I’ll admit it: I’m a U.S. Open super fan. Ever since my friend Liz’s dad, who worked at the old Chase Manhattan Bank, gave us tickets to my first U.S. Open when I was 14 (and we got to go to the Chase hospitality tent!), I was hooked. I love watching athletes at the top of their games up close and personal. While I’m there, I also love people watching, binging on the food and drink, and basking in the New York-iness of it all. I also spend countless hours watching matches during the two-week tournament, much to my family’s chagrin.

This year, however, watching the U.S. Open was even more meaningful to me than it has been in the past thanks to how No. 1 seed Naomi Osaka treated 15-year-old tennis phenom Coco Gauff after their match on Saturday night. For those of you who might not know, Osaka, who won the match, approached an emotional Gauff afterwards to ask her to join the post-match interview. The rare gesture offered Gauff a chance to share her disappointment with a supportive crowd rather than taking it — alone — into the locker room. (You can watch the players’ exchange and on-court interview here.)

It was refreshing and inspiring to see Osaka offer guidance and encouragement to Gauff in that emotional moment. Furthermore, it showed the positive impact being an empathetic mentor to others can be, especially when they may be suffering (or even just having a hard time at work). Osaka is obviously a champion, but her actions after that match on Saturday night made her a true role model. Let’s hope that we all get inspired by Osaka. Is there a moment when a younger or less-experienced woman could use your support, counsel, empathy? If so, do it! Be like Naomi.

Upcoming Event

Women in Retail Leadership Circle is going on the road again! Get ready for WIRLC: On the Road | New York on Oct. 24! Like the popular Women in Retail Leadership Summit, these invitation-only events enable executive women in leadership positions at leading retailers and brands the chance to network, learn from each other, and improve business processes.

In addition to passionate presentations and lively panels, this one-day event will feature engaging networking sessions, private executive coaching opportunities, and fun activations. Take advantage of these opportunities to share your knowledge with new contacts, discuss industry issues, and find inspiration on how to conquer challenges in both your personal and professional lives.

We are SO EXCITED (and we’re not going to hide it) to announce some of our incredible speakers:

  • Rebecca Minkoff, Owner and Designer, Rebecca Minkoff
  • Emily Culp, CEO, Cover FX Skincare
  • Allie Egan, President and CEO, Cynthia Rowley
  • Traci Inglis, President, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Customer Officer, Retailwinds
  • Christina Carbonell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Primary
  • AND so many more coming!

You can register for WIRLC: On the Road | New York here. The price to attend is $295 for retailers and brands. Catch our early-bird rate using the code “ROADTRIP” when registering to save $100. I hope to see you there!

Melissa Campanelli
Co-Founder
Women in Retail Leadership Circle