Yasaman Stewart is the director of marketing for Friendly’s Restaurants, which is part of Brix Holdings. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Stewart a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, 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?
    “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” by Lois P. Frankel
  2. What is a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    Regular check-ins are essential. Set a time once a week to have a thorough touch base. Also, make sure to do periodic check-ins throughout the day so you can ensure that you address any of their concerns and help them tackle projects they’re working on. This doesn’t mean micromanaging. It’s more that they know they can reach out to you when they need to.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    I chased the title. I was barely kicking off in my career and was questioning why I wasn’t receiving the titles so early in my career. That prevented me from bettering myself and accepting constructive feedback. Work hard to get that promotion but learn as you’re doing it!
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Accountability. It should be the easiest part of being a leader, but I have a sensitive side that makes me feel bad when I hold a team member accountable.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Positivity and allowing them to express their ideas and thoughts. It’s an “emotional bank account.” You must allow them the opportunity to deposit to be able to withdraw.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    My mentor, Dena Tripp. I’ve learned so much from her throughout the years and her words and guidance still play a big part in my career decisions. She is a friend, mentor, and someone I can always depend on when I’m questioning my path and purpose in general.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
    Innovation! I love to see new ideas and concepts. Saying “I should have thought of that” is a good thing!
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Passion. Telling me what you’ve accomplished is OK, but excitement about what you WANT to accomplish is better.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    Boundaries are essential in life. I must put up work and personal boundaries to stay happy and motivated. Without boundaries, burnout is real and the focus will be tough.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    “The Joe Rogan Experience” 😉
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Transparency, collaboration, and commitment to excellence
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I love to learn … nonstop … and don’t know all the answers or have all the skills initially. Life would be boring if I did!
  13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
    I’ve turned all email and Teams notifications off on my phone. I put away my computer and phone at a set time every weekday and same with the weekends. I check my email once throughout the weekend but let my team know I’m available via text if there’s an emergency.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m honest and genuine with myself, friends, family and colleagues.
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    Aura
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    Meditate. Every single morning.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My life with my husband and dog. We set goals and work hard to achieve them every day. We’re not afraid of new opportunities and living life.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Always be your own cheerleader and surround yourself with driven goal setters. Don’t get stuck in the world of titles and salaries because you may lose the ability to keep learning from those around you if you’re only chasing the dollar. Success will come when you display confidence and flexibility. Promise!
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    Goals (and the smell of delicious coffee from Whiskey Morning Coffee brewing)
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    The sisterhood and support. I’ve met so many strong, smart and VULNERABLE women that I call my friends. It makes you feel less alone in this fast moving and crazy world we live in.

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