Women in Retail Leadership Circle | On the Road headed to Pittsburgh on Oct. 3 for our first-ever event in the Steel City, and it was a huge success.

A packed audience of senior-level women executives from companies such as American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), Dick’s Sporting Goods, GNC, Giant Eagle, rue21, Qurate Retail Group, and more heard from speakers focusing on both executive professional development and retail business strategy. Attendees also took part in some fun networking activities.

The event opened with a discussion about striking a balance between being a female leader in life and in retail, featuring insights from Sarah Cascone, vice president of marketing at Bluecore, and Lora Loesch, the former vice president of marketing and finance at JD Sports/Finish Line.

Next, Denise Karkos, chief e-commerce officer of Dick’s Sporting Goods, walked attendees through her successful retail career, including five tips she learned from her own experience on how to build a successful career. They included:

  1. don’t sacrifice your own success;
  2. create tangible wins;
  3. be coachable;
  4. manage your brand; and
  5. take it to the finish line.

In addition, Karkos discussed her love of sports and how being captain of Notre Dame’s women’s soccer team helped shaped her into the leader she has become today.

Stacey McCormick, chief marketing officer of Aerie, OFFLINE, and Unsubscribed, spoke next. She discussed how the Aerie brand got its start; the tools and tactics she uses to generate engagement across the portfolio of brands she oversees; and best practices for using social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to connect with your community.

Lastly, Mary Beth Trypus, the former chief revenue officer of Vera Bradley (and a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member), moderated a panel with leading retail execs, including Mary Beth Green, chief innovation officer, Sheetz; Rachel Jones, senior vice president and chief product innovation and science officer, GNC; and Karlyn Mattson, executive vice president, chief customer officer, rue21. During the discussion, the leaders shared their biggest strengths and how they articulate them; how they motivate their teams and foster a culture of innovation within their organizations; and their thoughts on transformation and the retail industry as a whole. It was a thought-provoking discussion with many takeaways.

The event ended with a networking cocktail reception, and attendees took home some great swag bags.
The Women in Retail Leadership Circle | On the Road show continues this fall, with stops in New York City (Oct. 12) and Los Angeles (Nov. 2). We hope that you are able to join us. And remember, Women in Retail Leadership Circle members can watch the full sessions from all of our in-person events here. Not a member? Apply today!