The retail business is dynamic, fast paced, and exciting. I’ve made this industry my career for the past twenty-five years. The ever-changing consumer shopping behavior, trends, and innovation makes retail special. The ability to learn new things everyday inspires me.
As anyone else has, I’ve faced obstacles. Most of them were created in my own mind, but they were obstacles to me nonetheless. I was invited to an important job interview at seven months pregnant and got the job. After that, I began to see fewer obstacles to building and growing my career and began to assume I could do anything, including raising a family. Of course, I have many supporters. Once someone invests in you or gives you feedback that no one else will give, you continue to ask for their guidance. I take the time to reflect and offer my gratitude for their investment in me. That perhaps is the biggest reward: return the investment into others so they can grow.
Seeing others succeed is gratifying. Just this morning I sent someone who used to report to me a note because he received well-deserved compliments in a large meeting. I told him I was proud. He told me he has a great team. That’s the circle—success is about surrounding yourself with high-performing people, especially those who are different than you. When you have success, you give the credit to your team. While you may provide the leadership and the vision, keep them engaged, motivate and inspire them, they deserve all the credit.
For me, having a healthy family, fulfilling work, and the opportunity to help other people succeed is fun. To me, that’s happiness. May you find your fun and happiness too.
What does it take to succeed and stay competitive in your position/field?
Speed, resilience, tenacity, and the ability to speak in front of large groups of people on a vast array of topics, with little or no preparation
Is there a role model who has had a profound impact on your career and/or life? What did he/she motivate you to do?
My mom is a retired consumer packaged goods professional and inspired me to work hard, make good choices, and not feel guilty for my decisions. Raising a family and working is difficult, but can be done if you simply ask for help when you need it most. I take my mom on a business trip at least once a year so she can see how much fun I have working full-time.
