Get a glimpse into the dynamic panels, engaging keynotes, candid interviews, insightful career coach discussions, and more taking place at Women in Retail Leadership Circle events throughout the year. Our regional On the Road events and annual Summit gather fabulous, powerful women together to connect, learn, and be inspired.
During a panel at the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, four retail and brand c-suite executives were asked to identify the number one skill or trait that separates high-achievers from everyone else. The top response? Curiosity. In this clip from the discussion, two panelists Stacy Bowe, president of HSN brand and U.S. merchandising at...
Total Retail, sister brand of Women in Retail Leadership Circle, is preparing for its sixth annual Total Retail Tech event. As such, I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the incredible Advisory Board members helping to shape the event. These retail technology leaders are bringing bold ideas and insights together to create...
During a press breakfast at CommerceNext in New York last week, Fiona Tan, chief technology officer at Wayfair, and Kelly Mahoney, chief marketing officer at Ulta Beauty, shared how their companies are using artificial intelligence to evolve customer experiences while staying deeply grounded in brand purpose and personalization. Both leaders offered a clear message: the...
When Mecca Mitchell thinks about professional courage, she breaks it into three parts: attitude, aptitude and appetite. In other words, it’s informed by who you are, what you can do, and what you want. Mitchell, senior vice president of leadership and organizational development, DEI, and community impact at Burlington Stores, Inc., spoke as part of...
We’re proud to recognize Liana Thompson, vice president of e-commerce at Shutterfly, as the CommerceNexty’s 2025 Top Woman of the Year, an honor presented by Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) and CommerceNext. Liana was recognized during the 2025 CommerceNext Growth Show, held June 24-26 in New York City. She was honored for her e-commerce...
In her first two months as the CEO of David’s Bridal, Kelly Cook has been thinking a lot about servant leadership. Just 30 days into her new role leading transformation at the Pennsylvania-based company, Cook took the stage at the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 28-30 on Amelia Island, FL, to share...
What an incredible few days we’ve had at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York City! Even amidst an intense heat wave, the energy at the Women in Retail Leadership Circle Pavilion at CommerceNext was even hotter. From powerful conversations to unforgettable connections, we were thrilled to bring our community together at the event! Our...
Why and how did SoulCycle cut through the crowded fitness industry? What made the brand “sticky” enough to grab consumers’ interest? Amy Shecter, CEO of Cast Jewelry, asked these questions of Julie Rice, co-founder of Peoplehood and SoulCycle, on stage during the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 28-30 on Amelia Island, FL. In...
PJ Oleksak, CEO of Nuts.com, shared her insights on embracing transformational leadership during the Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 28-30 on Amelia Island, FL. Oleksak’s playbook includes five steps to be a VITAL transformational leader: Voice a bold vision that inspires. Instill authenticity. Transform talent and potential. Activate curiosity and challenge the status...
One of the paradigms now being popularized is that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are not beneficial for organizations or businesses. “So not true,” said Gina Drosos, former CEO of Signet Jewelers, on stage at the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 28-30 on Amelia Island, FL. In this clip from her keynote...
