Molly Taylor is the senior vice president, merchandising, fashion, editorial and marketplace at Rue Gilt Groupe. She is also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Molly a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman that inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    “When Women Ran 5th Avenue” by Julie Satow. So wonderful (and educational) to read about strong women that were pioneers in our industry and to see how they navigated a male-dominated culture. Very relevant today!
  2. What is a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    In my current role we’re in office two days a week, so remote is a big part of our lives. There needs to be moments for connection that are not part of the agenda — checking in, sharing how your weekend was, some news to share. Just being human and creating an environment where others can be as well. It’s more difficult to create a positive work culture remotely, but it’s absolutely possible. You just need to be purposeful about finding time to allow everyone to be seen and contribute. When people feel heard and valued, great things happen!
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    I adjusted my style to be what I thought was preferred or expected. I didn’t have the confidence to just be me, and I regret that. Being yourself is the best contribution you can make to the business, the team and to yourself.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    One of the toughest, and also the best part, is to empower others to choose their own path. My job as a leader is to guide, support and engage, but also to be invested in other’s development which means to allow them to find their path, even if it’s not mine.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    A blend of group and individual touchpoints. I learned a long time ago that motivation is very personal. When you genuinely understand what each person needs to feel valued and seen, you can really allow everyone to be their best. A little bit of group cheerleading is a healthy part of the recipe as well 🙂
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Margaret Brennan from “Face the Nation.” I’m inspired by her strength and poise in an unprecedented time. She is unruffled and articulate even in elevated and combative interviews and conversations. She is fierce!!
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
    I’m excited about all of the applications for AI in our industry and in our own company. I’m looking forward to how that can simplify the tactical workload of our team while creating a more relevant and optimized output. I’m much clearer about how AI can impact many facets of the customer and employee experience, and I’m excited about that! I’m also looking forward to how our industry can solve complex problems related to the current tariff challenges to foster an equitable approach where sourcing, wholesale and retail can all succeed.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Passion and potential. These two elements have been a part of my hiring decisions for a very long time. I don’t expect someone to know exactly how to do the job before they’re in the job, but I do want to feel their passion for the particular role they’re interviewing for (even if it’s a purposeful career step). I want to understand their experiences and demonstration of success to know they have the potential to continue to grow and learn.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’ve noticed that the things that used to frustrate me and throw me off my game just don’t anymore. After working on “how I show up” for years, I believe in the last year that work is really part of my subconscious now. I feel more confident and positive than ever!
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Daily it’s “Up First from NPR,” but when I have a few extra minutes it’s “Business Wars” —  educational and entertaining. I love it!!
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Authenticity and consistency. I believe when leaders show up as their true selves when times are good and when they’re not, teams can relax and not worry about whiplash every day. The ability to achieve and execute a strategic road map, as well as pivot in the moment when external factors change, has everything to do with a stable and consistent leadership approach.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I am very values driven AND I trust others, so I expect and believe people to do what they say they’re going to do, and I expect people to do the right thing when no one is looking. I get disappointed when there’s a disconnect between what they say is important and the actions and impact they make.
  13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
    I block my calendar between 12-1 and between 4-5 to ensure that I have some working time during the day. I really try to protect that daily time. I also practice The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Even if time is tight, I make time for affirmations, visualization and scribing (my gratitude journal) every day. When I do these things, my mindset is in the right place to have a more patient and positive approach to the day; I’m reminded about what is important.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m just Molly, and that’s exactly who I want to be!
  15. What’s your favorite app? 
    The Delta app. It’s THE BEST!!
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I cook! It’s my favorite activity to relax Whether Tuesday dinner, reduction sauces or homemade jam — you can’t multitask when you’re actively cooking and it’s always just what I need.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My two boys (or grown young men). They amaze me by their kindness, compassion and awareness of the world around them. They’re perfect to me, and I am very proud.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Don’t minimize yourself; you’re a badass and you can do it!!
  19. What gets you up in the morning? 
    People and purpose. I want to feel like I’m making a difference and having an impact every day!
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    The community! I didn’t know how much I needed it before I joined. The support, the genuineness, the fierceness … it’s awesome.

Interested in connecting with women like Molly? Apply today to become a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member!