Ruth Hartman is a board member of Orva, an e-commerce platform specializing in the sale of footwear, apparel, accessories, and home products from leading consumer brands through online channels. She’s also an external advisor to Bain & Company. Her lengthy career in retail includes roles such as the president of Techstyles Sportswear and Lord + Taylor, as well as executive leadership roles at DSW, Macy’s, and Le Tote. Ruth is also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked  Ruth 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.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    Non-fiction: “Choosing Possibility” by Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. I know Sukhinder from a former business connection. She was kind enough to send me an advance copy a few years ago and I recently “re-skimmed” it. I again found it to be inspirational (both on a professional and personal level) for taking risks and thriving — even if you fail. Such a good life lesson.
    Fiction: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah — sometimes a difficult read but beautifully written.
  2. What is a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    Be uber perceptive to what’s “not being said,” which includes both opportunities as well as issues. It can be more challenging to read body language over a video or phone call but it’s definitely there. I call it “What’s happening under the waterline.” If you tease it out, there can be some great ah-hahs and outcomes for both the team and the business.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    While I think that I’ve always been a natural leader, when I started to manage people I didn’t put as much emphasis into “walking the halls/talking the talk.” Taking time to do that has a great return on investment — both in tangible business results as well as building culture. Maintaining a strong balance of EQ/IQ leadership is a key element of success.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    It’s often said that it can be “lonely at the top.” Having a network (like the WIRLC CEO Peer Group) to use as a sounding board is key. I find that brainstorming, asking questions, and considering alternate opinions from diverse/disparate POVs has helped me make better decisions throughout my career.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Create a strong culture by being an authentic and transparent leader. Show people — at ALL levels — how their attitude and actions DO make a contribution. I ask inquisitive questions to help people find their own answer (vs. giving it to them), which is both motivational and teaches them to think on their own two feet. I try to always be open and welcome diverse approaches/divergent opinions while still being the key decision maker as needed. Finally, my motto is to be fair, firm and friendly (not always in that order!). I’ve found that using this balanced approach creates a win-win for all.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Elinor Murphy, who was my boss at a retail boutique in Vermont when I was 15. She took me on my very first buying trip to New York (on an overnight Amtrak train!) and  taught me so much about merchandising and negotiation. For decades, El has been my mentor, “second mom,” great friend, and fellow native Vermonter who really “gets me.” While she’s always been an inspiration to me, even more so now. She turned 80 last year, and even with  several health issues, she is as engaged, active, inquisitive and thoughtful as ever.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
    For brands to create a differentiated and unique story that breaks through the noise.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    A collaborative, agile, flexible and entrepreneurial mindset where they can create a road map and think on their feet as strategy and priorities shift.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’ve had much personal and professional change in the past year which has reinforced my desire to lead a present, balanced, centered, and fun life.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast? 
    “Wiser Than Me” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Inspirational and FUNNY!!
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Authenticity, transparency, attitude
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I strive to be present — to live each precious day with engagement and joy, connecting to bring light to my communities.
  13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
    Taking a deep look at what I value most and how I want to live my life each day.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence? 
    I am an energetic, authentic person who thrives on connection and learning, understanding others, and building deep, trusting relationships.
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    Spotify — for both music and podcasts.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    Get outside, exercise, and breathe! Traveling to a new place is always energizing; I love discovering new horizons and seeing how other people live their lives. My partner Bob and I were recently in New Zealand and Tasmania for a month — awesome!
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    Being brave and navigating through the chapters of my life with resilience and intention while raising two sons who are good humans, and building close relationships/connections with my friend group.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    You CAN have it all. “Having it all” is a personal choice that reflects your values in any given chapter of your life. Instead of stating a goal/achievement, evolve into a life of experiences and fulfillment that naturally flows and unfolds. “No” is a full sentence. I borrowed that from a Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast interview with Jane Fonda 😉
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    A sunny day and a really good latte!
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    The connections I’ve made and how authentic and vulnerable women can be with one another. As a great friend of mine says, “Leaders impress with their strengths and connect with their vulnerabilities.”

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