Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) recently released its 15th annual Top Women in Retail report. The valuable resource highlights female executives who are making significant impacts across the retail industry. Each year, we highlight a handful of women we consider “On the Rise” — i.e., director-level women who have impressed us with their talent, their impact on mentorship, and their ability to lead. This year, we asked our On the Rise honorees what skills they believe are crucial to have if you want to become an effective leader.

Anne Gottwald, Director of Product Merchandising, Lucchese Bootmaker

Great business results come from inspiration, hard work, encouragement, organization and teamwork, and I do my best to lead by example. I think it’s important to operate in your strengths and do what you love. True success comes from everyone bringing their talents and working together to achieve a common goal. Diversity of thought, skills and experience add much color and richness to a team and business.  

As an authentic leader, I like to mentor, support and promote my staff. Having the support and trust of senior management and your team is crucial for success. This is why I always endeavor to include everyone in what we’re working on to build buy-in, strengthen collaboration, and ensure alignment.  

Madison Hajeb, Senior Director, Testing and Innovation, Tapestry

I was asked by a coach once whether it was more important for me to be right or to be effective. I admit that I still ask myself this question regularly when faced with disagreements or strategic differences with other leaders. I’ve learned to step back from my own ego and influence more effectively through empathy and preparation instead of insistence and frustration. In moments with my own teams, this framing also helps me develop others and allow them to grow, learn and even fail, because that leads to stronger long-term outcomes than simply being right in the moment.

Sasha Harris, Director, Category Management, Women’s Health, CVS Health

Lead quietly, but don’t be silent.

Early in my career, I often felt unheard. That frustration sometimes led me to silence myself. I had to find a balance — learning to actively listen, not just to respond, but to truly understand. At the same time, I had to ensure my voice was heard at the right moments.

This shift in mindset made me a better leader. I prioritize listening — to my team, to my peers, to my customers — while also ensuring I advocate for what matters. Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room; it’s about making the right impact.

Kaanji Irby, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Signet Jewelers

Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers. However, I learned that true impact comes from creating space for others to be heard. By actively listening — without rushing to respond — I built trust, gained deeper insights, and made more inclusive decisions. This shift not only strengthened my leadership but also reinforced the importance of advocacy and allyship. I’ve seen firsthand how listening fosters belonging, and that’s a lesson I carry into every conversation and decision.

Amila Pezer, Director of Learning and Development, UNTUCKit

One lesson I always carry with me — and often remind myself of during moments of chaos — is that there’s always a “why” behind everything we do. Sometimes uncovering the true obstacle behind a challenge or moment of distraction feels like peeling back the layers of an onion, but getting to the core is essential for meaningful progress. Everything we do has meaning and purpose — every result is driven by factors that shape its outcome. By understanding the “why” behind our experiences, we gain valuable insights that help us improve and grow. As leaders, this awareness also teaches us the importance of slowing down. When things feel fast-paced or rushed, taking a moment to pause and make thoughtful decisions isn’t just OK, it’s essential.

Read additional interviews from our 2025 Top Women in Retail report by downloading it here. Want to connect with women leaders like the ones featured in our report? Apply to become a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member today!