Getting to Know Nancy Berger: The Powerhouse Behind The Power Retreat, Revolutionizing Women’s Business + Self-Care
In the ever-evolving world of media, Nancy Berger shines as a beacon of transformative leadership. Her career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to her visionary approach, keen market insights, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Nancy has not only reshaped iconic brands but also set groundbreaking standards throughout the industry.
Passionate about empowering the next generation of women, Nancy is relentless in her support and mentorship. Whether inspiring employees, driving initiatives on college campuses, championing female founders, or forging connections among women executives, she has cultivated a landscape where women can truly thrive.
Career Highlights and Legacy
- Allure’s Best of Beauty Seal of Approval: Nancy engineered this prestigious seal, regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the beauty industry. It’s a mark of excellence that amplifies a brand’s visibility, resonating from store shelves to elegant packaging.
- Marie Claire Power Trip: Innovating in experiential networking, Nancy launched this invite-only event, uniting powerful women across industries. By commandeering a commercial flight for a whirlwind 36-hour adventure, she established Marie Claire’s reputation as the premier source for professional women.
- CosmoTrips: Recognizing post-pandemic trends, Nancy crafted CosmoTrips—curated travel experiences for the young at heart. These getaways appeal to a generation valuing experiences over possessions, charting new revenue avenues and reinforcing Cosmopolitan’s presence in the travel sector.
Nancy’s expansive career has influenced major giants like Condé Nast and Hearst and over eight iconic magazines, including Vanity Fair, Allure, Gourmet, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Seventeen, and now BELLA. Her advisory roles extend to esteemed entities like Art Basel, Tribeca Film Festival and Tribeca X, Katie Couric Media, Her Campus Media, The Daily Beast, and more.
Beyond her media triumphs, Nancy launched her own venture in 2023, “Start With A Good ____.” Believing that every incredible endeavor begins with a good idea, a meaningful connection, or a collaboration, Nancy has embraced her entrepreneurial spirit.
Nancy doesn't just consult; she crafts and hosts exclusive, invite-only CEO retreats in luxurious spas nationwide. These coveted experiences offer a unique space for leaders to innovate, heal, and connect deeply.
My journey with Nancy began through our mutual connection, as BELLA proudly became the media partner for her latest retreat at the breathtaking Cal-A-Vie resort in San Diego.
The Power of Retreat and Connection
Cal-A-Vie Health Spa, nestled just north of San Diego’s picturesque countryside, is renowned for its holistic approach to wellness. Inspired by a French Provencal village, the resort offers elegant accommodations and lush gardens, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and self-care.
During our weekend, Nancy meticulously curated personalized wellness programs for each of the 27 women attending. The array of amenities included fitness classes, gourmet cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and world-class spa treatments.
Throughout our stay, we cherished unique experiences like fireside chats with Tiffany Haddish, CEO Lisa Odenweller of Kroma Wellness, and even myself. We also enjoyed engaging activities such as guided hikes, yoga sessions, pickleball, and wine tasting at the on-site vineyard.
Post-retreat, I had the opportunity to reconnect with several of the incredible women from our journey. Many had reinvented their career paths, which naturally led me to ask: How has your approach to leadership evolved in response to personal or professional reinvention? What insights can you share for women who are facing their own transformational journeys?
Laura Geller
Laura Geller Beauty
@LauraJGeller
“Whether I'm speaking to one person or a group of women, I always lead with compassion. I can't help but consider that the person I'm speaking to could currently be going through, or may have gone through, personal hardships. Reflecting on how my career started and where I am today, I realize it was perseverance and passion that kept me steadfast through the highs and lows. I didn’t have the luxury of mentorship that so many have access to now. Having amassed a wealth of expertise, my mission today is to help women avoid many of the mistakes and pitfalls I endured by being direct, vulnerable, and empathetic.”
Mindy Scheier
GAMUT Management and Runway of Dreams
@RunwayOfDreams, @MindyScheier and @GamutManagement
“My journey has been all about transforming a personal challenge into something bigger than myself. When my son was born with a disability, it completely changed how I viewed the world—especially its lack of accessibility and inclusivity, even in something as basic as clothing. That realization pushed me to rethink everything about my career and, honestly, my purpose in life.
Starting Runway of Dreams and later GAMUT Management wasn’t just a professional pivot; it was personal. I wanted to ensure that my son—and millions like him—could feel confident, included, and seen. Along the way, I learned a lot about leadership, especially that it’s not about having all the answers—it’s about listening, collaborating, and creating space for others to thrive.
