What has been your business/work highlight of 2024 so far?

Reflecting on the highlights of 2024 is something I’ve intentionally done every month as a new member of the First Retail team. Did I achieve everything I set out to? Nope…

My 100 days with the business concluded on March 11th, 2024. As a newcomer, the highlight of my journey has been the collaboration and trust I’ve experienced from my new team and mostly, my new boss. Transitioning from an entrepreneur to an employee, I was pretty nervous and somewhat apprehensive about these relationships, having been away from the traditional employee-boss dynamic for quite some time… There have been peaks (victories), challenging shortcomings, and outright misses, but above all, undeniable progress and invaluable insights have been gained. One key takeaway has been the critical importance of clear communication and alignment in guiding diverse teams toward our strategic objectives.

Undoubtedly, the standout achievement of 2024 has been securing clear alignment on our collective path forward, with a concerted focus on both People and Process. Prioritising the establishment of robust foundations, whether in technology or tactical approaches, has been instrumental in advancing our strategic vision.

Who is your business hero and why?

Arianna Huffington. I had the opportunity to see her at X4, and I was totally star struck! Her entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding The Huffington Post to launching Thrive Global, exemplifies innovation, leadership, and resilience. Arianna’s ability to navigate the fast-paced media industry while advocating for wellness and work-life balance inspires me. She has shown that success isn’t just about financial achievements but also about making a positive impact on society.

What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

I think this list is too extensive and perhaps too risky to address directly. So, what I can say, as cliché as it sounds, is that my biggest mistake throughout my professional journey has definitely been not standing up for myself. I’ve learned the hard way that there are many people who will take advantage and exploit vulnerabilities if given the chance. Like many women, I have failed to assert myself and take ownership of my successes and my work. However, I’ve become increasingly mindful of this tendency, and I’ve committed to investing in building my own confidence. While I may not know what the future holds, I am moving forward with grit anchored in grace.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read and why?

As an avid reader, there have been a few books (The Kite Runner, The Alchemist) that I couldn’t put down, that made me laugh and cry, that inspired and broke me at the same time. Most recently, I read ‘Mastering Uncertainty’ by Matt Watkinson and literally never put down my highlighter! The book was filled with abundant little nuggets and practical applications. It spoke to both head and heart and inspired me to look at personal and professional change in a totally different way. I tend to get anxious and/or irritable when things don’t go as planned. However, this book helped me to loosen up and embrace (not yet master) uncertainty, brightening my outlook in the process. ‘Mastering Uncertainty’ truly struck a chord with me, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating change and uncertainty with grace and grit. I greatly appreciated how this book both informed and impacted my mindset and emotional well-being, helping me to embrace life’s unpredictability and find strength in the face of challenges.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role in 2024?

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business this year and why?

My strategic focus revolves around leveraging technology to streamline experiences, particularly addressing supply chain and inventory challenges. Additionally, I aim to aggressively tackle reporting, providing vital business insights to enhance our responsiveness and strategic approach. By embracing data analytics, IoT, and predictive analytics, I’m confident we can adapt to changing consumer demand and market trends, optimising inventory levels and ensuring timely replenishment. Ultimately, this approach allows us to deliver a seamless and personalised shopping experience that consistently exceeds expectations.