by Beverly Fowler, Director of Artist & Community Relations, PRS Guitars
In October 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Women of NAMM Leadership Summit—a gathering dedicated to fostering the growth and empowerment of women leaders in the music industry. This summit provided a unique blend of introspection, group learning, and actionable leadership training.
One of the first things that struck me was how straightforward and simple the application process was. Unlike some leadership programs that require lengthy essays or daunting prerequisites, the Women of NAMM Leadership Summit focused on accessibility. The application was clear, concise, and centered on genuine interest rather than exhaustive credentials, although there are a few required credentials to be considered for this. This approach immediately set a welcoming tone, encouraging a diverse group of women to apply and signaled that the summit was about growth, not gatekeeping.
Prior to the summit, each participant completed four pre-work assignments: a Strengths Profile, Coaching Mindset Index, Leadership Summit Bio, and Skillscope 360 assessment. These exercises were thoughtfully chosen to encourage self-reflection and honest assessment. Completing my Strengths Profile helped me to recognize not just my core strengths, but also those areas where I could continue to develop. The Coaching Mindset Index challenged me to consider how I approach team management and mentorship, and While drafting my Leadership Summit Bio, I was compelled to articulate my journey and aspirations. Finally, the Skillscope assessment provided valuable feedback from peers and colleagues, highlighting patterns I hadn’t previously considered. Together, these assignments created a foundation of insight, self-awareness, and readiness for the experiences ahead.
As the summit approached, I found myself both excited and nervous. Excitement stemmed from the prospect of connecting with fellow women leaders and learning from industry experts. Nervousness surfaced in anticipation of stepping outside my comfort zone, sharing vulnerably, and embracing new leadership challenges. These mixed emotions, I soon learned, were shared by many attendees and quickly became a bonding point as we embarked on our leadership journeys together.
From the beginning, the summit was masterfully facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Hall. Her expertise in fostering trust, openness, and authentic dialogue was evident in every session. Dr. Hall’s approach encouraged us to move beyond surface-level introductions and quickly dive into meaningful conversations about our leadership styles, challenges, and aspirations. The group dynamics she cultivated made it easy to feel connected and supported, despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Peer group break-out sessions were invaluable. In smaller groups, we explored real-world scenarios, practiced coaching techniques, and shared candid feedback. These sessions created a safe space for reflection and experimentation, where moments of vulnerability were met with encouragement, and challenges were reframed as opportunities for growth. The variety of perspectives and experiences in these peer groups expanded my understanding of leadership, revealing both universal themes and unique individual journeys.
What truly set the Women of NAMM Leadership Summit apart was its focus on practical, applicable leadership training tailored to the realities of the music industry. Sessions were engaging and dynamic, blending research-based methods with personal stories and interactive exercises. This thoughtful approach made each moment both meaningful and relevant.
My participation in the summit resulted in significant personal growth, and I highly encourage other women to apply. Throughout the experience, I became more self-aware, developed greater confidence in my leadership abilities, and learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength. The supportive environment and thoughtfully designed activities challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, leading to meaningful insights and a renewed sense of purpose in my leadership journey. Most importantly, the summit reminded me of the power of community: that true leadership is not a solo endeavor, but a shared journey supported by peers and mentors.
