The Resilience of the Pivot

The Resilience of Retail.... I can safely say that companies have whole departments dedicated to what's next and they strategize over differentiators. Being the first to offer things like same day delivery, same day pay, flex schedules, relaxed and casual dress codes. All are things that make coming to work easier and more personalized. For decades we've (retail industry) talked about being "customer centric." Meaning that every decision was focused on the experience of the consumer. That made sense. Several big name, global brands figured out that if we focused on the worker bees and ensured they were comfortable and happy that they would provide a more enjoyable approach to customer service. And that made so much more sense that it also became a claim to fame for many big brands. It's also the crux that keeps most small businesses afloat, so we pivot.

When I decided I had enough internal content to launch a newsletter, (I thank you all for subscribing,) My goal was to talk about these pivots, the culture of Retail and the skills and will of the Retail teams that keep businesses afloat. But admittedly, the last year was hard and the year before that was physically hard but thats because business was not only good business was great! Those pivots, creating great working environments, having teams that were passionate about the business, kept foot traffic and consumer interest at a very high level. When I say the retail industry is resilient, this is my prime example.

I have worked for companies, who were sold, closed down, taken another name, conducted annual layoffs, filed bankruptcy and came back bigger, better, stronger! Need I mention that the market is booming in such a way, that everyone is constantly hiring! They are creating open positions nationwide and I'm certain there's a global impact as well. So yes, I have plenty to contribute and plenty of stories to tell.

I've been actively participating in these pivots since I was 16 years old. And if you really know me, that's mighty long time. I've been so busy and trying to focus that I haven't put out any new content in a long while. As a matter of fact this last year, I could safely say I was run down and burned out. I was working late and on off days to keep up. I actually didn't go see my family for a whole year trying to ensure I was improving at all cost. In retrospect, I didn't enjoy the isolation. I took a part time job as an independent contractor so I can continue to engage, meet new people and learn the area. It worked for me for a while. It was interesting because consumers still would seek me out, ask me questions and I'd have to say, I don't actually work here but I do know the answer, lol. Eventually, I decided that it was time to leave my retail career and focus on new passions, things that allow me to be the decision maker and utilize my entrepreneurial background. I was in retail for 30 plus years, I've worked for all the big names, held various leadership roles, its in my blood. I loved merchandising, creating shops within shops, I loved decor and the entire holdiay season, yes the crazy, hectic holiday season was fun for me. I will forever utilize my strength: interpersonal skills, empathy for others and creating a space where employees look forward to coming to work! I am the resilient one!

Within 30 days of leaving retail, I went back to another passion.....ensuring we are all prepared for the unexpected, that fewer families would not have to decide between paying bills or going to a doctor. That no one I know would have to use a "go fund me" for funeral expenses. Lastly, that my friends, family and neighbors all better understand what benefits are available to help keep them afloat. Before I began my last retail job, I had studied for my insurance exam for months... while in HR, I would always have to conduct open enrollments and explain products and help teams understand coverages and I'd have to convince them to sign up for life insurance and how that helps your family and dependents after you are gone. Historically, its how some families established generational wealth. No, its not always pulling yourself up by the bootstraps. Often it's where one forward thinker in your family steps up with a new idea and starts a business and teaches others how to do the work and then sets aside funds to keep the business going and the development of future leaders. Also, it just may be that person knew when to Pivot.

So if you ask me, what happened? I'd say girl, I was tired. But I'd add, I have nothing negative to say about any previous job, position or company I worked for in the past. I was given opportunities, had growth and advancement, I was able to travel and relocate, and I learned so much and even had some really great leaders and mentors. I've met and interacted with people who have no idea how they impacted my life and career. I am forever grateful. So here I am pivoting....

Usually, I wrap up my newsletter with , I'm Cheryl Warren 30 plus years of Retail Leadership, LinkedIn top Voice for Retail.2022...But now, I'd add Former to all of that. I am now an independent affiliate of AFLAC (still doing global brands) I run my own business, set my own goals, work the hours I choose but also, get to help businesses and individuals prepare for the unexpected and the inevitable "Pivots" life throws at us. If you need career advice, I am here, If you need a Business to Business consult, I am here and if you simply want to know if your outfit is cute, I can still do that as well.

Cheers to all the pivots life throws at us!(officially Changing the newsletter name to the Resilience of the Pivot)

Thanks for subscribing, thanks for reading and as always thank you for your support! If you'd like to chat about what AFLAC can do for your business or you individually, just DM me!