Panna Speas Cappelli is the CEO of Maui Hands . Panna is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Panna provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Maui Hands . Panna Speas Cappelli joins other leading CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team has recently awarded Maui Hands with our Impact Company of 2019 award. We are delighted to have Panna join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview, and our popular “speed round” as well.
Panna, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview about your company, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
1. What is the “elevator pitch” for Maui Hands ?
I opened Maui Hands 27 years ago to fill the gap between craft fair and gallery venues, providing a retail space for a wide range of Hawaii artists, artisans and jewelers. We have grown to four popular and dynamic art venues representing 300 artists in all mediums.
2. What is the key to your company’s success?
There are four main components to the success of Maui Hands as I see it. They are location, reputation, involved employees, and my own hard work.
3. Many of our readers are just starting to build a company. What advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Give due diligence to every aspect of your venture and if you find you aren’t very good at a particular aspect, seek free advice or hire someone who is. Your launch is likely to be your most difficult and important period.
4. For other entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
Challenges come in many variations and may come often. Work hard to overcome the practical aspects and be aware that your ego can cause you to be deflated, and judgmental of others. Try to have a sense of humor.
5. How important is the commitment to client satisfaction at Maui Hands, and how do you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
Our clients are primarily visitors to the island and we are likely never to see most of them again. Yet, because we keep it real by simply being ourselves, by utilizing no sales or pricing gimmicks, and by representing our artwork honestly, our customers who return to Maui are very likely to return to Maui Hands.
6. In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
Technology is the change I come across most often. It is my very young office manager who keeps up with everything and teaches me.
7. What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance to lead Maui Hands?
I’ve created for myself the perfect job and I love living in Maui so I face my days with pleasure and optimism. I work full-on 5 days a week and devote the other two days to my wonderful husband, tennis and my vegetable garden. Two vacations a year ensure that my employees learn to do without me.
8. Can you recommend a book that has had an influence in your career? How did it influence you?
Discourses on Creativity by Osho. I had never considered myself particularly creative, but found myself very impressed with creative people and interested in surrounding myself with them. These discourses expanded my understanding of creativity – allowing for a deeper connection with artists and recognizing my own creativity.
9. When communicating with your staff, can you tell us the most important thing you do so that they are able to carry out the objectives that you set forth at Maui Hands?
I personally train them, empower them with unrestrained responsibility, allow mistakes, and remain clear and consistent with my instructions.
10. Can you explain what leadership means to you?
Leadership is paying attention. I understand that every person is unique and I am able to lead individuals instead of the group. Everyone has their place in the group. When I am able to utilize an individual’s talents where they lie and avoid demanding an individual’s excellence where they don’t, everything gets done well. Also, knowing and supporting people’s personal lives encourages their support of me.
We would like to have some fun and do a “speed round” with you! We will ask you ten more questions that we want you to answer in just one to three words only. Here you go!
1. In three words or less, what makes a successful CEO?
Engaged, Creative, Compassionate.
2. Describe your business in one word?
Dynamic
3. Describe your customers in one word?
Impressed
4. What one attribute do you look for when hiring an employee?
Awareness
5. What is the one word you want your customers to say about your company?
Impressive
6. In three words or less, describe your passion?
People. Art.
7. In three words or less, describe what it takes to be successful?
Diligence
8. In three words or less, describe your first year in business at Maui Hands?
Poor, Doubtful, Overworked.
9. In three words or less, describe how running a successful company has changed you?
Wealth, Confidence, Compassion
10. What is the one word that you believe has the most power in the English language?
Love
Panna Speas Cappelli, thank you so much for sitting down with us for our DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We very much appreciate the time you spent helping our readers learn more about what it takes to be a leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Maui Hands , nothing but the best.
Thanks again!
Panna Speas Cappelli, CEO of Maui Hands , The Leader Roundtable Interview Series
