O Mentor, My Mentor

Over the years, I have experienced a cornucopia of managerial philosophies, store cultures and corporate communication styles. Some of these experiences far exceeded expectations and others…well…forced me to second guess what I was doing in retail. Like many of you, I decided to stick with it. I persevered by challenging myself and watching people around me feel empowered to become leaders themselves.

As the years went by and I worked for several different companies, I always wanted to write a book or teach about real life in a store. I have developed some crazy approaches to managing people and situations through a lot of trial and error. I wanted to be the best and lead by example. I wanted those less experienced than myself to be better and more talented. I wanted them to be more aware and develop a strong work ethic.

There weren’t any blogs or the internet to go to for help when I was starting out. I only had the reference of people, trade magazines and books. I can count on one hand how many mentors I have had over the last 27 years. Some were leaders of industry like Kathy Bronstein. I idolized her. She was one of the few female CEO’s in retail during the nineties. Mr. Lamb, my college advisor. He pushed me to be better and challenged my approach to learning. My boss throughout my career with Gap. We called her JDL. She was the strongest woman other than my mother I knew at the time. Her approach to managing was incredibly refreshing. She got to know those who worked for her and valued everyone’s opinions.

Lastly, there is Leann. I don’t think I would be the woman I am today without her. I had the pleasure of working for her on two different occasions and in two different roles. She taught me a lot of things. Many of which, you will learn if we continue-on this adventure together. Just know everyone needs a Leann in their life. She truly believed in me. A powerful statement when you think about what it means. Leann let me be me and pushed me to have faith in my abilities and not second guess myself. Sometimes she would make me so mad, but it all had a purpose. She knew what I could do when I didn’t. That, my friends, is a mentor.

I think that managers and business owners today have forgotten how to communicate. I’ve seen huge divides in approach and accountability. I want to bring that back. In-this-day-and-age leadership is even more valuable. If you don’t have a strong one to look up to…you wing it. Let’s find out what you can do together.