5 Top Women in Retail on the Lessons That Changed Them as Leaders

Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) recently released its 15th annual Top Women in Retail report. The valuable resource highlights female executives who are at the forefront of the retail industry. We asked several of our 2025 Top Women in Retail honorees what lessons changed them as leaders; here are a few skills they say are crucial to have if you want to become an effective leader.

Linda Hubbard, President and CEO, Carhartt, Inc.

Over the course of my career, I’ve learned how to balance head and heart. Associate engagement can endure, and even thrive, in difficult situations, but that can’t last forever. Long-term engagement needs strong business results just as much as strong business results rely on engaged employees.

Sunny Jiang, CEO and President, Eyebuydirect

Leading cross-functional teams on international projects across my career has taught me a powerful lesson: effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are key to successful collaboration. Navigating differences in language, culture and time zones reinforced the importance of leading by example. If I expect dedication, efficiency and positivity from my team, I need to embody those values myself. That mindset has been key to fostering a healthy and productive work culture.

Mecca Mitchell, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Organizational Transformation, DEI, and Community Impact, Burlington Stores, Inc.

The exercise of professional courage, early and often in your career, is a skill worth mastering. The ability to show up authentically, to speak truth to power, to stand up and speak out when it matters the most — this is the manifestation of professional courage. My leadership trajectory completely changed once I embraced the power and practice of professional courage.

Fabiola Torres, Chief Marketing Officer, Gap

The power of WE. As a leader I cannot operate on my own. I love learning from our own talent, staying curious to keep learning and current, and showing unconditional support for my colleagues. 

Jennie Weber, Chief Marketing Officer, Best Buy

There’s no singular lesson to point to, rather what I’ve learned by observing so many accomplished and brilliant leaders over the years. What I’ve realized is those that had the biggest value-added impact were the ones that were willing to invest time, energy and focus on the people around them. Those leaders were the most open and typically the most engaged in the work, sitting side by side with their teams to tackle the biggest challenges. Most of these impactful leaders show up when it’s tough, and they freely give their personal time to the development of their teams. They’re the most willing to have difficult discussions and share straightforward feedback even when it’s uncomfortable. Those are the leaders that have left the biggest imprint on me and helped me grow as a leader. I want to emulate those characteristics and bring that energy into my leadership every single day.