In business, success rarely comes with a clear playbook. Like a high-stakes game, the most powerful women leaders know how to make smart moves with incomplete information, manage risk without losing their cool, and walk away from the table when the odds no longer serve them. In this “ladies” issue, local women share how they stay composed, trust their instincts, and bet boldly on themselves with heels on, game face ready.
Dulcinea Rongavilla, Executive Vice President/Shareholder, Cragin & Pike
What personal or professional strategy has helped you make smart decisions when faced with uncertainty?
I focus on gathering the right information, seeking insight from trusted voices, and then asking myself one defining question: Will this decision serve both the present and the long-term vision?
As women in leadership, we’re often balancing logic with instinct, and I’ve learned that’s not a weakness, it’s an advantage. The ability to pause, evaluate, and then move forward with clarity allows you to make confident decisions even when the path isn’t perfectly defined.
How do you maintain confidence and composure when the “stakes” feel high in your business or career?
I shift my focus away from the weight of the moment and back to the people I serve and the values I lead by.
True leadership presence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about how you show up. Staying calm, decisive, and intentional sets the tone for everyone around you; leading with both strength and grace, especially when it matters most.
Rebecca DeLuca, Vice President of Destination Sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
What personal or professional strategy has helped you make smart decisions when faced with uncertainty?
When I’m faced with ambiguity, I slow down to get clear on three things: the data, the people, and the why. I ground myself in the facts—performance, trends, and real-time insights—so I’m not reacting from emotion alone. Then I listen closely to my team and our customers, because the best decisions come from the people closest to the work and the client. Finally, I come back to purpose: Does this choice support Las Vegas as a leading meetings destination and create long-term value for our customers and community? That mix of instincts, trusted voices, and a clear why lets me move decisively, even when I only have limited clarity.
How do you maintain confidence and composure when the “stakes” feel high in your business or career?
Early in my career, I thought composure meant pretending I wasn’t nervous; now I define it as being authentic, prepared, present, and people focused. I over-prepare on what I can control, such as knowing the business case, who the players in the room are, anticipating tough questions, and aligning with my team so we’re unified. Once I’m in the room, I intentionally shift my attention away from myself and onto service: How can I make this easier for the client, and how can I clearly advocate for my team and my city? That mindset shift calms my nerves almost immediately. Confidence, for me, is not having every perfect answer—it’s being honest, humble, and steady enough that my team can mirror that energy when it matters most.
Kim Wicklund, President, Premiere AV Integration
What personal or professional strategy has helped you make smart decisions when faced with uncertainty?
When faced with uncertainty, I rely on experience, preparation, and listening. I’ve learned that slowing down to gather the right information, while trusting both data and intuition, leads to better decisions. Surrounding myself with knowledgeable people and staying adaptable has allowed me to navigate change with clarity and confidence.
How do you maintain confidence and composure when the “stakes” feel high in your business or career?
I stay grounded by focusing on what I can control and remembering the bigger picture. Confidence comes from knowing I’ve done the work, built strong relationships, and remained true to my values. When the pressure is high, I take a step back, breathe, and lead with calm because steady leadership sets the tone for everyone around you.
Lisa Bayardo, Owner, Prime IV Hydration & Wellness
What personal or professional strategy has helped you make smart decisions when faced with uncertainty?
When I'm facing uncertainty, I've learned not to rush decisions just to relieve pressure. I need to look at the fundamentals of what I actually do know, what are my assumptions, and what outcomes matter most in the long run. I also pay attention to my body's response. If something feels forced or reactive, I usually give it more time. Some of my best decisions have come from just slowing down just enough to allow clear thinking with my intuition rather than reacting to urgency.
How do you maintain confidence and composure when the “stakes” feel high in your business or career?
I've learned confidence isn't about eliminating stress, but more about managing it. When stakes are high, I focus on controlling what I can such as preparation, my mindset, and how I treat others. I separate urgency from importance. Most high-pressure situations feel urgent but are not all are long term. When I can fall back on my preparation and being grounded, I make better decisions. Confidence for me comes from my own evidence that I've handled hard things before so I can trust myself to handle what's in front of me.
Christina Spence, Owner, Elevated Hair Co.
What personal or professional strategy has helped you make smart decisions when faced with uncertainty?
I’ve faced uncertainty many times, starting my own salon space, moving to a different state, and having to rebuild my business all over again without knowing if I could financially sustain it. It was challenging in every way, financially, emotionally, and it definitely affected my confidence.
But I stayed grounded in my faith and in knowing what I offer and who I’m meant to help. I leaned on the education I’ve invested in and stayed consistent, even when it felt slow. I’ve always believed in slow, intentional growth because I trust that the right people will find me.
On my hardest days, I still showed up, posting on social media, presenting myself professionally, and continuing to serve my clients with clarity and purpose. That consistency, even when it’s hard, has been my strategy.
How do you maintain confidence and composure when the “stakes” feel high in your business or career?
For me, confidence comes from preparation and experience. I’ve put in the time, the education, and the work, so even when things feel high pressure, I remind myself that I know what I’m doing, and I genuinely care about helping my clients.
I also focus on staying present. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the outcome, I center myself on the person in front of me and how I can serve them. That keeps me grounded.
I’m confident in what I do, and I’m honest about my growth. I’ve made mistakes in the past, but I never let them stop me, I learned, adjusted, and kept going. That’s what built my confidence.
I truly love what I do. It’s very personal to me. I’ve struggled with my own confidence and self-worth, so being able to help women feel good about themselves and support them, that comes first for me, before anything else.