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WHAT IF...
Edition 044
Jessica Murray
August 28, 2025
Our featured article either offers a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to at Empower or provides a fresh lens on how to grow, operate or think differently about business.
BE EXTRAORDINARY WITH THE HELP OF TEAM SUPERCREW
Are you familiar with Team Supercrew?
I wasn’t either until about six months ago when my toddler received a set of the Team Supercrew books as a gift. They’ve become a fan favorite.
If you’re a parent or spend meaningful time with young kids, you’ll relate to the fact that, once you’ve read children’s books enough times, you start to internalize the underlying messages. For whatever reason, each time we turn the pages of one of these four Team Supercrew books, I immediately think of entrepreneurship.
The core lessons
Let’s start by setting the stage. There are four core members of the squad:
Benny the Brave: A hero focused on courage.
Chloe the Calm: The member on the team known for her calmness.
Gen the Grit: The character bringing strength and determination.
Keisha the Kind: The embodiment of kindness.
In each of the four books, a child faces a challenge, and then calls on a Team Supercrew guide:
A kid fears starting at a new school.
Another refuses bedtime and suffers from FOMO.
One wants to quit soccer when it gets hard.
One resents being asked to watch a younger sibling.
After understanding the situation and acknowledging the emotions, the members of Team Supercrew encourage thinking about “What Ifs…”
For example:
What if you’re not the only new kid in school, and the next friend you make is the one that lasts?
What if bedtime gives you the energy to do everything you want tomorrow?
What if you get better by learning from mistakes?
What if you’re your sibling’s hero?
That shift pulls the children out of the negative spiral and provides space for constructive action.
What does this have to do with entrepreneurship?
Founders can apply the same move.
Building a business is hard and often relentless. In those troughs, it feels really tough, messy and you have moments of doubt.
Sometimes, flipping the script and asking that same “What If…” can give you the resilience boost you need to keep solving problems and moving forward.
For example:
What if that negative customer review actually provides insight into a real underlying problem with the product?
What if losing that prospect saves time to focus on someone who is a better long-term client fit?
What if pushback on pricing forces you to craft a more compelling narrative about the value you deliver?
What if a lack of product adoption forces you to do user research that makes the next launch a viral success?
What if a supplier delay is the thing that allows you to build a more adaptable supply chain?
What if a successful competitor launch provides validation that you’re on the right track?
It’s a simple pattern. Name the situation, name the feeling and then ask the better question that leads to better results.
Try it out. Start writing down those What If statements for the next couple of weeks when you hit those inevitable bumps in the road.
And as Team Supercrew would say…you now have the power inside of you whenever you need it. Be extraordinary!
A peek into another entrepreneurial journey. The wins, challenges, pivots and lessons.
MEET JASMINE CHAMBERS, CEO OF JASPER BUILDS
Q: When did you know you were destined to build a business?
A: “Honestly, I think I’ve been building my whole life. Entrepreneurship runs in my veins—it was never really a question of if, but when. Jed and I launched JASPER as the natural culmination of decades of experience: his in the field, mine in business and people. We saw an opportunity to raise the bar in construction and create something that didn’t just build homes and spaces, but built trust, clarity, and lasting impact.“
Q: What’s the most unexpected thing (+/-) that’s happened along your entrepreneurial journey?
A: “Even though I've always valued it, I didn’t expect mentorship to be such a game-changer. In the very early stages, I carried so much of the vision and decision-making on my own shoulders—until I found the right mentors. The kind who don’t just cheer you on, but challenge your thinking, hold up a mirror, and show you what’s possible beyond your current limits. Finding that community—especially as a woman leading in construction—has been one of the most empowering and unexpected gifts of this journey. It’s shaped how I lead, how I grow, and how I invest in others now.“
Q: When did you hit your first scaling challenge, and how did you overcome it?
A: “Our very first scaling challenge hit the moment we launched—literally. JASPER opened its doors in March 2020, right as the world was shutting down. COVID forced us to adapt before we even had a rhythm. We had to get lean, get clear, and get creative fast. But that pressure built our foundation: it pushed us to lead with purpose, over-communicate with clients, and prioritize trust and transparency from day one. That resilience became our culture—and it still defines how we scale today.“
Q: If you were starting all over, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself?
A: “Don’t carry it all. Get help and delegate sooner—but more importantly, find the right people. People who are smarter than you in key areas but deeply aligned with your vision. In the early days, I thought being a strong leader meant being everywhere and doing everything—but real growth came when I learned to lead from vision, not exhaustion. Build systems, empower people, and remember: it’s not about proving yourself—it’s about building something bigger than you.“
Q: Do you have one ask or offer you would like to share with the Empower community?
A: “I’d love to connect with others who are passionate about redefining leadership, especially in male-dominated industries. I’m currently working on my first book, titled Dreams That Matter—a personal story of grit, choice, and building a life with intention. It’s part of a broader personal brand I’m launching to support women who are ready to lead boldly, build powerfully, and live fully. If that resonates with you, let’s connect.“
Q: A fun one, what’s your all-time favorite restaurant and where is it located?
A: “It’s tough to choose just one—I genuinely love exploring Nashville’s culinary scene and finding places that turn a meal into an experience. I’m drawn to thoughtful, intentional spaces like the Supper Club at The Twelve-Thirty Club and Butcher & Bee in East Nashville—both bring such a creative, communal energy to the table. Whether it’s a hidden gem or a chef’s tasting menu, I’m always chasing places that blend flavor, story, and soul.“
Want to learn more?
If you want to connect with Jasmine, LinkedIn and IG are where to find her. You can also learn more about JASPER here.
An approachable tip designed for incremental improvement with outsized impact.
THE ONE THING
When you wake up tomorrow morning, with all the various thoughts running through your head, pause.
Ask yourself one question:
If I moved only one thing forward today, what would make the biggest impact?
Write it down. Keep it view. Make it your north star for the day.
Curated reads or listens to spark new ideas or expand your thinking.
HOW TO DELEGATE WHILE MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS FROM WES KAO’S NEWSLETTER
TL;DR
I don’t think it’s a big secret that effective delegation is an important leadership skill. Oftentimes, those simple and straightforward concepts are actually the most challenging to implement and require finesse.
If you’ve ever been in a position to delegate, you know what I’m talking about.
This piece by Wes Kao provides a helpful guide and framework for doing this well, without also having to sacrifice your own high standards.
Give it a read if delegation is a challenge, or you want to view the concept through a new lens.
Playful and purely for enjoyment.
Not many foods beat a summer farm-fresh tomato
We all have favorite seasons and the tastes, smells and feels that make us nostalgic for that time.
For me, it’s the taste of a summer heirloom tomato. Not many things beat the taste of a ripe, colorful tomato from a local farm stand (IMO).
While working from New York the past couple of weeks, I got my fill. I’m pretty sure I ate tomatoes every day for 15 days. Plain, with olive oil and sea salt, Caprese, in a sandwich, homemade sauce. You name it. I did it.
Do you have a favorite summertime taste?
Are you already starting to feel nostalgic for the season as we approach Labor Day Weekend?
LOOKING FOR MORE EMPOWERMENT?
You’ve worked hard to build your business. Let’s work together to make it last. We want to be your partner in the journey to develop the business that lives into your vision.
There are four primary ways Empower can partner with you to support getting your business to the next level. Click the image below to learn more about our core offerings.
If you’re ready to take the step, reach out to discuss how we can support your goals.
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