6 Women in Retail on the Rise Share How They Effectively Lead

Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) recently released its 14th annual Top Women in Retail report. The valuable resource highlights female executives who impressed us as well as colleagues from the industry. We asked several of our “On the Rise” women what skills they developed that led them to be a successful leader in the world of retail. Here are a few skills they say are crucial to have if you want to become an effective leader.

Carmen Andrade Hardaway, Global Director of Apparel Collaborations and Social Purpose, Reebok

“I’ve always led with a ‘put your people first’ mentality. In order to effectively lead, it’s important for me to foster a level of trust and confidence with all teams I work with. To do this, I lead with three behaviors. Empathy is paramount as it helps me remember the person vs. “just the employee.” I also recognize the power of vulnerability and the opportunity it allows for stronger connections with my teams. Lastly, setting clear and healthy boundaries for myself and my team helps us all stay balanced, focused and, ultimately, more productive.”

Kelsey Charles, Director, Partnerships and Events, Lucchese Bootmaker

“A refusal to quit. Growing up, my dad always used to tell me that ‘winners never quit and quitters never win.’ He was right. There is ALWAYS a way. When someone tells you ‘no’, take it as a redirection instead of an indictment. Make yourself invaluable and be assertive. Ask for the challenging tasks, the projects that no one else wants to tackle. Roll up your sleeves and absolutely knock it out of the park. Make them respect you by your quality of work and drive, not simply by what you say. Most importantly, especially as women, lift while you climb. As a leader you should be proud of those you promote, even if up and out of your department (or even your company). Your ability to grow talent and the future female leaders of the world isn’t a threat but a medal to wear proudly. I look forward to continuing to be a part of that.”

Leigha Dunbar, Senior Director/Senior Divisional Merchandise Manager, Walgreens

“As I think about my journey and look to the future, there are key principles that I will continue to rely on. Being authentic and true to who I am, having a voice and sharing my point of view are paramount. Learning how and when to share my thoughts was key for me early in my career and once I mastered my personal approach, it became very natural. Neither my personality nor my leadership style has ever fit into a box. That’s what makes me unique. I’ve been told that I’m tough but fair. I believe that being authentic and having empathy are important qualities in an effective leader. People are important to me, so creating that connection, that partnership that’s built on trust and honesty, is how I strive to make my collective teams great.”

Meriyem Kaf, Director, Merchandise Strategy and Execution, Home Hardware Stores Limited

“As a leader, I value empathy, transparency, adaptability, clear vision, and strong interpersonal skills, which have been pivotal in guiding and connecting with my team. Central to my approach is self-awareness, recognizing both my strengths and areas for growth. I believe leadership is a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement. Committed to this path, I continuously seek to enhance my abilities and understand different perspectives. This humble and self-aware approach not only keeps me grounded, but also equips me to meet the evolving challenges of our industry with resilience and informed leadership.”

Krystal A. Walker, Lead Director, Beauty and Personal Care Customer Experience Team, CVS Health

“As I ascend in my career, my roles are shifting from being a subject matter expert to a generalist. As a result, I need to become adept at finding ways to stay connected and expand my knowledge base. Honing the below list of qualities allows me to do so with ease, while also equipping me with the skills needed to tackle the challenges of an evolving retail landscape:

• strong opinions that are loosely held;
• staying consumer-centric;
• active listening;
• passion for retail; and
• being teachable and having an appetite for learning new things.”

Trisha White, Director, Digital Product, Shop, Signet Jewelers

“I believe that to be an effective leader, you must earn trust from your team and empower them to take risks. I’ve spent many years learning how to ‘let go’ and practice encouraging team members in their growth. Additionally, I will never downplay the fact that I can learn from my teams. Being an active listener is an important quality.”