Annette Repasch, group vice president, softlines at Meijer, is a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member and has made her mark on the retail industry. Annette’s quick wit, big heart and ability to swiftly turn around challenged businesses is part of her many career achievements. Recently, she was named one of Delivering Good’s 2018 Annual Gala Honorees. We recently asked Annette some rapid-fire questions so you can get to know her better.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently? “The Wisdom of Wolves“
  2. What excites you most about retail? It’s an ever-changing, fast-moving business
  3. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? My husband, my parents, my three best friends, Joan Rivers, Princess Kate, and Lady Gaga.
  4. What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger? Life isn’t perfect.
  5. Where do you do your best thinking? In the shower
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She’s smart, resilient, bold and powerful.
  7. When you’re traveling for work, what’s a must-pack item? My iPad
  8. What’s your favorite aspect of your job? Being a mentor and coaching the teams
  9. What’s the best advice that’s ever been given to you? Be patient.
  10. What’s your favorite time of day to be productive? Between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
  11. How do you decompress? Fitness. I like to work out.
  12. What barriers have you had to overcome in your career? Figuring out how to de-program my earlier retail “school of hard knocks” training
  13. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? Have confidence in yourself.
  14. If you weren’t working in the retail industry, what do you think you’d be doing? I think I’d be the owner of a chain of exclusive medical spas.
  15. How would you describe your leadership style? A passionate visionary who has a proven track record of turning around challenging businesses and teams.