At the Power 100 Luncheon, the Transformative Power of the Girl Boss Group Chat

Since its inception, the Power 100 Luncheon series has served as a vibrant haven for influential women to connect and uplift one another. At the most recent event in Los Angeles—hosted by The Daily Beast’s Chief Creative and Content Officer Joanna Coles—this mission remained steadfast, with key speakers celebrating female friendship and the undeniable power of coming together.

A standout story came from Karey Burke, President of 20th Television, who detailed how her group chats have evolved into indispensable support systems. Recalling her early days at Disney, Burke described the formation of a group chat as a way for her and her colleagues to lean on one another during pivotal decision-making moments. “My teenage daughter at the time said it was unbelievably lame to have a group chat and not have it named. So I said, name it. And she named it ‘The Badass Lady Squad,’ the acronym for which is ‘The BALS,’” she laughed.

The BALS quickly became a nexus for fiercely determined women, Burke explained, all committed to lifting each other up professionally. As she transitioned to ABC and then to 20th Television, she moved her circle of peers and colleagues] into a new chat, this time called “The GOATS.” Over the past four years, The GOATS have stayed in close contact—texting in the middle of the night, swapping advice, and essentially running their divisions together. And when the devastating wildfires struck Los Angeles this past January, it transcended its usual role, becoming a lifeline for countless colleagues.

In the chat, women mobilized with incredible speed, securing free accommodations for displaced families and gathering essential supplies. “It transformed into this unbelievably powerful, emotional support network in which women were just there for each other,” Burke reflected. “In my experience—and no offense to the men—it was really the women. We got it done for each other. We understood what needed to be said, and what didn’t.”

Amy Powell, Amazon’s Head of Entertainment Marketing, knows firsthand the profound impact of such a disaster, having lost her home in the fires—but also the impact of the outpouring of support from friends and acquaintances she received to help her navigate the aftermath.

Of the women who rallied around her, Powell described how they went the extra mile to find her favorite clothing brands and ensure they fit. “I know it sounds superficial, but you want to feel good about yourself, especially when you’re wearing other people’s clothing for weeks on end,” she said. “Women really were my heroes.”

Margaret Richardson, chief corporate affairs officer at GoFundMe, echoed Burke’s points, highlighting how gatherings like this serve as powerful reminders of the importance of connection. “Whether it’s the group chat or the casual conversation that leads to something more, we can lift each other up, generate new ideas, turn collective ideas into impact, and it’s in moments of crisis that connections are truly tested and proven,” she said.

Richardson went on to emphasize GoFundMe’s role in supporting those in need during emergencies—through their wildfire fund, the platform had provided over 6,000 emergency grants to families and individuals for food, shelter, and other essentials.

“It’s going to take all of us, and that’s where this group comes in. We know how to mobilize resources, amplify each other’s voices, and lead with both our heads and our hearts,” Richardson explained. “Whether it’s through financial support, strategic partnerships, or simply using our voices to raise awareness, we have the power to create and sustain change—now and into the future, and these days and weeks will be pivotal.”

Burke concluded her speech with a heartfelt call for connection in the same vein, reminding us that true strength lies in the communities we become a part of: “I say to all, find your all-girl group chats and let them sustain you when the next crisis hits.”