Finding Your Leadership Style: 10 “Amazing Women” Weigh In
When WIN was introduced to Amazing Women in eCommerce, we could not wait to partner with them. Amazing Women in eCommerce is a community, run by Yotpo, dedicated to celebrating the women who are shaping the eCommerce industry and offering a platform for women to connect, inspire, and empower each other.
With each event, AWIE also raises money for Girls Inc. to help build the next generation of women business leaders. We are excited to introduce you to this phenomenal community and share insights from 10 Amazing Women!
When it comes to leadership, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some leaders want to jump in, roll up their sleeves, and collaborate, while others tend to be more hands-off.
So, what makes a good leader? Amazing Women in eCommerce asked 10 founders and executives about their leadership styles and philosophies. Here’s what they had to say.
“It’s important for me to lead by example and maintain a high sense of integrity and transparency with my team. I share my successes and my failures in the hopes others will find value in the learnings I’ve picked up along my career.”
- Sushma Zoellner, Vice President of Digital Product, H-E-B
“As someone with many interests, it’s also very important to me that our team has interests outside of work. To foster that, Awkward Essentials offers a hobby stipend that pays employees to try out new activities that intrigue them. This drives creativity, new connections, and different ways of seeing the world.”
- Frances Tang, Founder, Awkward Essentials
“I believe that my team members are the actual experts in what they do. So I ask questions, help remove blockers, and brainstorm solutions, but trust that they are the real owners and can make the right decisions on their own.”
- Yoon-Ji Nam, Head of Growth, Magic Spoon
“I feel the best way for people to grow is if they’re given the opportunity to challenge themselves, so I try to create a work environment that encourages curiosity and accepts failures as lessons. I believe in leaning into vulnerability, whether it be from a place of relinquishing control or having uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations.”
- Karalyn Zamora, Co-founder, Recoop
“I like to encourage my team to take on new projects and assignments that require roles very unfamiliar to their current background. I then teach them how to pair their strengths with their weaknesses to develop new talents.”
- Michele Peters, Global eCommerce Marketing, UPS
“I think it’s crucial to get to know and understand how your team members work on an individual level. This gives me the ability to tailor my approach to their needs, so they truly feel supported in not only achieving our united goals but flourishing in their role and development.”
- Sherene Perrier, Head of eCommerce and Digital Marketing, Bouclème
“I am a true believer in servant leadership. I’ve certainly improved my leadership style over the years, but at this point in my career, I believe in listening to my team, giving them the tools they need to be successful, and empowering them to make decisions without much oversight from me.”
- Raji Behal, Head of Merchant Success, US, Klarna
“Good leadership requires decisiveness, clarity in vision and direction, strong communication skills with any personality type, and the ability to give your team inspiration and space to create.”
- Stephanie Lavaggi, Art Director, CUUP
“My leadership style is very reflective of Napoleon Hill’s quote: “You can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” I feel most gratified when my team members learn, improve, and accomplish what they set out to do.”
- Valerie Song, CEO, AVA Technologies Inc.
“I lead with compassion and I embrace that, because that’s what makes me different. That’s a strength that I have as a woman. And it’s my superpower.”
- Sharon Chuter, Founder & CEO, UOMA Beauty
Want more inspiration from these Amazing Women and the other leaders shaping the industry? Visit Amazing Women in eCommerce, sign up for their newsletter, and follow @womeninecomm on Instagram.