 Vice President - Merchandise Manager"If you are looking to gain a lot and grow then you have to make the commitment to put in the time, energy and effort."
 | Why did you join Macy's, Inc. and why have you stayed? |
I joined Macy's, Inc. because I was looking for a fun, exciting part-time job just as I was about to start college. Then, when I was planning on transferring to another college, Macy's, Inc. offered me a management opportunity. I loved the store and ended up taking advantage of the fact that they perceived me as having long-term potential.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? |
I enjoy the daily interaction with people the most. My coworkers and I continually work together to achieve the goals and challenges given to us. Whether we are working to exceed a sales plan or profit plan, my daily interaction with customers and associates always keeps me motivated to reach our goals. As the general manager, it is my responsibility to ensure that the people who work in the store are focused and working towards the common goal of exceeding the sales plan by delivering outstanding customer service. That involves everything from hiring, developing and retaining a selling staff and management team to create a fun shopping experience for the customer and an enjoyable work environment for the associates.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference? |
My team has consistently delivered results in a good economy and a tough economy. We have delivered sales plans and profit plans to achieve outstanding results. As a team, we have demonstrated that it is up to us to get those results.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? |
Most recently, my division was named the Macy's, Inc. store of the year for 2001. The honor of achieving those results and receiving that recognition was recently my proudest moment.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? |
From my first moment in a new hire training program, it was very obvious to me that this company wanted to prepare its associates to be successful. Whether I was learning how to operate a register or how to greet a customer . . . to my later years in executive training and The Leadership Institute, I've had the opportunity to partake in many different classroom settings. We've been given the opportunity to learn how to provide the best shopping experience for the customer and the best work environment for our associates. The Leadership Institute has played a significant role in my perspective of how to be a good leader.
| Is community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division and was this something you considered when joining the company? |
Community involvement is very important to me. I was very fortunate this year to receive an award which recognized someone who has had outstanding professional success as well as contributions to the community. In my store, we have had great results in terms of our United Way campaign. I'm also involved in Macy's, Inc.'s Earning for Learning program. This program gives our associates the opportunity to volunteer in schools throughout the country. Those schools then have the chance to earn grant money based on our volunteer hours. Earning for Learning has really been a wonderful corporate program that has given me the opportunity to be involved with the community.
| What do you like best about your work environment? |
I consider the people I work with my second family. I look forward to spending time with them the same way I look forward to spending time with my own family.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? |
I have two children and a wonderful husband. I'm very involved in my children's schools by being on the PTA board and through a number of different activities. I also teach religious education in my church. If you are very productive in your time spent at work then you can spend time at home without feeling guilty about not being at work. The balance between work life and personal life is very important.
| What advice would you give to a new associate joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? |
The best advice I have is you get what you give. If you are looking to gain a lot and grow then you have to make the commitment to put in the time, energy and effort. You really do get back what you give. If you put yourself entirely into your work then it will come back to you. With opportunity comes obligation. Each time we are given an opportunity in life we have an obligation to deliver and maximize that opportunity. Each step along my journey I've had a mentor. I've always been fortunate to have different people that had a vision for me of where I could go that I did not have at that time. Now that I have the opportunity to do that for others, it is the most significant and most important part of my position. It is tremendously rewarding to see others grow and fulfill a life-long career.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc.? |
Much continued success. I think Macy's, Inc. has been very critical of itself over the last few months. They are looking at how to grow and move forward. The corporation looks at the fact that they have to change and be forward thinking in order to continue to be successful. All of us embrace that change and will move forward.
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