Less than 24 hours into CommerceNext, one thing is clear: some of the most valuable conversations are happening inside the Women in Retail Pavilion.

Women executives are sharing candid insights on leadership, growth and the future of retail, giving attendees a closer look at the experiences shaping today’s most successful brands. Over two days (June 23-24), the Pavilion is bringing together retail leaders for meaningful discussions, practical takeaways and new connections.

Yesterday, we hosted intimate conversations featuring Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Chief Retail Officer, Ulta Beauty; Kim Mancuso Telford, Executive Vice President, CommerceNext; and Jamie Cygielman, President, American Girl, and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel Inc.

One theme surfaced throughout the day: Leadership is rarely a straight line. Attendees heard firsthand stories about career growth, brand transformation and lessons learned along the way.

Some of the key takeaways included:

  • Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Chief Retail Officer, Ulta Beauty shared what it was like to step into a newly created role, leading 1,500 stores and more than 60,000 associates while (simultaneously) helping define the position itself.
  • Jamie Cygielman, President, American Girl, and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel Inc., discussed modernizing a beloved brand without losing the qualities that made generations of consumers fall in love with it. She also reflected on what “little girl” Jamie would think of the journey that brought her here.
  • Shelby Ruland, solutions consultant, KWI, detailed her path from store operations to retail technology implementation and how that experience helped her identify operational challenges and opportunities early on.

The conversations extended beyond business strategy. Attendees also heard honest reflections on career setbacks, evolving leadership styles, influential mentors, and the responsibility leaders feel to support the next generation of women executives.

That spirit carried throughout the Pavilion, where longtime Women in Retail Leadership Circle members reconnected, new relationships were formed, and conversations sparked new ideas. Between sessions, attendees exchanged experiences, expanded their networks, and connected with peers navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges.

And we’re not done yet.

Today’s conversations feature Kelli Jones, Managing Director, Accenture; Kim Heidt, Chief Retail Officer, Tecovas; Suzy Davidkhanian, Vice President, Content, EMARKETER; and Sabrina Cherubini, Chief Marketing Officer, FullBeauty Brands.

If you’re attending CommerceNext, stop by the Pavilion (booth No. 275 in the Discovery Lounge) to meet, connect and join the conversation. If you’ve experienced the Pavilion and want to continue those connections throughout the year, consider joining the Women in Retail Leadership Circle. The community was built to support, connect and elevate women leaders across the retail industry. More information about joining WIRLC can be found here.

The value of events like CommerceNext extends far beyond the stage. The ideas shared, relationships built, and conversations started here continue long after attendees head home.

P.S.: Not able to attend CommerceNext? Have no fear! We have a host of in-person and virtual events throughout the fall. You can reserve your spot here.