If there’s one thing I’d say to other women navigating big life changes, it’s this: lean into what matters most to you. Use your skills and experiences to make an impact where it’s needed. Reinvention isn’t about starting over but letting your values guide you to something even better. Trust me, when your work aligns with what you care about most, the fulfillment is worth everything.”
Amy Fisher
CEO Beauty Brands at THG
@AmyFis
“The biggest lesson I have learned is to surround yourself with people who have complementary skills. This way you can play to your strengths and learn from those around you.”
Alyce Panico
Luxe Collective Group
@LuxeByAlyce
“As a luxury advertising media executive with years of experience in the agency world, now completing my first year as CEO, my approach to leadership has significantly evolved in response to both personal and professional reinvention. Taking on the CEO role required me to recalibrate how I lead, inspire, and adapt. This transition demanded not only strategic acumen but also a deep understanding of myself and the shifting needs of my team and industry.
I've gathered a few key insights from this past year of growth and evolution:
1. Agility and Vision: Reinvention has taught me to embrace change as an opportunity rather than a disruption. As CEO, I’ve focused on fostering a culture of agility, empowering my team to pivot quickly while maintaining a clear vision for our goals. This approach not only supports our clients but also inspires confidence in our ability to navigate challenges.
2. Cultivate a Support Network: Throughout my career, I’ve leaned on a network of mentors and peers who have inspired and guided me. Surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you, and don’t hesitate to seek advice or share your journey.
3. Trust Your Instincts: As women, we often doubt our readiness to take on new roles or challenges. My journey to becoming a CEO taught me that instincts, coupled with experience, are powerful tools. Trust your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
4. Lead with Purpose: Reinvention often comes with a heightened sense of purpose. Align your leadership with your values and ensure your work reflects your passion. This authenticity will not only inspire others but also drive meaningful impact.
5. Empathy as a Core Strategy: Early in my career, leadership often meant focusing on delivering results and driving innovation for clients. Now, as CEO, I’ve realized the critical importance of empathy—not just for clients but for my team and myself. Leading during times of transformation requires understanding the human side of reinvention, including the anxieties and aspirations that accompany it. I’ve become more intentional in creating an environment where vulnerability is welcomed and growth is nurtured.
Through this transformation, I’ve learned that leadership is not a static skill—it evolves with every challenge, role, and reinvention. For women embarking on their own transformational journeys, the key is to lead with authenticity, stay resilient, and view reinvention as a powerful tool for growth.”
Lisa Marie Ringus
@24seventalent.com
@LisaMarieRingus
“Leadership is deeply personal—it’s about who you are at your core and how you show up for others. For me, this has always meant being authentic, transparent, and empathetic. It wasn’t until I faced my own personal challenges that I realized just how powerful these traits are in the workplace.
As I’ve grown, I’ve embraced vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. My role isn’t just to guide my team professionally, but also to support their individual goals, both in and out of the workplace. The past few years have taught me the importance of meeting people where they are. Life and work have become more intertwined than ever, and acknowledging that intersection is key to building successful, resilient teams.
One moment that truly shaped my approach was when Roe v. Wade was overturned. My team—mostly women—was reeling. I knew they needed space, so I gave them the day off. It wasn’t just about time away; it was about creating a safe, supportive environment where they felt seen and valued.
To me, leadership is about listening, offering understanding, and building trust—especially during uncertain times. People need to know they can bring their whole selves to the table and be heard. That’s the foundation of a strong team.
For women navigating transformation, my advice is this: embrace your authentic self. Lead with empathy and purpose. The more you create spaces of trust and openness, the more you’ll inspire others to thrive—not just in their careers, but in their lives.”
Carol Brodie
Founder & Creative Director
Carol Brodie Collection & Rarities Fine Jewelry
@CarolBrodie
“My approach to leadership has been shaped by a deeply personal and professional transformation that began in 2008. I left behind a traditional career in luxury goods that catered exclusively to ultra-high-net-worth consumers to take a bold leap into entrepreneurship. I founded an aspirational line of demi-fine jewelry and made the unconventional decision to partner exclusively with HSN, leveraging its extensive network to streamline my business. I applied my knowledge of the UHNW consumer and fine jewelry to the HSN customers seeking affordable luxury. By employing a single full-time assistant and outsourcing what most would manage in-house—such as manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and fulfillment—I redefined what a modern, lean business model could look like. Today, my brand stands as one of the top-performing and longest-running fine jewelry brands on HSN and other international home shopping networks. I consult with other companies and their founders on building strategies for social selling, an art in which I excel.
