Kessie Smith

In my journey with Anthropologie, I've discovered the profound impact that continuous learning and development can have on both personal and professional growth. The environment here has taught me that investing in one's development is not just beneficial—it's essential. At Anthropologie, we're not just encouraged to reach our current goals but to expand our horizons and set new ones. It’s a place where learning intertwines with our daily tasks, pushing us to excel and innovate continuously. If you're looking to make a significant impact in your career, consider how a focus on learning and development can elevate your professional journey. Let's keep learning, not just for our advancement, but for the enrichment of our entire professional landscape. #LearningAndDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #Anthropologie #RetailInnovation #CareerDevelopment

48

Experience vs. Opportunity: A Thought for Retailers Why are so many retailers hyper-focused on “experience” when hiring? I’ve realized something important: Experience Begins with a Chance. What does it say about an organization that isn’t willing to invest time in developing someone for a role? Why are so many companies hesitant to give someone the opportunity to grow into a position? The truth is, experience alone isn’t always enough. Skills can be learned. Passion, determination, and a willingness to grow are often far more valuable than years of prior experience. Retailers—and companies in general—need to think beyond resumes and focus on people’s potential. Organizations that value potential over convenience build stronger teams and future leaders. Giving someone a chance isn’t just an investment in them—it’s an investment in your company’s future. So, here’s the real question: Are you building future leaders, or just hiring for convenience? Let’s invest in people and give opportunities the same weight as experience. What are your thoughts? #Leadership #Development #RetailIndustry #Opportunity

2

The word “grateful” doesn’t even begin to cover today... Pouring into people is my passion, so the opportunity to invest time in our leaders at Michaels as a kick off to the day was a JOY! 🤩 I shared advice based on personal experiences, rounding out to a list of 11 Leadership Lessons I’ve taken to heart in my career to date. Dropping those below for my LinkedIn crew to leverage too! ⬇️ Would love to hear your “lessons learned”! Share in the comments below to keep the learning goodness going. Here’s to our continued growth, y’all! 🎉 ✨ Do not fear - most fear is rooted in fear of people - what they will think, how they will react. Fear drives poor judgement - eliminate it to operate at the fullest level. ✨ Create clarity, not chaos - we don’t make good decisions when we rush. Slow down, think critically and then move into action. Also talk straight - say what needs to be said in a way where others can hear it… sugarcoating is not clear or kind. ✨ Get out of your own way - instead of worrying and saying “what if I fail?”, try switching your brain to consider “what if it all works out?” ✨ “No” can mean “Not right now” - you can’t always have it your way. Sometimes our ideas stick, sometimes they don’t. Give things time if you get a “no” and try again. ✨ Follow “yes” with “and” - get a crazy request? Instead of being the no police, tell the person “yes”, then describe what it will require to get that done with your “and”. Ex: Yes, we can take on that project. And I need XYZ to make it happen within the timeline you’ve laid out. Win, win! ✨ Name it to claim it - naming your emotions helps you claim power over them. Speak what you are experiencing and pull it into your consciousness to address things with a clear mindset. Same for your hopes and dreams - name what you want and go after it! ✨ Share wins, take the fall - the team gets the glory when things go well… every time. And YOU take the hit for them when things get off track. Period. ✨ Let people help you - being a leader is not about doing everything yourself. Leverage your team fully and also connect with peers. Success is about maximizing the team and your relationships. ✨ Polish the stones - set projects up for success with crisp milestones at the beginning before the team sets out to accomplish the work and the end before things officially launch. Helps the team move with speed and avoids unnecessary roadblocks along the way. ✨ Set boundaries - not everyone needs access to you 24/7 - establish expectations for communication vehicles and response times. For me, texts are urgent, IMs are more “FYI”, and emails are something I carve out times to read and reply to. ✨ Last, but not least, be a shepherd - when one of your flock is struggling, spend the extra time and attention to get that person back up to bright. If one part of the team is under more pressure, roll up your sleeves and help them accomplish the mission. #leadershipdevelopment #bettertogether #growthmindset

