Deborah Brown-Volkman is the director of operations for STATUS SPORTS, a social enterprise/performance apparel startup company. She is also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member! We asked Deborah a series of questions about her career and other subjects so you can get to know her better.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    “Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive With the New Science of Success” by Brad Stulberg
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    You can’t spend too much time with your people.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    Not asking for help. I thought it would make me look weak.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Leading people that don’t want to be lead — or those who are unmotivated, negative or don’t show up.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Listen to them. Having someone to talk things through makes a big difference. People like to be heard and it increases their confidence when someone else likes and supports their ideas.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Shay Rowbottom, who is a LinkedIn influencer. What she’s doing with LinkedIn videos is impressive and inspiring. And Courtney Powell, chief operating officer at 500 Global. She’s traveling all over the world to help startups grow. She has a seat at the table in discussions. In many cases, she’s the only woman sitting at the table, and they’re thrilled she’s there.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry in 2022?
    Performance apparel growth and more investments to startups in this area.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a potential job candidate?
    Mindset. Skills can learned. Passion, drive and motivation come from within. It’s hard to teach that.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I listen to different things, so I don’t have a favorite.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Integrity, communication and accountability. If you say you’re going to do something, I will count on you to do it. If you can’t, communicate, and let me know when you can. Don’t make me chase you.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m forward-thinking, big-picture oriented, enthusiastic, motivated, and driven. I bring ideas to life.
  13. What’s one habit you adopted while working from home that you’d like to keep with you as you return to the office?
    Downtime. I tend to push myself too hard sometimes.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m a mix of data and intuition; both spiritual and practical.
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    LinkedIn. I’ve learned so much from my connections and have met terrific people who are up to big things.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    Exercise. You can find me at Crossfit in the mornings.
  17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    Becoming the director of operations for a startup apparel company. It’s a seat at the table, leadership role, and I worked very hard to get it. My mandate is strategy, planning, organization, execution, and special projects with an overarching focus on operational excellence. I’m the glue, and it’s a privilege for me to have this role.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Speak up more. Share your ideas. And don’t be afraid to be yourself.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    My alarm clock.
  20. How would you describe your leadership style?
    I’m tough but also empathetic. I want you to succeed and be your best. I also want you to do great work.

Interested in connecting with women like Deborah Brown-Volkman? Apply today to become a Woman in Retail Leadership Circle member!