The women were selected by WWD's Fairchild Studio and Berns Communications Group in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Volunteer and try to sit in on as many meetings as possible so you are exposed to others within your organization and learn the sales pitch, the strategy and the way business gets done. Knowledge and visibility is power.
Build a network. This is your power base. Your network should be within and outside of your category of business. There will always be a lot to learn and try, but ultimately building a brand that consumers love, products that delight and delivering great customer experiences will be what sets the winners apart from the rest of the pack.WWD: If you could go back in time, what career advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?Surround yourself with people that lift each other up; a community with different points of view.
There are so many things I would tell my younger self but most importantly, learn, listen, lean in and find your purpose and make sure that all decisions are in support of that.Leadership has changed and much more is expected today. Learning to lead with empathy, while bringing out the best in everyone.
Every opportunity is a learning experience. At 20, you are just starting your journey so take none of it for granted, you never know how who you have met or what you learned will come full circle for you down the road.Pay it forward. When there is an opportunity for knowledge-sharing, do it and make it part of your best practices. The more well-versed the team around you is, the more successful you all are as a whole.
WWD: What are the challenges and opportunities women business leaders face today in fashion, apparel and retail? So many industries are at a pivotal time right now — the acceleration of digital, the changing behaviors of how consumers want to interface with content and commerce, the critical need to develop an authentic, engaged community around your brand and ensure trust — all of these things need to be at the forefront of strategy.
WWD: What are the challenges and opportunities women business leaders face today in fashion, apparel and retail? Fashion, apparel and retail are constantly evolving industries that challenge today’s young professionals due to the lack of in-person networking, business and general connectivity. These in-person experiences not only build business but build relationships among professionals that may not exist otherwise — ultimately bringing opportunities.
The opportunities and risk rewards are huge too. Following through, good diligence and a well-executed project will never go unnoticed whether in the office or by virtual delivery. Exceeding expectations, not just meeting them, is always an opportunity. WWD: What are the challenges and opportunities women business leaders face today in fashion, apparel and retail? A challenge is an opportunity to do something great. Women can do anything. We’re survivors. We adapt. We accomplish and continue to accomplish. Women in this industry support one another and create opportunity for other women. In that, we have a strength and responsibility.Courtesy Image.
We are defining the future of retail and I see amazing opportunities for women business leaders who lean into the change. The how and where we shop has changed forever and a lot of this has been driven by technology. Rather than fear it, embrace the opportunities technology presents across every area of your business from production to merchandising to the increased ability to have meaningful connections with your customers no matter where they shop .Tracey T.
For women, and particularly women of color, challenges in access to opportunities continue to exist. As leaders in the industry, we need to constantly look at various levels in the company and make sure that there is not only a good representation of diverse employees but that they have opportunities for promotions and to rise through the ranks. Mentor, sponsor and advocate.
When it comes to flexibility, that will help you pivot quickly if you need to, seize upon an opportunity when presented even if it was not in the business plan, and respond to active listening with out-of-the-box solutions.