WIFI Power Hour LIVE: Confidence as Strategy Recap
On January 27, 2026, the Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) community reached a major milestone: Power Hour went LIVE for the very first time! Watch the full recording at https://youtu.be/_u0j9P_gxzo.
Hosted in person at The International Surface Event (tise) in Las Vegas and streamed virtually in collaboration with The Huddle Podcast, this inaugural Power Hour LIVE created a space where real conversations about leadership, confidence, and growth could happen in the moment, together.
Whitney Legate, WIFI board member and leader of the Professional Development Committee, opened the session by welcoming attendees and recognizing the significance of the day. She also highlighted WIFI’s mission and programming, including monthly Power Hours, a six-month mentoring program, and a scholarship initiative that awarded more than $30,000 to women in the flooring industry last year.
Legate shared that mentoring program sign-ups are currently open until February 13, and encouraged attendees to register or refer others who may benefit. She also reminded the audience that scholarship applications are open now, with submissions closing on February 27, inviting the industry to help spread the word and expand WIFI’s impact even further.
The topic for this historic first live event was both timely and deeply personal:
Confidence as Strategy
Moderated by The Huddle host Paul Stewart, the panel featured three respected leaders from across the industry; Jennifer Zimmerman, chief commercial officer of AHF Products, Sara Zacharias, business development manager at All Surfaces, and Kayla Simons, president of Desert Design Carpet One.
Together, they explored what confidence really is and how to build it intentionally, not just as a feeling, but as a strategy for career momentum.
Confidence Starts Within
Zimmerman opened with honesty about how confidence begins internally. “If I feel good, then I feel like I can put my best foot forward,” she explained, emphasizing self-acceptance over performance.
Zacharias added that confidence is often shaped by the people around us and the environments we build. Simons echoed the personal nature of the topic, noting how confidence impacts the way we show up in every interaction.
Preparation Builds Professional Confidence
The panel agreed that confidence is closely tied to preparation.
Zacharias emphasized that “education and preparedness are very key,” especially in leadership moments.
Simons reinforced that competence fuels confidence, pointing to the value of truly knowing your business. Zimmerman agreed, later returning to the importance of being “prepared and . . . doing your homework every day.”
The Line Between Confidence and Arrogance
A powerful portion of the discussion focused on how confidence can sometimes be misread.
Zimmerman shared the importance of feedback and humility: she hopes to be surrounded by people who will tell her when something comes across the wrong way. “I want immediate feedback,” she said, emphasizing growth over ego.
Zacharias and Simons agreed that confidence doesn’t require having every answer, it requires listening, learning, and staying grounded.
Moving Beyond “Fake It Till You Make It”
When the moderator raised the phrase “fake it till you make it,” the panel challenged the idea.
Zimmerman explained that confidence is built through intentional identity and habits, not pretending. “You’ve got to build the systems and the micro-habits to get yourself there,” she shared.
Zacharias echoed that confidence is something earned over time. Simons emphasized that authenticity always matters more than just appearing confident.
Confidence in a Relationship-Driven Industry
The panel also reflected on flooring’s relationship-centered culture.
Zacharias offered practical examples of how small efforts build trust, such as remembering details like the names off employee’s children and what sports they play, and showing people they matter.
Simons noted that confidence often grows through connection, and Zimmerman agreed that relationships are essential to long-term success in this industry.
Leadership Means Building Confidence in Others
A major theme emerged: confidence isn’t only personal, it’s something leaders can help create in others.
Zimmerman shared a story of encouraging a capable colleague to take initiative. When she is asked a question, she sometimes prompts her colleague to “Go ahead and do it how you think you should do it,” emphasizing the importance of trust in her team.
Zacharias and Simons reinforced that mentorship, delegation, and encouragement are some of the strongest forms of leadership.
Closing Takeaways: Confidence Is Built Daily
As the session wrapped, the panel returned to the reality that confidence is a practice, not a switch.
Zacharias reminded attendees that “it’s hard work,” built through presence and relationships.
Zimmerman encouraged women to keep learning: “If you learn something every day, then you’ll get there.”
And Simons emphasized that growth comes from showing up, doing the work, and building trust over time.
Power Hour LIVE ended not only as a successful first event, but as a reminder of what WIFI creates: space for women to learn, connect, and lead with intention.
About WIFI (and what’s next)
WIFI continues to attract, educate, and empower women across the flooring industry through Power Hours, mentoring, scholarships, and leadership programming. Learn more and get involved at www.womeninflooring.org.
Sign up by February 13 to be part of WIFI’s 5th mentoring cohort! This six-month, adult-to-adult mentoring experience is designed to help you grow both professionally and personally through meaningful connections, real-world guidance, and support from women across the flooring industry. Sign up to be a mentee or mentor at https://www.womeninflooring.org/mentoring.
Scholarship applications are also open! Apply by February 27 for the chance to receive financial support toward education, training, and professional development. If you or someone you know could benefit, don’t miss this opportunity. Learn more and apply at www.womeninflooring.org/scholarships.