What BBYO chapter and region did you belong to?

I joined Reba Wadel BBG, which is part of Texoma (now North Texas Oklahoma) Region, in 9th grade and was a proud member until I graduated from high school. I have very fond memories of my time in BBG, including my role as vice president of the region when I was a senior in high school. My son was an AZA in high school and also had an amazing experience in BBYO. 

What was your involvement in BBYO as a teen, and how has that experience shaped you as an adult?

Being Vice President of Texoma Region my senior year of high school was my first true leadership role. I learned so much in terms of gaining followership. It was my first step in becoming a leader that helped me throughout my long retail career. BBG was probably the most important part of my high school experience. I was not a very confident young woman, and it took years before I could raise my hand and speak for myself and about myself. BBYO truly helped me with that.

What are some of the top learnings you took away from your time in BBYO that you still use today?

BBYO taught me clear communication of goals and helped me understand the importance of good listening skills which has been extremely important throughout my career. I had to learn how to be very clear in my communication and how to develop a vision for what we wanted to do in the business I was working for. There are so many issues that come up when you’re leading and managing people. BBYO also empowered me to give back to the community in which you live and work. Most importantly, I made lifelong friends. Two of my friends from BBG are still my closest friends in the world. I also carry with me the Jewish education and leadership skills BBYO taught me.

What advice would you give your teenage self? What might you tell teens today?

Be more confident and celebrate small victories! As opportunities come along, never say no. If someone above me thought I could move into a role that I knew nothing about, I was game. I was never that picky about positions or jobs. My goal throughout my career was to learn, get educated, and have fun. I think that served me well because by the time I became president and CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, I was extremely well-rounded. Also know that hard work is incredibly important. Good luck follows hard work. I think it’s also important to be curious, to ask a lot of questions, and to be passionate. My last piece of advice would be to find those characteristics about who you are as a person and build your brand around that. It is crucial to find your brand and your voice.

What are you proud of that you are working on today? 

I am focused on paying it forward to help young women who are starting out in business realize how to make real progress in their career. I am also extremely proud of the steps this generation is making. Your generation has taught my generation that the values and the missions of the company you’re working for are critically important. Before you go work for a company, make sure they live by their mission and values. If you want to have a voice, you have to work for companies that want you to have a voice. You guys are going to change all of this, and we’re rooting for you to change all of this. My generation will be on the sidelines rooting you on.