113

8 Comments

Retail leaders can do anything 💪🏼

3

🌟 Your growth as a leader is directly tied to your team’s success. 🌟 Every conversation, every training session, and every piece of feedback isn’t just for your team—it’s a step forward for you too. True leadership thrives on mutual growth and shared success. 🚀 Feeling stuck in your retail career? It’s time for a reset! Personalized coaching can provide tailored strategies and actionable steps to boost your confidence and help you land that dream role. Let’s elevate your career together! 👉 Retailtrainer.pro #RetailLeadership #CareerGrowth #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #RetailTrainer

3

🎄Retail - let’s talk about it🎄 We’re now Mid-November, folks…. And that means Black Friday is right around the corner!! 💥🙌🏼 ✅Every single Store Manager in America has spent Countless Hours prepping their stores for YOU!! ✅Countless team members have Already made sacrifices to their personal schedules to ensure YOUR Black Friday is incredible. 🔔Here are a few things to remember when you’re out shopping over these next few weeks…. 1. Employees are Already tired😑. Don’t be rude. If you have a complaint, don’t make a scene to draw a crowd (trust me, the other customers don’t want to hear you yelling either) 🤷🏻‍♀️ please ask for a manager and let them know your concerns, calmly. 2. 🫣Don’t mess up the store when you shop. Please, oh please, just grab what you need and go on your merry way. 3. 🤦🏻‍♀️Please don’t haggle employees over pricing. They are not decision makers over pricing (most of the time) and Yes, pricing IS higher this year …. Like everywhere else. I know you bought that $15 item back in 1994 for $4.99. But we can’t price match from decades ago. 4. 😁Smile. Just smile and be kind. 5. 😎If you’re feeling really ambitious - walk up to a random employee and give them a compliment, thank them for their hard work, let them know You appreciate them! Last, but NOT least #6 🎄Holiday Surverys!! 📝 Please do NOT rate a store (1-10 scale) a 9 and put in the comments “There is always room for improvement 🤦🏻‍♀️🫣😑” Here’s a breakdown of customer surveys (through the eyes of Liz Lewis 😉) 10-9 = store was clean, got what you needed, staff was friendly 7-8 = had an issues that wasn’t resolved in the store … need to give feedback. 1-6 = Bad experience, manager wouldn’t help us, have to go above their head for resolution. 🎄Happy Holiday Shopping Y’all!! 🎄 And remember - thank a Retail Worker Today!! They could use a High-Five too 😉🙌🏼

15

Ready to take your retail career to the next level? 🌟 Whether you’re looking to grow your leadership presence or create a clear path for advancement, I’m here to help you strategize your next move with empathy and expertise. Let’s make your career goals a reality. 🚀 Grab a spot on my calendar today! Retailtrainer.pro #RetailCareerGrowth #LeadershipCoaching #RetailSuccess #CareerDevelopment #RetailTrainer

6

1 Comment

Have a Retention issue? Start surveying your associates and follow through. Get commitment from the Leadership Team to review data and commit to take action. Be prepared to handle some difficult truths.

2

1 Comment

Things I’ve learned being a people manager in retail: 1. People will amaze you everyday! I’ve had the pleasure of leading so many indivials that will show up and show out everyday, rain or shine. 2. Trust is built on the selling floor. Whether I’m connecting in between running go backs, or supporting a teammate on a deliverable; building trust with my team is done while we hustle together. 3. Give your team things to do that they love, and things that will challenge them. It should be a balance. Just giving a teammate tasks that they feel comfortable with can lead to stagnation and complacency. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, and who knows, they may find a love for something new! #retailjobs #leadership #teammanagement

25

As a Retail Store Manager, I've gained invaluable hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of retail. However, I'm excited about the potential to pivot into a more strategic role that leverages analytics and business intelligence to drive impactful decisions. Here’s how I envision this transition: 1. Leveraging Data Insights 2. Strategic Decision-Making 3. Enhancing Customer Engagement 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration 5. Continuous Learning I believe that my background in retail management, combined with a focus on analytics, can drive significant value in a strategic position. If you’re in the field of analytics or strategy, I would love to connect and discuss insights, opportunities, and experiences! #RetailManagement #Strategy #BusinessIntelligence #Analytics #CareerPivot #CustomerEngagement #DataDriven

