Labor Day is almost here. While we prepare to enjoy a day off and celebrate the traditional end of summer, it’s never a bad time to take a look at career motivations and aspirations. What brought you where you are today? Where do you want to go? What would you share with younger generations of workers?
Industry leaders shared lessons and best practices this summer as part of NRF Supply Chain 360, NRF PROTECT and NRF Nexus, on topics including reverse logistics, fraud prevention and company culture. We asked a few of them to share the best piece of career advice they’ve ever received.
Learn more about careers and leadership in the retail industry.
Becca Meinz is vice president of end-to-end supply chain strategy for Best Buy
Be boldly, authentically you! Supply chain is a business of people and leading has to come from the heart, especially during such turbulent times. You won’t be successful trying to be someone that you’re not.
Peter Chie is operating vice president of asset protection and risk management for Bloomingdale’s
Be transparent with your team and let them in on your vision. The more the team knows and shares in your vision, the more trust you establish. The more trust you establish, the more aligned and effective you and your team will be in attaining the goals that you set.
Linda Campbell is director of asset protection for DSW / Designer Brands
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Why? Because no matter what the situation is, you can always find the positive. Keep moving forward.
Niall Murphy co-founded Digimarc company EVRYTHNG
Every day is the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t be held back by thinking about where you are or how you got there, focus on where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.
Vic Jacinto is U.S. safety and security manager for Ikea
A store manager once asked me what I wanted to do (with my career). It caught me off guard since nobody had ever asked me that. That store manager gave me some great advice, including to find something that I did well — the thing that would make me stand out. That piece of advice has stuck with me since. I feel like I’m still on that journey to find that “thing” that makes me stand out — but I’m enjoying every minute of it.
Julie Averill is chief technology officer for Lululemon Athletica
A former leader and now mentor of mine once asked me, “How I can expect people to follow me if they don’t truly know me?” That single question has led me on a journey of self-reflection, learning and vulnerability.
I know that nobody can create a better version of myself than me, so that is my unique gift to the world, and I no longer need to try to be anything different. There is power that comes with knowing who you are, what you value, and standing firmly grounded in your own self.
Take a look at the NRF Supply Chain 360, NRF Nexus and NRF PROTECT 2022 event recaps to learn more.
William Friedman is president and CEO of the Port of Cleveland
My wife is a hugely successful attorney with a national practice she built from the ground up, so I consider her my guru on career advice. Her No. 1 piece of advice is “build your network.” I have seen how she’s used her network to supercharge her practice and I’ve tried to emulate but probably realized this too late.
Therefore, my best advice to younger people starting out is intentionally build a network of people who support you and you support, because it’s all about reciprocation. Never underestimate the power of the network, whether it’s in shipping or your own career.
Jennifer Patrick is global branding and packaging director for Patagonia
Build trust and don’t be afraid to take risks. Feeling scared at new opportunities is a good thing. It means you are growing.
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