Pacific Business News: The Power Leaders: PBN recognizes the 2026 Power Leaders
January 30, 2026
Pacific Business News recognizes 2026 Power Leaders for the leadership, entrepreneurship and commitment to Hawaii’s communities they’ve demonstrated, and for the scope of the projects they are undertaking.
This year we asked honorees about turning points in their careers, how they identify potential leaders and what keeps them grounded.
This is the fourth year PBN has selected and profiled a group of community and industry leaders on a trajectory to a successful year.
Sherry Menor
President and CEO | Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
Sherry Menor has led the state’s largest organization serving local businesses since 2013, and is the youngest, first female and first Asian leader in the organization’s history. She has served on numerous national and local boards, guided the chamber to major national awards, and has been widely recognized with honors, including induction into the University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business Hall of Honors and the Junior Achievement of Hawaii Hall of Fame.
What was a turning point in your career?
The major turning point was in 2013, when I transitioned from government affairs to president and CEO. After years of being comfortable in my expertise, I was initially hesitant to take the helm without prior organizational leadership experience. However, my belief in the Chamber’s mission pushed me to accept the challenge. It forced me to prioritize impact over comfort and taught me how to be “comfortable with the uncomfortable.” That decision taught me that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers — it’s about having the courage and guts to find them. It was a leap of faith that proved our potential is often just on the other side of our fear.
How do you identify future leaders?
I identify future leaders by looking for three traits: initiative, low ego, and a hunger to learn. First, they don’t wait for permission; they see gaps and own solutions. Second, they handle mistakes with curiosity rather than defensiveness — taking accountability for themselves while offering grace to others. And finally, they bring positive energy and an open mind to every conversation.
What keeps me up at night?
The expiration date on “business as usual.” We cannot afford to rely on a static roadmap. I am driven by the need to ensure our vision evolves as fast as the world around us. It pushes me to move beyond rigid planning and focus on the agility needed to capture new opportunities before they pass us by.
See all the honorees here.