Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) recently released its 12th annual Top Women in Retail report. The valuable resource highlights female executives who impressed us as well as colleagues from the industry. 2022 Top Women in Retail honoree Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew Group, is one such example. Here’s a sampling of Wadle’s interview featured in the report:

Women in Retail Leadership Circle: What’s your proudest professional accomplishment of the past year?
Libby Wadle: I’m so proud of the way we’ve brought our teams and brands together this past year. We recognize how important creativity and innovation is to our brands, and collaboration is a big driver of that. As an organization we’re working together better than ever, and I’m excited to see what we can produce together as a team this year!

WIRLC: Describe a risk you’ve taken in your career and how it paid off.
LW: I’ve agreed to take on new roles before when I think I may not be ready but have gone for it anyway. Apparently this isn’t unusual for women to feel they need to “check all the boxes.” I think statistically men apply for a job when they meet only 60 percent of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100 percent. I’ve been the most successful when I jump into things that make me nervous. It keeps me challenged and energized.

WIRLC: How do you motivate and inspire your team?
LW: We have an endlessly curious culture at J.Crew Group with a voracious appetite for learning that I love. As a leader, I like to play into that. The best moments are when you spend time together as a team and allow the energy and inspiration to feed off each other. Great ideas come from that!

WIRLC: How do you advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in your workplace?
LW: We value individuality, but also know we’re always stronger together. That togetherness means championing diversity, building equity, and fostering an inclusive experience for all our associates and customers. We’re really focused on building a culture and community of inclusivity and have made a number of commitments that cut across our internal practices, including hiring, training, marketing and people development, among others. Furthermore, we’re working to ensure our customers and associates feel seen, safe and heard. I’m also proud of how engaged we are with our local communities and local organizations that I know are working tirelessly to advance these principles everywhere. The work is never really done, but I think staying committed to the process and continuing to build on your efforts is so important.

WIRLC: How do you recharge?
LW: Family time is so important to me — just hanging out with my husband, two kids and three dogs is often enough to take my mind off of work! My daughter, Sylvie, and I love to go on long walks (often with one of our three dogs!). I like to enter her world during this time and focus on the things that matter to her. Also, I love hosting a friend group workout session and a coffee-talk afterwards. I have an amazing group of strong, successful women friends and we get so much from each other.

Read more interviews from our 2022 Top Women in Retail report by downloading it here. Want to connect with women leaders such as Libby Wadle? Apply to become a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member today!