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So far I've seen a lot about how Satoshi keeps inspiring Serena to improve.
However, another important point that I haven't seen talked about is that right before her meeting, Serena confesses to Koharu that Lisia asked her to form an idol unit and she wasn't sure what to do next. Koharu quickly encourages her to take action with the same advice she received before her.
But it's when Ash shows up and shares his dream of being the best trainer in the world that Serena finally sets her sights on becoming the best performer in Pokemon contests.