Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
I grew up wanting to be a teacher until I spent a semester helping in an elementary school classroom. Clothing and fashion were my other passion so I pursued a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I began my career by entering the Executive Training Program of a Boston based Department Store then spent a number of years in retail operations for both department stores and specialty retailers. My love of training helped me transition to Human Resources with a small organization and an eventual move to a larger company and progressed to significantly more responsibility. I made my mark as an innovative Human Resources practitioner and strategic business partner.
I had the honor of working with many leaders who understood how to navigate turbulent times. And, of course, there were those who struggled. By its nature, apparel retailing has its ups and downs. I graduated from corporate eight years ago, entered the world of Human Resources consulting and became a partner at my current firm a few years ago.
Great article Leesa!