What are the leadership strategies instrumental to a successful career in retail?

That was the question posed to four female executives that run companies making a splash in the world of makeup, apparel, and philanthropy at the 2024 Women in Retail Leadership Summit.

The inspirational panel featured executives from e.l.f. Beauty, Lafayette 148 New York, Vera Bradley, and Susan G. Komen, and was moderated by Eurazeo Senior Advisor Jill Granoff, who asked the panelists about their mentors, setbacks, challenges, and more.

Below are seven strategies these leaders say were crucial to their success in the retail industry.

Mandy Fields, Senior Vice President and CFO, e.l.f. Beauty

  • Stay focused. There are so many things that change every day in retail, therefore Fields said it’s important to stay focused on what you want to accomplish long term.
  • Be flexible. The path that got her to the CFO seat is very different than the one she expected. “(Don’t be) afraid to say ‘yes’ to things that come up along the way that might seem a little odd and not in line with your plan but actually can expose you to so many different opportunities,” she said.

Jackie Ardrey, President, CEO and Board Director, Vera Bradley

  • Be accountable. “It’s driving accountability for yourself and demanding that of your team,” Ardrey said. “Being accountable starts with you. It starts with asking, ‘How can I help?'”
  • Develop trust. Ardrey said Vera Bradley is undergoing a brand transformation, which required a lot of outside help. Over six months, Ardrey was able to bring together five executives to Vera Bradley’s headquarters in Fort Wayne, IN to develop this brand transformation. “There’s no way that you can do the level of work that’s required in a turnaround without people on the ground who are engaged like that,” she said.
  • Give and receive feedback. Ardrey’s coach tells her that’s her superpower. “My board feels like they can say anything to me. That doesn’t mean I’m going to act on all of those things,” she said.

Deirdre Quinn, Co-Founder and CEO, Lafayette 148 New York

  • Be resilient. Operating a business in Lower Manhattan during 9/11, losing a business partner of 12 years, moving a fashion company out of New York, and navigating a global pandemic were just a few of the experiences Quinn listed that helped her build resilience. “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger,” she said. “You get up, you brush yourself off, you don’t feel sorry for yourself, and you just get on with it.”

Paula Schneider, CEO and President, Susan G. Komen

  • Don’t sweat the small stuff. “Keep your eye on the prize, continue to focus on what you need to accomplish to get there,” Schneider said.

Women in Retail Leadership Circle members can view the entire panel on-demand. Not a member? Apply today!