Power plays out in so many areas of our lives. But the concept can be complicated, especially for women. Too much power and you're unlikeable. Not enough, and you risk not having a seat at the table. So what should power mean to us? What should it be used for and who should have it? These are the kind of questions we're exploring at Marie Claire, both at our Power Play events, where we gather and celebrate influential women, and in our coverage of politics, money, career, and leadership.
letter from the editor
NIKKI OGUNNAIKE
The Hardest-Working Work Bags, According to the Most Successful Women We Know
The carry-alls that clock in and out for 12-hour days in the office, school pickups, and everything in between.
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For a Complete Mind Shift, Go Hiking With Your Work BFF
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I promise, it's worth it.
Natasha Lyonne Wants Entertainment to Embrace the Unknown–
Onstage at Power Play, the multi-hyphenate told 'Marie Claire' how her production company is charting new territory.
A’ja Wilson Says the "Biggest Thing" in Addressing the Gender Pay Gap Is Finding Allies to Invest in the WNBA
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The WNBA star and author spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
What "Reverse Ambition" Means to Three Multi-Hyphenates
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"I tried to tell myself that if I just work a little harder, if I do a little more therapy, if I get up 30 minutes earlier and do the meditation, I can do it all. No, I can't. Nobody can."
Rupi Kaur Opened Marie Claire's Power Play With Empowering Poetry
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“I want to leave this place knowing I did something with my body other than trying to make it look perfect.”
Are These Stylists the Secret to Leveling Up Your Career?
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Power looks different in 2025. A new wave of professionals are helping women dress the part.
At Power Play, Freedom Is Doing Business on Your Terms
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'Marie Claire' gathered industry leaders in Atlanta for a day of inspirational programming with takeaways for anyone feeling ambitious.
Gen Z Wants to Be the CEOs of Themselves
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Three leaders are putting misconceptions about their generation to rest.
11 Books That Are the Antidote to Toxic Girlboss Hustle Culture
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These memoirs and nonfiction titles will inspire you to focus on your personal ambitions.
What Power Really Means to Influential Women
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"I think people try to hoard it, and I think it's interesting when those who have it make sure others do as well."
You've Got the Power
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Today's assertive dressing isn't a nod to exclusivity. In fact, it's more about simplicity. Slip into the pieces that make you feel empowered. Period.
Lauren Groff on What It's Like to Launch a Bookstore in the Land of Book Bans
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The Lynx opened in Florida as a foil to the state's censorship of books—and to create a safe, inclusive place for the community to come together.
Marie Claire' Cover Star Teyana Taylor on the Career Advice Beyoncé Gave Her
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The multi-hyphenate chats with editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike on "Nice Talk".
They Got Everything They Wanted Professionally by 30. Then What?
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Reaching an all-time career high at a young age comes with a lot to celebrate—and a lot of pressure, too.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
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Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
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Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
An Inside Look at Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play Party
–
Yvonne Orji, Richa Moorjani, and Stephanie Shepherd, among others, came together to celebrate and be celebrated.
What "Reverse Ambition" Means to Three Multi-Hyphenates
–
"I tried to tell myself that if I just work a little harder, if I do a little more therapy, if I get up 30 minutes earlier and do the meditation, I can do it all. No, I can't. Nobody can."
What Does Power Mean in 2025?
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We asked 29 noteworthy voices of our time to weigh in on the state of influence. This is what they had to say.
Flag Football Star Diana Flores on the Collective Power of Women's Sports
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"I bet if you see a female athlete succeed, you're going to cheer with her."
Beyoncé Battles Her Gatekeepers on the 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
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And proves the best use of her power is looking beyond them.
Kandi Burruss Is Betting Big on Broadway
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With the runaway success of 'Othello,' the former Bravo star has proven her brand extends far beyond Bravo. And her legacy may just be transforming the stage.
What Does Power Mean in 2025?
–
We asked 29 noteworthy voices of our time to weigh in on the state of influence. This is what they had to say.
What Does Power Mean in 2025?
–
We asked 29 noteworthy voices of our time to weigh in on the state of influence. This is what they had to say.
The Business of Beauty: How Science-Driven Innovation Drives Growth and Success–
Panelists dished on everything AI, TikTok, Clinique's groundbreaking formulas, and what ingredients *actually* benefit the skin.
The Women's Sports Boom Is Driven By Leaders With "Purpose"
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From the Olympic mat to the back office, these innovators bring their entire selves to sports.
Even Leaders Get Burnout. Here's How They Deal
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Level up without flaming out.
Kandi Burruss Isn't Afraid of Investing in Herself
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"I don't think any successful entrepreneur has been able to be successful without taking chances or gambling on themselves."
First Came Success. Then Came "Dreamer's Fatigue"
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Marsai Martin, Carol Martin, and DJ Miss Milan opened up about the other side of success at Power Play.
Are These Stylists the Secret to Leveling Up Your Career?
–
Power looks different in 2025. A new wave of professionals are helping women dress the part.
Gen Z Wants to Be the CEOs of Themselves
–
Three leaders are putting misconceptions about their generation to rest.
A’ja Wilson Says the "Biggest Thing" in Addressing the Gender Pay Gap Is Finding Allies to Invest in the WNBA
–
The WNBA star and author spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
The New Power Suit
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Modern-day skirt sets mean business (if you want them to).
Rupi Kaur Opened Marie Claire's 2024 Power Play With Poetry
–
“I want to leave this place knowing I did something with my body other than trying to make it look perfect.”
Beyoncé Battles Her Gatekeepers on the 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
–
And proves the best use of her power is looking beyond them.
Kandi Burruss Is Betting Big on Broadway
–
With the runaway success of 'Othello,' the former Bravo star has proven her brand extends far beyond Bravo. And her legacy may just be transforming the stage.
The Hiking Club Encouraging Women of Color to Take Up More Space in the Outdoors
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With Hike Clerb, Evelynn Escobar is closing the "nature gap," and helping people from diverse communities find joy and healing out on the trail.
What "Reverse Ambition" Means to Three Multi-Hyphenates
–
"I tried to tell myself that if I just work a little harder, if I do a little more therapy, if I get up 30 minutes earlier and do the meditation, I can do it all. No, I can't. Nobody can."
“Power is not a singular, oppressive force but a dynamic, transformative energy that resides within each of us and the communities we build.”
Sade Lythcott
Courage to Pivot Takes Center Stage at Power Play
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From bold career pivots to fresh financial mindsets, 'Marie Claire’s summit in Philadelphia showed that disruption isn’t an ending—it’s a beginning.
At Power Play, Women Lead Together–
'Marie Claire’s summit in Philadelphia revealed one truth: women’s voices are strongest as a group.
Natasha Lyonne Wants Entertainment to Embrace the Unknown
–
Onstage at Power Play, the multi-hyphenate told 'Marie Claire' how her production company is charting new territory.
Natasha Lyonne Wants Entertainment to Embrace the Unknown
–
Onstage at Power Play, the multi-hyphenate told 'Marie Claire' how her production company is charting new territory.
