20 Questions With Lori Rickard, Director, Workload Planning and Communications, Cinemark

Lori Rickard is the director of workload planning and communications at the American cinema chain Cinemark. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member! In this member spotlight, we asked Rickard a series of questions about both her professional and personal lives, including the woman that inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more, so that you can get to know her better.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
   “The Words We Whisper” by Mary Ellen Taylor.
2. What’s your go-to coffee order? 
   Vanilla sweet cream cold brew
3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
   Feeling the need to be “heard” and not spending enough time listening
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Creating boundaries. You spend so much time with your team that they can become like a family, and when it’s time to be more direct, provide direction, etc., it can be a little challenging.
5. What’s the best way you motivate team members? 
   Celebrate wins — no matter how big or small.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   My mother (always). As a divorced, single mother of three, she went back to college and fulfilled her education dreams. She never stopped stressing the importance of education and encouraging me.
7. Which emerging retail trend are you curious about right now? 
   Scan and go
8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Willingness to learn and being humble
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   I’m capable.
10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Armchair Expert
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Trust, transparency and mentorship
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m an open book.
13. What’s one thing about your job that’s not on your LinkedIn profile?
    Honestly, my LinkedIn can use some updating, including my current job responsibilities at Cinemark. 😊
14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m passionate about my work because I love what I do.
15. What’s your favorite app? 
    Amazon
16. What do you do to recharge?
    Any kind of spa treatment; reading; travel; time with family and friends
17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    Creating and launching a curbside delivery process within 24 hours in the midst of COVID-19.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be confident and proud of your accomplishments and don’t forget to celebrate!
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    Two alarm clocks and a coffee. 😊 Honestly, I love my team and I look forward to seeing and working with them each day.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    Having a network of like-minded and powerful women