“Be curious. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t accept the status quo.” Melissa Lowenkron, chief brand officer of Fossil Group, shared this sage advice for emerging senior leaders at the recent Women in Retail On the Road Dallas event. “Remember why you love what you do,” Lowenkron added, “to ensure you’re bringing the best energy you can to your team.”

Lowenkron was joined on stage by a panel of retail executives, including Ivonne Kinser, chief marketing officer, Hoplark; Joanne “Jo” Osborne, senior vice president and general merchandise manager, beauty and center core, JCPenney; and moderator Amy Finley, co-founder, Finton Design.

“What I wish somebody would have told me is that companies are not one-fits-all,” Kinser shared. “For candidates … understand if your values align and reject those that don’t. Take your time to search and go with those that go along with your values.”

Kinser went on to discuss the importance of learning how to navigate corporate politics.

“Understand how decisions are made,” advised Kinser. “Who makes the decisions? Who are the influencers within the organization? Learn different ways to communicate to every person and learn how to influence the environment, down and up.”

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