Discussing Business-Threats with the CEO of Charlotte Russe.

#TwelveDaysofISDI: Career advice, interviewing tips, and Silicon Valley secrets to make your 2018 the best it can be.

It’s the fifth day of ISDI and my true love gave to me, five golden rings and the Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte Russe Inc.!

Welcoming Jenny Ming, former President of Old Navy (ask her about how she came up that name) and current CEO of Charlotte Russe. She weighs in on some “rules” when it comes to hiring, the “secret sauce” to her success, and current threats to the brick & mortar industry.

Prior to Charlotte Russe, Jenny spent 20 years at Gap Inc. where she held various executive roles, including President of Old Navy. She brings nearly three decades of valuable merchandising and apparel industry experience to the board at Levi Strauss & Co. and Barneys New York. While she can definitely let you know if five golden rings will be in style next season, we think you’ll find what she has to say about your life’s purpose a lot more interesting.

If you had to start your career all over again today, what would you major in and what job would you go for?

If I could start everything over again, I think I might take a completely different creative route. I enjoy cooking and would love to become a top chef! Cooking and creating dishes is one of my favorite hobbies. I find the process of learning about new ingredients, cultures and recipes to create a unique dish incredibly interesting and rewarding. I love the idea of going to culinary school, and maybe living abroad to fully immerse myself in a new cooking culture — maybe France!

What is the biggest threat towards brick & mortar business, and what is the #1 thing they should do to prepare for it?

As we’ve seen in recent years, there are many threats to brick and mortar businesses, but the largest threat is the surge in online and eCommerce shopping. Shopping online eliminates the need to shop in a brick and mortar store.

However, an important thing to realize about this threat is that e-commerce should be looked at as more of an enhancement to any brick and mortar current retail business model. Amazon is pushing retailers to think differently and embrace eCommerce as a partner more than a threat. Us retailers can turn this into something positive, but it’s crucial that we move quickly. Time is definitely of the essence in this case and we don’t have any more time to waste.

If you don’t know where to start, it’s important to research, study, learn and look to other companies in the similar situations as well as at the ones who are thriving. You have to put yourself out there by learning, meeting people and talking about the issues in your industry. There isn’t such a thing as perfect timing. The best time is now — so don’t over analyze and jump in!

Over the years, what has been the ‘secret sauce’ to your success?

Continued learning. I believe that you should never feel like you’ve arrived at a point where you’re comfortable. I’ve found that it’s been incredibly valuable to have always been pushing myself to grow and learn both professionally and personally. Being curious in nature is helpful, but becoming a student helps you evolve and keeps you interested in life and business. Simply put, I have always found that learning keeps everything in life more interesting.

What is your number one rule when it comes to hiring?

When it comes to hiring I tend to be drawn to those who aren’t afraid to back away from risks. I always ask interviewees about a time they failed. What happened? How did you handle it? Asking someone about a failure tells you a lot about a person during a time that was very tough. Being able to admit you failed isn’t always easy but failing means you took risks, which is very important. What you do about it next, also tells a lot.

I’m also drawn to people who don’t accept the status quo and are always looking at issues in a new or different way for new possibilities. These are the kinds of people I want to work with.

Any parting advice for us?

It’s OK to enjoy down time. We all know work is important and it’s meaningful to enjoy what you do but it’s just as important to find and make time for interests and hobbies outside of work. Love travel? Plan a trip! Going back to the importance of continuing to learn and grow as an individual — it not only makes you more interesting, but also makes you a truer more fuller version of yourself, which shines through positively both personally and professionally.

Day 1: Former VP of Talent at LinkedIn and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Day 2: Director of Digital and Social of the 49ers and Two Turtle Doves
Day 3: Three-time Author @britopian and Three French Hens
Day 4: Research Director of Google Cloud and Four Calling Birds

To learn more about ISDI Digital University and the 9-month master’s degree in digital business program, visit us at www.isdidigital.university.