20 Questions With Lisa Troup, Buying Director, Cosmetics, Macy's

Lisa Troup is the buying director of cosmetics at Macy’s. She is also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Lisa 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?
   “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl. Though not a new book, it offers a profound exploration of human resilience and the pursuit of meaning in life.
2. What is a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
   Maintaining a well-organized calendar is essential. It provides my team with clarity on upcoming priorities, my availability, and scheduled collaboration times. Once key meetings are set, I strive to uphold consistency to minimize last-minute urgencies.
3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
   I hesitated to advocate for myself and contribute in meetings, assuming my lack of experience meant my input wasn’t valuable. In hindsight, engaging in dialogue would have strengthened my confidence and impact.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Balancing efficiency with effectiveness. While quick decision-making is often necessary, it’s equally important to pause, analyze, and ensure the best outcome for the team.
5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
   I create an inclusive environment where every team member has a voice. Encouraging diverse perspectives fosters collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   Mel Robbins. I appreciate her authenticity, curiosity, and ability to distill complex topics into relatable insights.
7. What are you looking forward to most for the industry over the next year?
   I’m eager to see how the industry navigates tariff discussions. Retail has proven its adaptability in the face of challenges, and I’m confident that innovation will emerge from this period of uncertainty.
8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   It’s hard to narrow it down to just one thing. I look for resilience, optimism, and a willingness to learn and adapt — qualities that indicate a candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment and contribute to a strong, collaborative team.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   Stepping into a new role has reinforced how much there is always to learn. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for adaptability, the value of asking the right questions, and the importance of continuously evolving as both a leader and a learner.
10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    My go-tos include “Motivation” with Brendon Burchard, “The School of Greatness” with Lewis Howes, “On Purpose” with Jay Shetty, and “The Mel Robbins Podcast.”
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Authenticity and unwavering integrity
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I lead with optimism, authenticity and heart. I believe in creating a positive and supportive environment where people feel valued, heard and empowered to grow.
13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
    I’ve committed to waking up by 5 a.m. daily to prioritize personal well-being before diving into work. This shift has allowed me to start my day with intention rather than urgency.
14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    A strategic yet creative leader, passionate about driving business growth while empowering others to reach their full potential.
15. What’s your favorite app?
    My Notes app — it’s my go-to for everything from grocery lists to inspiring quotes, book recommendations, and future travel plans.
16. What do you do to recharge?
    When I take a vacation, I fully unplug. Exploring new places provides a much-needed reset, offering inspiration and renewed energy.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    For me, accomplishment isn’t just about milestones, it’s about making a meaningful difference every day. I take pride in being a source of inspiration and a positive influence on those around me, whether through leadership, mentorship, or simply bringing optimism and authenticity to every interaction.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be bold. Speak up. Own your brilliance.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The opportunity to make a meaningful impact — both for my team and the people around me.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    The connections. It’s empowering to be part of a community of like-minded women who support, inspire and share valuable insights.