MEET THE TEAM: REBECCA MANSERGH, CHANNELS DIRECTOR - Digital, Omni and Partnerships

Speaking with Rebecca Mansergh feels remarkably like hanging out with a close friend, as well as interviewing a compelling voice from the retail industry. Open and honest, quick to laugh and smart as a whip, she’s cultivated a successful career spanning two decades “always with Australian fashion brands”. Now as CAMILLA’s Channels Director, Rebecca is responsible for delivering profitability across the revenue-driving channels globally – from digital and wholesale to reselling and rental – with the omnichannel a major focus, as well as the growth of global third-party partnerships. “I love the scope of my role. On any given week I can be working on an opportunity in the Middle East, a new international marketplace or developing our omnichannel approach here in Oz. It’s incredibly diverse which makes for a very interesting journey.” Here she shares some of her working wisdom and life lessons.

THE ART OF NEGOTIATION: “I do a lot of negotiating and over the years I’ve found that if you look at a deal or situation from the other person’s angle, you’ll almost always get what you need. Ask yourself what their motivation is; is there an emotion that’s driving a particular behaviour? Almost every time I’ve done that, I’ve come at the negotiation from a more well-rounded, knowledgeable approach, resulting in a better outcome.”

IF YOU CAN, SLEEP ON IT: “It’s so important to not be reactive in business – I say it to my teams all the time: just stop, take your time, don’t react if you don’t have to. If you can sleep on a decision, sleep on it. There is always a different angle or view, and the perspective you have today might be completely different tomorrow. Just give yourself some breathing space – it’s true of small decisions and big conversation. From a business perspective, it allows you to look at situations, projects and people differently, which is invaluable.”

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE: “I turn to Jane McNally, our CEO, and my peers on our executive team for professional advice. I’m lucky to work with so many brilliant leaders that I really admire. I’ve also got lifelong friends that I’ve made in the industry and I really trust their judgement. My husband is also an amazing sounding board. He’s probably the furthest thing from fashion that you can imagine, but he’s always got a really interesting perspective or an insight that I won’t have considered, so I’ll often seek out his view.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ‘WHY’: “If you want to motivate your team, you need to be really clear about what it is you’re trying to do as a business – short, medium and long-term – and how they’re all connected. Where are we going? It’s essential that each person understands what their role is, how integral they are, and why their piece of the puzzle is so important. Also, the why. Why are we doing it? When you share that, it provides purpose – a reason. With that added context, I find they’re not just clocking on and off. I’m also a really big believer in continuous learning. If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. When you grow, the business benefits.”

BE BRAVE: “I had a lot of self-doubt in my 20s. I think about girls today and it’s really tough for them. They’re exposed to so much stuff. The one thing I tell my 13-year-old daughter all the time is, ‘Just be brave. Don’t worry what people think; take a risk, take that leap.’ Easier said than done at that age, but I hope by the time she’s in her 20s, she’ll have some positive experiences on this under her belt and she won’t be afraid to be herself. Also, it’s okay to be vulnerable because it’s real, honest and authentic. When I think about all the time I spent worrying about those things… life is too short.”

IT’S OKAY TO SAY “I DON’T KNOW”: “I think we’ve created a space here at CAMILLA where it’s okay to not have all the answers; to admit that you’re not sure about something, and to seek input and collaboration. That’s really important because you won’t get the best out of people if they’re afraid of having the wrong answer. I definitely don’t get it right 100% of the time, but what I always try to do is self-reflect and learn from the situation. I’m quite comfortable saying, ‘I don’t know’, but then I’ll always work it out.”

LET GO OF EGO: “The biggest lessons I’ve learnt are to let your work speak for itself, park your ego and listen with an open mind. You don’t know everything. You’ll never be a good leader if you’re driven by your ego, which I firmly believe comes from insecurity. You’ve got to let it go because the insecurity drives unhelpful behaviours. It’ll stop you from being your best and getting the best out of others.”

LEAD WITH PURPOSE: “I really admire those leaders, particularly women, who back themselves, who are uncompromising in their beliefs and in what they’re doing. Women who lead with purpose. Obviously, I love kicking amazing goals in terms of revenue and business growth, but it’s even more rewarding if it’s reflective of who you are and what you believe in.”

TAKE FIVE

?Describe yourself in three words

Honest, ambitious, passionate.

?What virtues do you admire most in others?

Transparency is a big one for me. Also, integrity, kindness and authenticity. I don’t suffer fools. I’m quite direct and straight to the point and I really appreciate it when people are like that with me – I respect that.

?Last good book or podcast?

I’ve been listening to Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia on my run. It was recommended by a friend – guidelines for how corporations can conduct business with ethical and socially responsible practices; leading with purpose.

?How do you unwind or destress?

I run, I love to cook and I enjoy a good glass of red. I’ve also just finished bingeing The Mindy Project – highly recommend!

What’s your favourite CAMILLA piece?

I’ve got a few go-to shapes… There’s the beautiful high-neck raglan sleeve blouse, the slip dress and the full-length military coat. I will take all three in any print – they’re kind of staples for me. I love them.

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