Every month for six years, one executive crisscrossed the country to integrate the Pole Position app, an app that assists both house entertainers and club management. But in doing so, she unintentionally gained first-hand accounts of how many venues are operated. The common thread between all of them? Change is necessary.
(NOTE: This story was written by Caressa and appears in the May 2025 issue of ED Magazine.)
In 2018, I transitioned from the medical industry into this space. Not knowing what to expect, what I discovered surprised me. I experienced a heavy stigma surrounding this industry, despite what stood out to me, which were the people I met. From Entertainers to General Managers and owners, what stood out here were driven, resourceful and intelligent professionals; many are knowledgeable, well-spoken, showing up with an impressive work ethic and laser-focused on long-term goals.
Now, six years in, I consider myself blessed with my unique role. I’ve been invited in, often treated like family, and I get to work with clubs of all shapes and sizes — regardless of ownership or association. I get the “fly on the wall” view: the good, the bad, and, at times, the outright offensive.
Let’s be clear—when I say “offensive”, I’m not talking about the people. I’m talking about the outdated, unfair barriers and the way this industry continues to be marginalized. I’m talking about the way banks enforce unspoken rules that make it harder to run a business like any other. I’m talking about how society continues to judge entertainers and club operators based on ignorant assumptions and sensationalized propaganda, while real stories of resilience and leadership go untold. I am also talking about the folks in the industry who stand out because they embody the stigma, they give way to perpetuating the negative narrative about the industry.
Banks, vendors, repairmen, software companies, and businesses often refuse to work with us because of the industry we’re in. So, I started asking: Why is it still like this? And more importantly, what can we do to change it?
Let’s be real, this industry isn’t your standard workplace environment, and you won’t find a ton of Ivy League résumés floating around. But let me ask you this: Does that make you or us, as an industry, less capable? Less talented? Less credible? Absolutely not.
Your reputation is your brand
Whether you’re an owner, a manager, an entertainer or part of the service crew—YOU ARE YOUR OWN BRAND! The company name matters, absolutely! But in the end, what people remember is you: your actions, your energy, your communication, your integrity. That’s your brand. That’s your impact. That’s your club. We all have the potential to lead. To inspire. To break cycles and shift perceptions.
It starts with the details. The smallest decisions compound to shape how others view us and ultimately how the industry is viewed.
It starts with the basics:
Email professionalism: If your email still includes “69” or a high school inside joke, it’s time to grow past that. If your company offers a professional address, use it. If not, create an updated one that is simple and professional.
Written communication: Every message, every text, every email reflects you and your workplace. Choose your words with intention because what you send in a digital space is now forever preserved. Think before you hit send.
Boundaries: This should go without saying, but I’ve seen enough to say it directly—if you’re a manager or staff, your clothes stay on and we don’t send pics. Period. Professionalism matters.
Look the part: Good hygiene. Clean, professional, pressed and well-fitted clothing changes the way you feel, wearing it and showing everyone else you literally mean business.
Taking the resources seriously and staying educated
Our industry has access to powerful tools: COAST (Club Operators Against Sex Trafficking), De-escalation training, Active Shooter training, ACE and more. These aren’t just checkboxes—they’re life-saving skills. I’ve personally attended these trainings and watched managers stroll in late, hungover, or zone out.
Let me be blunt: If you’re ever in a crisis and you didn’t pay attention, that moment of distraction could cost lives, maybe even yours.
Then there are the untold stories of the managers who did take it seriously and saved someone’s life. So ask yourself: Which manager are you?
Show up early. Show up ready. Show up present.
The world runs on time. Are you the one who shows up early, prepared, and ready to lead? Or are you walking in last minute, frazzled, bringing chaos with you? Being present isn’t just about being physically there. It’s about being focused, engaged, and committed to the task. When you bring that energy, your team follows.
Alcohol & Accountability
Let’s be honest, there’s a level of leniency in this industry when it comes to alcohol. That said, with leniency comes responsibility.
The best practice? Don’t drink at all while you’re on the clock. Period. You’re there to lead, to manage and to ensure operations run smoothly. But if you do choose to have a drink in a professional setting, remember what’s at stake.
You cannot lead effectively if you’re buzzed, sloppy, hungover or losing control. Your clarity, your judgment, and your presence are essential. This isn’t just about image, it’s about money, operations and above all, the safety of every person in the club.
True leaders get this. They take it seriously. They know that a moment of indulgence is never worth compromising their credibility or the well-being of others. If you want to stand out, to build trust and to elevate this industry, be the one who leads with discipline. Make decisions with intention.
And remember: Respecting your role means respecting everything that comes with it.
Respect is Non-Negotiable
This one is huge! Treat entertainers with the respect and dignity they deserve. They’re not props. They’re not there for your personal entertainment. They’re professionals, just like you.
Clear communication and professional eye contact are signs of leadership. Not flirting, crossing boundaries, or sending inappropriate messages or photos. That behavior is not leadership, and it’s never acceptable.
True leadership is about creating an environment of mutual respect, where everyone feels safe, valued and empowered, even on their worst nights.
This should go without saying, but I’ve seen enough to say it directly — if you’re a manager or staff, your clothes stay on and we don’t send pics. Period. Professionalism matters.
— Caressa
Lead by Example
Reputation is everything. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about responsibility. Accountability. Integrity.
If you’re in a manager role, someone believed in your ability to lead, and people are relying on your ability to execute. Someone saw something in you. So, own it. Set the bar. Be the example. Be the reason someone feels safe, feels valued or even better, someone else levels up.
Together, we can redefine what leadership looks like in this space, the future of this industry and the reputation of it starts with you. Every action you take, every decision you make, reflects not just on you, but on the entire industry. You’re either helping change the narrative or you’re reinforcing the stigma.
For more information, visit www.poleposition.app. Caressa serves as the founding employee and Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at IndyWork, with a foundational role in launching and growing Pole Position from the ground up. Prior to IndyWork, she worked in the medical industry with a focus on product development & strategy, and launching new company initiatives. She has also participated in multiple leadership programs, bringing a well-rounded perspective to team dynamics and organizational growth. She believes true leadership is measured by the outcomes it creates and the culture it fosters.