21

There is absolutely NOTHING and I mean this in every way NOTHING a retail leader cannot do. The way we can adapt and act, have such an awareness to others and their feelings. Retail math!!!! Fiscal calendars and all. A communication skill set that is not only direct when needed but eloquent and warm too. It throws any and everything at you at all the most wildest times. I used to laugh “murpheys law” and retail go hand in hand. You’re a payroll specialist an HR generalist, a retail ops leader and most importantly you’re a person, with flaws and if your a true leader you aknowledge that you make Mistakes and teach others to do the same! So blessed that I get to support NSO and Framebridge retail teams because understanding the field and knowing what retail leaders do is the first step to bridging the gap in corporate and the field! 🫶

53

4 Comments

Retail managers have to learn to be so multiple faceted in order to be a successful leader in their role.

21

Leadership on Black Friday Weekend: Making the Magic Happen As the chaos of Black Friday weekend unfolds, I’m reminded of the power of perspective and preparation. Before the doors open and the rush begins, I take a moment to refocus. The shop is prepped, the team is strategically deployed, and the objectives are crystal clear. But here’s the thing: people aren’t machines. That’s why our pre-opening brief isn’t just a formality—it’s the heartbeat of the day. In those 15 minutes, we are not just sharing numbers or tactics; we're fuelling enthusiasm, pride, and a sense of purpose. It’s my job as a leader to ensure that every team member feels valued, driven, and connected—not because they have to, but because it matters to them and their peers. That’s the magic dust of leadership: making it personal, making it real. We’re heading into battle today, but it doesn’t have to be grim—it can be exhilarating, even fun. Retail is a team sport, and when everyone is in sync, the magic happens. To all my fellow retail warriors out there: take a moment, refocus, and rally your troops. You’ve got this. Let’s make today a smashing success—because when your team wins, everyone wins. #Leadership #RetailLife #Motivation #BlackFridayWeekend #RetailTeamwork #SundaySuccess #TeamSpirit

3

1 Comment

I pray this will be your week of multiple offers. I pray this will be the week you have the opportunity to weigh your options and perks from multiple companies. I pray this week the ball is in your court, and you slam dunk it!! 🏀 🗑️ Here are a few things you can negotiate when considering which role you will take. Your negotiation doesn't have to soley rely on base pay. Consider these areas to negotiate: Have an awesome week!! 🧦 Stock options 👩‍⚕️ Benefits ⛱️ PTO 📅 Start Date 🕴‍ Title 💹 Commission percentage 🚛 Moving Expenses 📳 Phone Allowance 🏢 Office Supply Allowance #recruiter #therecruiterspot #offer #negotiations

14

1 Comment

My favorite interview question since I'm in grocery is: "Imagine yourself walking into a store, except, on the shelves are skills instead of groceries. You only have enough money to purchase one skill to elevate yourself. What would you purchase?" This is a way of learning what someone recognizes as a skill/behavior they want to develop. An add-value for me in what we can do to help the person continue success. What would you purchase? #interview #recruiting #staffing #development #growth #leadership

31

17 Comments

This is one of the hardest things to learn moving from team member to leader and even harder to teach others as they make the same movement. As a manager (leader) your job is not to be the expert, but to bring context to your team. Your team are the experts. you work broadly and they work specifically. When that is done right things work amazingly together. https://lnkd.in/eadQUCHH

11

2 Comments

Let me be the other half of your hiring brain. Message me for insider access to our 2025 #RobertHalf Salary Guide. #RHSalaryGuide

5

Great article highlights the incredible work of our outstanding leaders at Walmart who play pivotal roles in selecting the $650 billion worth of goods we offer each year. Our Chief Merchant for Walmart U.S., Chief Merchant for Sam’s Club, and EVP of Sourcing, are leading the teams with dedication and expertise. Their efforts not only help us provide great products but also allow us to fulfill our mission of saving people money so they can live better. https://lnkd.in/gkyBAKhu

20

1 Comment