Jeannie Barsam is the founder of Gifting Brands, an organization that partners with jewelry, accessory, and beauty brands nationwide to thoughtfully redirect surplus and new collections into vetted 501(c)(3) charity fundraising events. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Jeannie 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.

Women in Retail Leadership Circle: What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
Jeannie Barsam: “The Thank You Economy“ by Gary Vaynerchuk. The message really resonated with me because it reinforces something I strongly believe — that relationships, authenticity, and genuinely caring about people are still the foundation of great business. In a world driven by technology and automation, the companies and leaders that truly connect with people will stand out the most.

WIRLC: What’s a tip you have for productively leading a team?
JB: Create clarity, not pressure. People do their best work when they understand the mission, feel trusted, and know how their role contributes to something meaningful. I also believe in encouraging people to come with solutions, not just problems. It creates ownership and growth.

WIRLC: What’s a mistake you made early in your career?
JB: I thought being a strong leader meant having all the answers and doing everything myself. Over time I learned that the best leaders empower others, ask better questions, and build strong teams around them.

WIRLC: What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
JB: Making difficult decisions while carrying the responsibility for people, outcomes, and the future vision of the business. Leadership can feel lonely at times because you’re often thinking several steps ahead while trying to keep everyone encouraged and aligned.

WIRLC: What’s the best way you motivate team members?
JB: People are most motivated when they feel valued and connected to purpose. I try to help people understand that their work matters and that what they’re doing makes a real difference. Recognition, trust, and clear communication go a long way.

WIRLC: What woman inspires you right now and why?
JB: I’m incredibly inspired by Jennifer DiPasquale and Melissa Campanelli, the co-founders of Women in Retail Leadership Circle. They’ve built truly meaningful communities where women leaders support, inspire, and learn from one another in a very authentic way.

I recently returned from the Summit feeling energized, inspired, and full of new ideas and connections. It’s honestly my favorite event of the year because of the incredible women who attend, not just professionally, but personally. There is something very special about being surrounded by women who are successful, collaborative, encouraging, and genuinely willing to help each other grow.

WIRLC: What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
JB: I’m excited to see more conversations around purpose-driven business models, sustainability, and using technology in smarter ways. I think consumers want to support brands that stand for something meaningful, and I believe the retail industry has an incredible opportunity to create impact while still driving growth.

WIRLC: What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
JB: I look for attitude, curiosity, and authenticity. Skills can be taught, but character, humility, and the willingness to learn are what truly make someone successful long term.

WIRLC: What is your favorite role that you’ve held during your career? Why?
JB: Founding Gifting Brands. After years in corporate retail leadership, this role combines everything I love — retail, relationships, strategy, philanthropy, and purpose. Watching excess inventory turn into funding for charities helping women and children has been incredibly rewarding.

WIRLC: What’s your favorite podcast?
JB: I enjoy podcasts that focus on leadership, faith, business, and personal growth. I especially enjoy listening to people who are authentic about both success and struggle because that is where real learning happens. My favorite podcast right now is We Are For Good.

WIRLC: What values are most important to you as a leader?
JB: Integrity, kindness, humility, accountability, charity, and purpose are the values that guide me most. I believe how you treat people matters just as much as the results you achieve. My faith has taught me the importance of serving others, leading with compassion, and always remembering that success is most meaningful when it helps improve the lives of other people.

WIRLC: What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
JB: I genuinely care about people and making a meaningful difference. Whether in business or in life, my goal is to positively impact as many lives as possible.

WIRLC: What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
JB: I’ve learned to put family first and to be much more intentional with my time. Early in my retail career, I worked very long hours, traveled constantly, and often missed bedtime with my kids. Looking back, I realize how important balance is, not only for your health, but for your family’s happiness and the moments you cannot get back.

Today, I make time for prayer, journaling, unplugging from constant noise, and spending quality time with family and friends. Becoming a grandmother has given me an even greater appreciation for what truly matters.

WIRLC: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
JB: I’m a purpose-driven leader who believes business can be both successful and deeply meaningful.

WIRLC: What’s your favorite app?
JB: Probably ChatGPT and Gamma. I love learning new ways AI can help simplify work, generate ideas, and create efficiencies, especially for nonprofits and small teams trying to do more with limited resources.

WIRLC: What do you do to recharge?
JB: Spend time with my family, friends, and grandchildren. I also love designing jewelry, journaling, and having quiet time to reflect and pray.

WIRLC: What is your biggest accomplishment?
JB: Building a life and career centered around helping others. Professionally, creating Gifting Brands has been especially meaningful because it allows excess inventory to become something life-changing for charities and the people they serve.

WIRLC: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
JB: Don’t wait until you feel fully ready. Trust your instincts, stay curious, keep learning, and lead in a way that feels authentic to who you are. You don’t have to become someone else to be a successful leader.

WIRLC: What gets you up in the morning?
JB: Purpose. Knowing there’s always another opportunity to encourage someone, solve a problem, help a charity, support a brand partner, or make a positive difference motivates me every day.

WIRLC: What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
JB: The relationships and the willingness of women to genuinely support each other. Over the past eight years as a member and former board member, I’ve built incredible friendships and connections that have become meaningful both personally and professionally.

Retail can be a challenging industry. I love being part of a community where women openly share ideas, encouragement and experiences while helping each other grow. The peer groups and CEO groups have been especially valuable because the conversations are authentic, supportive, and filled with wisdom from women who truly understand the challenges and opportunities we face as leaders.

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