Ulta President and CEO Kecia Steelman on Giving Yourself Grace as a Working Mom
In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Kecia Steelman, president and CEO of Ulta Beauty, the largest U.S. beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. This episode was recorded at the 47th annual Outstanding Mother Awards in New York City, where Steelman was honored as a 2025 Outstanding Mother. Listen in as Steelman shares her personal and professional background (0:50), how her husband supports her career and family life (1:40), and a lesson from her mother that shapes the way she leads (2:05).
In addition, Steelman provides advice for other working parents who are striving to be great leaders (3:10), how she balances showing up fully for both her family and her team (4:20), and how her leadership style has evolved over time (5:35). She discusses creating a culture that ensures Ulta employees feel seen, hear and valued (6:55), and offers guidance for female leaders stepping into executive roles (7:55). Lastly, Steelman shares why she would gift grace to all moms for Mother’s Day (8:40).
Kecia Steelman was named Ulta Beauty’s president and chief executive officer in January 2025, after serving in a number of leadership roles since joining Ulta Beauty in July 2014. As CEO, Kecia is responsible for setting and driving the company’s long-term strategic vision and protecting and enriching its culture to ensure Ulta Beauty furthers its mission to leverage the power of beauty to make a positive impact on its associates, guests, partners and all stakeholders.
Prior to her current role, Kecia served as president and chief operating officer from September 2023 to January 2025, COO from June 2021 to September 2023, and chief store operations officer from September 2015 to June 2021, after joining Ulta Beauty as senior vice president, store operations in 2014. Before joining Ulta Beauty, Kecia served in a number of leadership positions across leading retailers, including Family Dollar Stores from 2009 to 2014, and The Home Depot from 2005 to 2009. She began her career at Target Corporation and served in a variety of retail operations and merchandising roles with increasing responsibility from 1993 to 2005. Kecia currently serves on the board of directors for The Bay Club Company and the Adler Planetarium.
Date: May 13, 2025
Credits: Kecia Steelman
Duration: 9:57
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