Jannine Abadi is the founder of Jannine Abadi & Associates, a boutique executive search firm focused on the consumer and retail industry. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) consultant member! In this member spotlight, we asked Abadi a series of questions about her personal and professional life so that you can get to know her better.

Inner Circle: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your professional background.
Jannine Abadi: I was born on Long Island, lived in New York City for over ten years and moved back to Long Island when I got married. I started my career in retail by accident. My plan was to work in retail until I found my marketing/advertising job. But what I didn’t account for was that I would love retail so much that it would change my career trajectory. I worked in retail for twelve years, moving up quickly from store manager to district manager to regional director responsible for 80 stores. It was an incredible ride working for amazing trailblazing companies in both the apparel and footwear space, but I took time off to have kids and take care of my ailing dad.

When I was ready to return to the workforce, I decided not to go back to retail because with two small children it would have involved too much travel. After speaking with a recruiter whom I knew for many years, I decided to join his company and start a retail division. Then, after working for various agencies, I saw  a need for a more personalized approach to recruitment. So I decided to take a chance, and in 2013, started my own boutique agency.

IC: Tell us about your company. What services do you offer?
JA: Jannine Abadi Associates is a boutique executive search firm that specializes in mid to senior level positions in the fashion, beauty, health and wellness, and consumer goods/manufacturing industries for wholesale, retail and e-commerce. We also offer organizational assessments, career coaching and resume services. What  sets us apart from others in the recruitment space is that we don’t play a numbers game like the big agencies. Additionally, we take the time to learn about company cultures and the hiring managers’ styles of management before starting a search to ensure a perfect fit for both the client and the candidate. We strive to make lasting placements.

IC: What are some hiring trends you are tracking right now in the retail space?
JA: Hiring is tough right now and has been since the Covid-19 pandemic. When hiring for either corporate or brick-and-mortar roles, retail companies adapt to the changing market conditions and consumer preferences by hiring quickly and efficiently. Companies cannot afford to browse candidates these days as the market is very competitive.

IC: If one of our members is looking for an executive-level position in the retail space right now, what is the first thing you would tell them to do?
JA: I would  tell them to check their LinkedIn profile and make sure it is optimized for searching for a job. I would look at their resume and make sure it’s not dated. Especially for women, I also would make sure it really highlights their accomplishments. I find that women in general don’t boast enough about their success stories and what they can bring to a company. I like to pull their accomplishments out of them when speaking and then say “why is that not on your resume?”

IC::Let’s talk a bit about you as an entrepreneur. What were some challenges you had starting your company and how did you overcome them?
JA: My biggest challenge was my own self-confidence! I was afraid that I would disappoint my clients.  That was a big one for me. Once I could see that I could make things happen and my clients were so happy, I knew I was on to something great. My business has grown substantially by word of mouth and by former candidates that are now hiring managers.

IC::It’s hard to be an entrepreneur as well as a mom. Do you have any time management tips?
JA: Its all about being organized and scheduling the time. If it’s not on my calendar, it probably wont happen!

IC: What is your favorite way to recharge?
JA: I love my vegetable, herb and fruit garden. If I had the space I would put a greenhouse in my backyard. (I’m not sure how my family would feel about that). But a close second is the beach. I love the sand, the ocean and listening to the crashing waves.

IC: What is your favorite piece of advice?
JA: One day at a time. We put so much pressure on ourselves. We need to know we are actually getting it done, without even realizing it.

IC: What are you most looking forward to, professionally or personally, in 2024.
JA: Professionally-speaking I’m hoping to expand in 2024. We may set up satellite offices in L.A. I am nervous about not being in total control, but I do need to let go and trust this process.

IC: Finally, what do you enjoy about being a Women in Retail Leadership Circle consultant member?
JA: I got into this business because I’m a people person. I love meeting new people, listening to their stories, and I learn and grow from everyone. I’m looking forward to meeting strong, likeminded women, forging new relationships, and to continue to evolve and grow in this industry we all love!