Sephora’s Female Leaders Share Their Pinterest-Worthy Words of Advice

ICYMI: A January WWD article showcased advice from successful beauty executives, featuring our very own Chief Merchandising Officer, Artemis Patrick. Feeling inspired with International Women’s Day, we reached out to our female leaders at Sephora and asked them one question: If you could go back and give career advice to a younger you, what would you say?

Needless to say, we are feeling more empowered than ever thanks to their amazing insights. Take a moment to reflect on their Pinterest-worthy words of wisdom below.

Jamie D., Sr. District Manager: “Be confident and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The word ‘FAIL’ stands for: First Attempt in Learning.”

Erika S., Director, Strategic Sourcing: “No matter what behavioral examples you encounter from all levels of the organization, stay true to who you are and hold yourself to high standards. Integrity is priceless.”

Yvette N., VP, Talent: “Kindness and compassion are like magic. They can make amazing things happen. Don’t ever let anyone tell you they are a sign of weakness. Be confident in your value. And when you aren’t feeling confident, go into actress mode. Soon, you’ll forget you are acting”

Kim T., VP, Communications: “Sharing is caring! Don’t be afraid to take an unplanned turn on your journey! Be curious. Genuinely curious like a 6-year-old. Ask questions and dig in to what feels uncomfortable. That is where the real learning and challenges take place! And then, talk about it. Be proud of it. Oftentimes, we keep our learning and self-discoveries to ourselves for fear people won’t appreciate our journey!”

Aimee B., Senior Director, In-store Services: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. If it won’t still matter to you in a year, then it doesn’t matter now!”

Lovina L., Sr. Director, I.T.: “We are fortunate residing in a multicultural country. This is one inspirational proverb that keeps guiding me in both my personal and career journey: ‘Look to others to learn lessons about ourselves.’”

Kate B., Director, Event Marketing: “Don’t be afraid to take risks! Both learn from your failures and celebrate your successes. And, stop spending your money on new shoes — start a 401K!”

Maggie H., Senior Director, Education: “If I could turn back time…. I would slow the pace down a notch and take more time to enjoy the journey. Prioritize family time more often and allow more celebration in moments of self-reflection.”

Darcy B., VP, PMO & Office of the CIO: “Push through the fear of scrutiny. You don’t have to be 100% buttoned up to speak up, and it is OK sometimes to have no idea what you are doing (And to admit it!) One day you will realize everyone has intermittent battles with ‘Imposter Syndrome.’ Don’t be hard on yourself if you aren’t practically perfect, if you ask a dumb question, if you raise a bad idea, or don’t understand something that everyone else does. Give yourself the credit you deserve, because other people do, and they are going to support you. Most importantly, know that you can be yourself, stay real, stay honest, stay kind, stay funky, stay a little weird and still advance in your career because leaders are not relegated to a single form, and you will blaze your own trail that is right for you. Also, don’t forget to always use sunscreen on your décolleté.”

Mili D.R., Senior Director, Brand Marketing: “Number one: Don’t let your need to be liked get in the way of the need to be strong. You can be strong and opinionated while still friendly and respected. Number two: Let your strengths of connection and laughter bind you to people — you don’t always have to be serious to get ahead — people want you to smile.”

Kali C., Director, Business Analytics and Strategy: “Don’t be afraid to be vocal about what you want in your role/career. If you are at the point where you might quit or leave, you have nothing to lose by trying to get things changed so you can stay!”

Jen D., Senior Director, Internal Branding: “When someone sees potential in you, believe them, even if you don’t yet see it yourself. My greatest moments of growth have come when a boss has given me a project that I didn’t know I could do!”

Jodi H., Director of Retail Operations: “Never underestimate the power of professional relationship building and networking. People are more likely to support your projects and initiatives based on a connection that’s been created.”

Desiree Z., Director, Retail Operations SiJCP: “Be thoughtful about the leaders you choose to work for. Who you work for has a lot to do with how you will grow and develop, so be selective if you can. Also, don’t be afraid to change leaders. Being exposed to different styles early in your career can help you know the kind of leader you want to be in the future.”

Emeline B., Senior Director, New Business, Content & Commerce: “Know thyself — ask yourself what parts of your job you like most and go after the roles that have more of those aspects. Be picky — I made the mistake of jumping into a new job too quickly. Gain visibility — ask senior people out for coffee, and have questions prepared related to what they are working on. All that and set two alarms when staying at a new hotel. I missed a key meeting in my twenties because the alarm volume was turned too low!”

Britt S., Director, Fixture Purchasing: “I would tell myself it’s always okay to ask for help, to seek out mentors and really listen to them. Listening is one of the most important skills a leader can possess. Always think about the bigger picture so you don’t get caught up in the frustrations the details can sometimes bring.”

