In today’s world, volatility is the only constant. From pandemic disruptions to shifting consumer habits, CEOs face an unprecedented mix of challenges — and opportunities. During a panel discussion at the recent Women in Retail CEO Experience, held at the iconic New York Stock Exchange and moderated by retail leader Aimee Carroll, four women executives shared how they navigate uncertainty, pivot strategies, and lead with clarity.

Anchored in Purpose

Carroll opened the session reflecting on guiding three companies through bankruptcy. “If you’ve done that, you’ve lived through a lot of volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and complexity,” she said. Her experience underscores the importance of anchors — i.e., the guiding principles that keep leaders steady when everything shifts.

For Brandice Henderson Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, faith has been that anchor. “Faith that I was called to this work, that I was meant to create opportunities for the next generation of designers,” she said. “Anytime times are uncertain, I go back to that.”

Sharon Leite, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, described her principle as “slow down to speed up.” Dana Medema, president of North America at Revlon, emphasized trust — both giving it and earning it — as a foundation for leading through complexity. Furthermore, Mary Beth Sheridan, president of Jonathan Adler, pointed to the power of her teams, both professional and personal, as sources of insight and support.

Adapting With Intention

Anchors provide stability, but adaptability drives action. Daniel recounted Harlem’s Fashion Row’s journey over six years. “We finally had to find our own voice, and now we’re inviting people to the table we built.” The team expanded content strategy, deepened partnerships, including a first-time beauty summit with L’Oréal, and worked with Boston Consulting Group to pressure-test strategy. “They didn’t tell us what to do,” recalled Daniel. “They validated what we had already built, which gave us confidence.”

Leite detailed The Vitamin Shoppe’s evolution under her leadership. “Always stay focused on your North Star,” she advised the audience. “For us, it’s about the customer — health and wellness. That focus keeps us grounded regardless of how priorities change.”

Medema highlighted value creation at Revlon: “If what you’re working on isn’t solving a pain point or adding value, then we shouldn’t be working on it.”

Clarity Through Communication and Connection

Communication emerged during the panel discussion as another essential leadership tool. Sheridan emphasized early collaboration and accountability, noting that involving all stakeholders from the start in product development fosters alignment and prevents missteps.

Daniel shared a simple but powerful cultural ritual at Harlem’s Fashion Row: Monday team shout-outs. For five minutes, anyone from interns to executives can recognize colleagues’ contributions. “Even interns can give shout-outs to executives,” said Daniel. “It really makes people feel valued.”

When things feel misaligned, Leite advised leaders to pause. “When things start to feel awry, reflect,” she said.

Medema added that short-term pressures can obscure long-term risk. “Keep a foot in both worlds,” she advised. “Yes, there are immediate priorities, but also look ahead.”

The panelists offered a framework for leading through disruption: anchor yourself in principles, stay adaptable, communicate clearly, and focus on the customer. Leadership in chaos is less about control than clarity, courage and connection.