Happy Women’s History Month! To celebrate, we asked a few incredible female leaders in our community to share career advice and insights to help inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in retail.
“The marketing landscape is changing so quickly that none of us are true experts anymore — and the most impactful leaders I know are comfortable saying, “I don’t know, let’s figure it out.” They ask thoughtful questions, they listen more than they speak and they surround themselves with people who challenge their thinking. My advice: Stay curious, be open to change and be brave enough to keep evolving — that’s where meaningful leadership begins.” – Katia Unlu, Chief Commerical Officer, Boll & Branch
(Katia is speaking at the 2026 CommerceNext Growth Show. Register now to join her.)
“It can be tempting, or even feel necessary, to try to do everything perfectly. Many of us, especially as women, have become successful in part because to our perfectionism. But your most important resources are your time and energy, and not everything you need to do is worth doing perfectly. How you choose to invest your time is directly tied to the impact and results you create. And as a leader, being clear with your priorities and how your team should focus their energy scales those results even further.” – Lauren Price, Head of Marketing & Communications, North America, COS
“Don’t let being in the minority change how you show up. Speak up, share your perspective and build relationships with people who value you. You don’t have to fit in to succeed. Sometimes a different perspective is exactly what the room needs.” – Angela Hsu, Former CMO, Beyond & Overstock.com
“Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about knowing your strengths and building around you to amplify them. Your unique set of strengths are your superpower. Lean into them boldly. Invite others to fill in the gaps. When we stop trying to fix every weakness and instead surround ourselves with complementary voices, we unlock our greatest impact. The most powerful teams are the ones that respect differences, support one another and work together collaboratively and openly to make a vision a reality.” – Sarah Wallis, Chief Operating Officer, Minted
“Be purposeful about building your network of women and it will become one of your greatest career resources. A LinkedIn connection means nothing if it stays there collecting dust. Reach out and have a real conversation. Get to know the person. Women are extremely generous with their time when asked, so don’t be afraid to make the first move.” – Shawna Hausman, Founder & CEO, AAA Growth Agency
“Stay relentlessly curious — about your customer, your data and the evolving landscape around you. Retail is changing faster than ever, and curiosity is what keeps you adaptable, relevant and ahead of disruption. True customer centricity isn’t a slogan; it’s a discipline that requires deeply understanding who you serve and making decisions that build long-term trust, not just short-term results. And as you rise, lead with conviction and generosity — supporting others while confidently navigating change.” – Sabrina Cherubini, CMO, FullBeauty Brands
“How you do anything is how you do everything. From the smallest chore to the boardroom, let excellence be your constant. It’s not about being perfect for others; it’s about being exceptional for yourself. That commitment to quality stays with you as you rise; it becomes your signature. Master the small moments, and the big ones will take care of themselves.” – Suruchi Shukla, VP of Marketing, Minted
“Always stay curious…Embrace smart risk and understand that growth & comfort rarely co-exist” – Emily Culp, Chief Strategy & Brand Officer
“Leadership is about creating more leaders, not just about owning outcomes. In fast-moving industries like tech and retail, the ability to assess risk quickly, act decisively and empower your team to do the same is critical. Trust your instincts, invest in partnerships that challenge and elevate you and don’t shy away from opportunities that feel uncomfortable. They are often the ones that teach you the most. Most importantly, lift up those around you as you climb. When the team wins, we all win.” – Jenna Posner, Co-Founder & CEO, Chief Digital Agency
At the 2026 CommerceNext Growth Show (June 23–24 in NYC), Women in Retail Leadership Circle will join us for special sessions highlighting women’s journeys in retail and leadership. Expect candid career stories, practical strategies for navigating growth and honest conversations about building impact at every stage of your career.
If you’re looking to connect with ambitious leaders who believe in lifting as they climb, this is where you’ll want to be. Register now to join our community.