Tara M., Director, Retail Operations: “You don’t have to be a jerk in order to ‘Keep up with the boys.’ I thought that I needed to be more serious, more firm, more opinionated. I just needed to be myself!”

Keri M., VP/GM SiJCP: “Believe you have all that you need. Quit doubting yourself and listening to that pesky inside voice! You are FABULOUS just the way you are. My favorite quote: ‘Women say, ‘I can do anything a man can do. Women should say, ‘I can do anything a woman can do.’”

Andrea Z., SVP, CRM & Loyalty: “Be curious, take risks, accept challenges and try new things. You learn the most when you are out of your comfort zone and those experiences can often be the most fulfilling.”

Claire T., Director, Corporate Communications: “Continue to speak up! Your point of view is important and your ideas should be heard.”

Sabrina M., VP, Controller: “Always believe in yourself and don’t be afraid. Do what you want to do and what you believe in. To quote Serena Williams, ‘Everyone’s dream can come true, if you just stick to it and work hard.’ Always believe in your dream and never give up.”

Amy E., SVP/GM Ecommerce: “Do something you’re passionate about — whether that’s beauty, a job function, or retail. Be patient with yourself and your career trajectory, and don’t be afraid to try something new.”

Bridget S., Director, Media Planning & Partnerships: “You are your best advocate! Don’t be shy about your accomplishments. It’s important to be vocal. Managers can be busy, so it’s better to speak up!”

Jennifer B., Director, Campaign & Content Marketing: Color & Fragrance: “Don’t be so concerned with where you are compared to your friends, peers or other people your age. Sometimes you’ll be ‘ahead’ and sometimes you’ll be ‘behind.’ In the end, it’s not about how fast you can climb the ladder or get to a finish line. It’s about the unique path you choose to take and the experiences you have along the way.”

Melissa S., Product Director, Content & Analytics: “You did not ask to be brought into this world…. but you are here, now. Throughout your life, YOU are the person who will be impacted the most by your successes and your failures. No one else is as worried about you as YOU. Even though it may not feel like it right now, you get to choose how you want your life to be. Every single day, every single moment you make a choice on how to shape your life. Success is defined by you. Failure is also defined by you… and it can feel devastating, but #EXPERIENCES will be essential to who you are as you age. All of them: good, bad, embarrassing, traumatic, sad, joyous… pay attention to what is happening here, now. Soak up all that you can. Own this life, because it is yours. I love you.”

Kim S., VP, Canada Dotcom: “It’s tempting to go after the ‘brass ring’ or that shiny object that everyone else around you seems to want. But ask yourself what you really want — it may look a bit different and you may need to widen your aperture. Ultimately, you will go further if you are solving for you versus the crowd.”

Hazel E., Director, Digital Business Operations: “Every year I have 365 opportunities! Rather than saying, ‘I need to’ or ‘I have to’ — change your approach and say, ‘I get to…’ You will find that you are so very grateful for all the things you get to do here at Sephora. 365 opportunities! Optimize your daily opportunity.”

Bridget D., SVP, Omni Experiences & Innovation: “I would love to tell my younger self to focus on my own journey and no one else’s. Sometimes changes happen faster or slower for you, but if you focus on always pursuing areas and roles where you are the most intrigued, then you will always love your job and your enthusiasm will shine through.”

Cindy D., Senior Director, Merchandising, Skincare: “Be a sponge. Soak up the wisdom and experience of the people around you who have been on the journey to where you want to go. Take advantage of every opportunity to network, even when it doesn’t feel directly relevant to your role at the time. You never know how the time you invest getting to know people will pay off later. Give more than you take. Extend your help and expertise as you develop it.”

Alison C., Director, Sustainability: “I think my advice to my younger self would be: balance both (a) listening to understand the other person’s/project partner’s perspective and priorities, and (b) having the confidence to speak up, believing that my voice and expertise adds value, and that if I am speaking up about challenges, include some potential solutions.”

Jessica P., Senior Director, Merchandising: “It’s the same advice I give myself now: Listen more, talk less. Ask questions, pause and provide space for the quiet voices (I’m loud!).”

Winnie V. W., VP, Inventory Management: “Be vocal with what you and your team requires to be successful. Choose your battles and don’t worry about the small stuff. Make the time to take care of yourself!”

Blakeley V., Senior Director of Public Relations: “Have a point of view of how you want to be known as a people motivator and leader, even if you are not currently a team leader. Take note of what you admire of your own leader, watch others, observe, ask what worked and what didn’t so that when you have a direct report or team, you already have a plan in motion to support your style of leadership. My biggest successes in my career I attribute to having strong leaders to role model myself after, with the goal of doing the same.”