Leaders of Change: Don Brett

DON BRETT is currently the VP of eCommerce leading portfolio strategy at Kimball International, a global leader in office and workplace furniture solutions.

Prior to Kimball, he worked for 15+ years at Newell Brands, earning his way up the ranks of leadership through sales, trade marketing, and revenue growth management and ultimately taking on leadership of the emerging ecommerce business as Global VP of eCommerce with full GM responsibility for the team, plan, P&L and capability advancement.

When not working, he's leading change through industry thought leadership and co-hosts "THE E-TALK SHOW" on LinkedIn with fellow thought leader Sri Rajagopalan.

Why did you choose to pursue eCommerce in your career? I love to work in spaces that are changing, areas that are yet to be defined. 

I love to simplify complexity into actionable strategic plans. eCommerce is a space that my 15 years of CPG experience has built an optimal toolbox to leverage for maximum value creation.

What is your biggest strength, and how have you used it for your success in eCommerce? I view personal and professional situations through an optimistic lens. This has served me well during challenging times in my career and personal life.

What is the weirdest skill or talent to come in handy in your eCommerce experience? I’m not sure that I would call it a “talent” as much as I would call it by my ability to be resourceful.  

Within the eCommerce ecosystem, many brands and leaders are “building and flying” the plane at the same time. With the lack of a detailed playbook or manual, we must be resourceful and be leaders of change. This involves doing some work and getting your hands dirty at times.

How have you most successfully influenced change within your organization (or with your clients)? Starting with the “why” is always a must, leveraging objective data to illustrate the case for change. Clarity and transparency are critical skills to be exercised for any leader of change.

What was your most “valuable” career failure, and why? Like any of us who have been in the CPG space, I have made my share of “mistakes.”

However, I wouldn’t say that I look back on any of these as “failures.” I choose to view these as “learnings” that I carry forward in future roles/assignments.

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior or habit has most improved your life? Leading larger teams has really made me come to the realization that my most important job is to “coach” my team and “listen” to my team. Leaders play critical roles; I have worked to become the best version of a servant leader I can be for my people.

What are you learning right now? How to be more patient and ignore that constant “whisper of impatience” that my personality tests suggest. :)

What are the 1-3 songs that would make up your career soundtrack today?

• Started from the Bottom by Drake
• This is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line
• Here I Go Again by Whitesnake

What are the 1-3 books you’ve gifted the most or that have greatly influenced your life, and why? I love business, competition and simplicity; all three books touch on each of these points in one way or another.

• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Organized Mind by Daniel Levitin

If you could have a gigantic billboard for the world to see with anything on it, what would it say, and why? 

• “Keep Going”: I feel that many people are spending too much time doing things they aren’t passionate about; things they don’t believe in. People should find what excites them and chase it; KEEP GOING!
• “Be Present”: It can be easy to be distracted going from meeting to meeting, flight to flight, etc/etc. However, our job as leaders is to be present for our people. We must truly listen with the intent to be influenced in those moments we have 1:1.

What are the worst recommendations or advice you have heard related to eCommerce? "There is no reason to make significant changes here...it (eCommerce) is a fad."

What advice would you give to a future leader of change about to enter business, or specifically the eCommerce field?

1. Embrace a certain level of ambiguity
2. Create the change you seek
3. Take on assignments before you feel you are 100% ready
4. Help others!!

What specific, industry-related change do you believe will happen that few others seem to see?  Investment. Evolution of digital will increase at a much faster rate than brands are anticipating. Those who are investing ahead of the trend will establish a first-mover advantage and will make it quite challenging for brands that invested less significantly in their digital capabilities.

What is the last thing you bought online, and why? I bought a pair of Nike ID (customized black low top Air Force 1 sneakers). Love the brand and the customization options they offer.

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Leaders of Change is a weekly interview series featuring select industry pioneers who are driving the evolution of commerce, the consumer and everything in between. If you would like to recommend a Leader of Change for consideration, please reach out to me on LinkedIn.