element of staffing in an industry often driven by metrics alone.
I remember working with a candidate who had incredible potential but lacked traditional credentials. Instead of dismissing them based on surface-level qualifications, I leaned into understanding their story. What I found was resilience, creativity, and a willingness to grow. She joined our team and brought new energy and ideas that reshaped how we approached challenges.
Empathy requires presence. Step away from assumptions and be willing to truly listen to see beyond the obvious and uncover what others can actually bring to the table. While this kind of leadership strengthens individuals, it also holds the power to reshape the entire team.
Building the Next Generation of Female Leaders Through Confidence
Confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers. Confidence means trusting your voice and encouraging others to trust theirs, too. Women in leadership often face pressures to prove themselves in ways their counterparts might not, which is why building and modeling confidence is so critical. One of the most transformative moments in my career came when I stopped trying to conform to traditional leadership molds and instead leaned into my values. That shift—from focusing on how I was perceived to focusing on the impact I could create—allowed me to lead with clarity and conviction.
For the next generation of female leaders, confidence is more than just a skill to develop. It is a mindset to embody. It starts with mentorship and creating spaces where women can share ideas, make mistakes, and grow without fear of judgment. When women are empowered, we are more than capable of leading with both strength and authenticity.
Balancing Innovation and Humanity Within Leadership
Technology and innovation are rapidly reshaping the way we lead, but they should never come at the expense of humanity. At AlohaHP, we integrate cutting-edge tools to enhance the staffing and client experience, but the heart of what we do is still deeply human.
Leadership is about creating alignment where you have to balance the urgency of immediate demands with the humanity of thoughtful decision-making. During a challenging phase for our company, I leaned into mindfulness as my compass. Instead of reacting out of stress or pressure, I gave myself the space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with our values. This practice helped me see the path forward more clearly.
True innovation in leadership comes from understanding that people aren’t assets to manage—they’re partners in the journey. When we prioritize human connection alongside strategic growth, we create cultures that inspire loyalty, creativity, and resilience.
Leading with Heart and Intention
Purposeful leadership isn’t about checking every box or having all the answers—it’s about stepping forward with authenticity and staying grounded in what truly matters. Women have an incredible ability to lead from a place of connection, nurturing trust, and inspiring transformation in ways that ripple beyond the workplace. When we bring empathy, confidence, and humanity into how we lead, we are able to shape cultures, uplift communities, and empower others to step into their own potential.
A guiding principle I hold close to is something my grandmother taught me: “Breathe through frustration, and clarity will come.” It’s a simple reminder that even in the most chaotic moments, pausing to center ourselves can help us move forward with intention. The world needs leaders who act with heart and purpose, and as women, we have the tools and perspective to create that change.
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