Finding purpose

After five extraordinary years at Bonobos, last week I shared my decision to leave.? With that? comes many mixed emotions.? I am excited about what is to come next; I am sad to leave behind the people and culture that I love; and I am also incredibly proud of all that we have built together over the last five years.

When I took the job at Bonobos to be the Chief Marketing Officer back in late 2016, I took a leap of faith. I moved my family to New York to work in an industry I had no experience in, but from my very first conversations it was clear to me that there was magic in the Bonobos DNA.? Little did I know where that leap of faith would take me – to become the CEO in late 2018 – and little did I know what we would be able to create together.

It’s hard to articulate all we have achieved as a team over the last five years.? I could list the projects completed – the technology and systems improvements we have made, the stores we have opened, the products and marketing campaigns we have launched – but that would seem insufficient.? I think that our greatest achievement, and the one I am most proud of, is that Bonobos has found its voice.??

Our mission – to create a world where we all fit – shines brighter than ever both within the walls of Bonobos and in the world at large. Our product – the fit, the quality, the color, the critters, the “winks of joy” – is best in class.? Our experience – whether in store or on line? – continues to be a reason for our customers to choose us time and time again. We are clearer than ever about who we are and why we exist.? We have purpose.

After I announced my departure, I received this message from one of our team that really summed up for me the importance of having purpose (and, of course, made me cry):

“I don’t think it’s common (unless you’re working in a nonprofit) that your personal values and mission so closely align to those of the company you work for. You made that true for me. You injected Bonobos with spirit - a soul. Your fearlessness when it comes to being loud and proud about where we stood on social issues, making things like diversity and inclusion our focus (sometimes at the risk of how it might impact business) made me feel like I was waking up every day with a true purpose outside of just driving revenue. I love that I have been able to take that direction from you and try to make Guideshops a safe haven for all people - members of every community who deserve to belong and be loved. Bonobos has changed my life in every way and it’s the Bonobos you shaped.”

Leaving is definitely bittersweet, but I am beyond excited to be joining TIAA as their Chief Marketing Officer.? I am excited by their purpose, their team, and their ambition.

At first glance, a move to work in the retirement space may seem surprising.? However, what made Bonobos the most exciting to me was its greater purpose, beyond the clothes.? At TIAA, their purpose is their business – empowering teachers to create a better financial future for themselves and their families.? That has always been a compelling mission, but I think for many, including myself, the role that teachers play in our society, and how we should support them, has become even clearer through the pandemic. The CEO of TIAA, Thasunda and her team have big ambitions to improve how they serve them and ultimately improve their outcomes.? Their passion and commitment is palpable, and the opportunity to be a part of that team, and to work every day to deliver the purpose was what reeled me in.?

There is a lot for me to learn - about the industry and TIAA -? and I am excited to meet the team, understand the task at hand and where I need to support. However, I believe that the lessons I have learned over the last five years at Bonobos will serve me well.? A focus on purpose, people, and collaboration can, after all, achieve so much.