This journey taught me that leadership isn’t about doing things the way they’ve always been done—it’s about reimagining the possibilities. It’s about taking calculated risks, embracing innovation, and trusting yourself to navigate the unknown. Transition isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. For women facing their own transformational journeys, I encourage you to think unconventionally, follow your passions, and craft a path that aligns with your dreams and goals. Leadership is about inspiring others through action, resilience, and the courage to pave your own road—even when it’s less traveled.”
NJ Falk
APL
@NJfalk @APL
“Embracing change and transformation on both a professional and personal level has played a pivotal role in my life. I always say, “Hard work takes you to great places,” but building successful teams requires a combination of factors. In addition to being extremely proactive, my ability to maintain deep focus for extended periods and my capacity to be highly productive through daily preparation—specifically, my infamous daily distraction list—are skills my mentors encouraged me to hone. It took me considerable time to embrace my own authenticity and level of expertise. I once saw my empathy, kindness, trustworthiness, and innate creativity as potential weaknesses and was often criticized for them. In reality, however, there is strength in these traits. As a result, I've been able to contribute meaningfully wherever I go, building important connections and networks that positively impact both my professional and personal life.
This journey represents a road to self-mastery through continual reassessment and reeducation—I’m always teaching myself new skills and planning for change—so I never stagnate but remain on an ongoing, almost joyous, journey of self-improvement. With this heightened sense of purpose and mindset, whatever you achieve becomes interconnected in a continuous circle of reinvention. You become more fulfilled as your authentic self.”
Nancy Berger
S.W.A.G. Start With A Good
(because everything great starts with something good)
@NancyBerger1
“My approach to leadership has evolved into being more of a coach, a sounding board, a motivator, and an inspiration—not only for young professionals just beginning their journeys but also for seasoned executives seeking fresh perspectives. With more time and focus on this work, I’ve discovered how deeply fulfilling it is to guide others and help them unlock their potential. I also find great joy in connecting people, brands, and companies that I believe are strategically aligned. Leveraging my network to create mutually beneficial opportunities is something I genuinely love to do. These connections often spark new ideas and collaborations that extend beyond individual success, creating a ripple effect of innovation and growth.
In addition, I’ve embraced opportunities to share my story through speaking engagements, reflecting on a career that has taken me to some of the most exciting and glamorous corners of the media world—Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, Allure, and Gourmet, to name a few. Through these experiences, I’ve honed the ability to build and expand brand reputations, cultivate consumer engagement, and uncover new revenue streams. Teaching others how to think creatively about these opportunities is a skill I cherish.
For women considering a transformational journey, I always recommend starting with a simple exercise that profoundly impacted my path. I wrote down what I truly love to do and what I’m really good at. From there, I narrowed it to three core areas: being a connector; identifying and building ideas around the "next big things"; and helping young women as they begin their professional lives. These priorities now guide everything I do under my brand umbrella, Start With A Good. The beauty of Start With A Good is its flexibility—it’s an open-ended statement designed to meet any situation. Start with a good idea, a good connection, a good collaboration, or a good mentor. This mindset helps me focus on positive, purposeful actions, and it’s a philosophy I encourage others to adopt as they chart their next chapters.
Reinvention is not just about change; it’s about alignment—identifying what truly matters to you and channeling your energy in ways that reflect those values. By sharing these insights, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own transformations with clarity and confidence.”
Oh and Nancy and her team curated S.W.A.G. which was beyond EPIC! A huge thank you to all these incredible brands which helped make our stay at Cal-A-Vie truly unforgettable!
Haven Well Within
Soma Intimates
MacKenzie-Childs
Madewell
APL
Kroma Wellness
Simon G
Vera Bradley
Beyond Yoga
Laura Geller
Revive
THG Beauty
veronica beard
chevre cheesecake
Juliet wine
Bluemercury
FEKKAI
Sonos
Naghedi Nyc
Peter Thomas Roth
NEST New York
Vella Bioscience
Lele Sadoughi
Mignonne Gavigan
wyos
Nars
Cleu de Peau
Commando
nuface
Bliss
SUJA
Uber
Veronique Gabai
Weezie Towels
wyos
TableTopics
Gorgie
hippeas
Barebells