Women in Business Q&A: Diane Dietz, CEO, Rodan + Fields
Diane is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience managing complex global retail businesses. Prior to joining R+F, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Safeway, responsible for the retail chain’s marketing, merchandising, supply chain, digital strategy, staged delivery service and award-winning private label business. Previously, she spent more than 18 years with Procter & Gamble, where she is widely credited for the rejuvenation of P&G’s Crest brand. Diane also played a lead role in the Gillette acquisition, responsible for integrating the Oral B business unit across North America and globally. A recipient of numerous industry awards, Diane sits on the board of directors for both the Whirlpool Corporation and Zoosk. She holds a B.S. in marketing and economics from Northern Illinois University.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
I grew up in an idyllic household, with parents who were kind, loving and always supportive of my dreams. They were the first role models in my life, and they taught me to always do my personal best, work hard, pursue my passions and treat others with respect. I am now a mom of two young girls, and my parents’ example has given me greater empathy for working families and all the challenges they face. It has also made me even more focused on advocating for girls and women to have the same opportunities as men.
How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Rodan + Fields?
I have been running large, complex businesses and brands for more than 25 years at companies like P&G and Safeway. Early on in my career, I learned that by focusing on meeting your consumers’ needs better than anyone, you can have a real impact and business results will follow.
I am applying that same customer-centric approach to my role at Rodan & Fields. We are focused on giving our consumers the best skin of their lives, and we are delivering on that promise by marrying customer insights with innovation.
What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Rodan + Fields?
The fact Rodan + Fields was recently ranked as the #1 skincare brand in the US in 2016 by Euromonitor was certainly a milestone for me and our company. There are many highlights for me over the past year, including working for two female founders, leading a dream team of talented executives and getting to know our Consultants who embody our passion and purpose.
The biggest challenge we have is keeping up with our growth! That’s why I am focused on building operational systems and teams that will allow us to grow rapidly, yet effectively and in a manner that is consistent with our corporate values.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?
I have followed two simple rules for my career and they have served me well: first, follow your passion and find a career that you love. Your job should get you up each day, not keep you up at night. Second, join a company that matches your core values, so you can be your whole self. I look for high-integrity companies that have a passion to win!
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?
There are many lessons I have learned over the years. I think putting your heart into your business and people is critical for success. When you work for a leader that truly cares about you it has a lasting impact and is incredibly motivating. I have learned that for leaders it is important to listen and embrace input. Spending time with your employees and customers always provides new insights! I also believe and have seen firsthand that diverse teams are critical for success. Different approaches and thinking leads to stronger conclusions.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
To maintain work/life balance you have to get comfortable with saying no and your actions need to match your priorities. I have two young daughters and I am in a dual career family. I will have many career opportunities in my life but only one chance to be a mom and a wife, therefore I try to manage my schedule as opposed to letting my schedule manage me. I am very discerning about travel and evenings away from the kids. I am also fortunate to have a spouse who is incredibly supportive.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
I believe that more women need a seat at the table — the numbers are still incredibly low for CEO roles and corporate boards. I believe as female leaders we also have to help other women find their voices. I was very fortunate to have parents that instilled confidence in me at a young age. I remember going to T-ball practice as a kid and realizing I was the only girl on the field. My father told me to focus on hitting the ball and not to worry about who was on the field. I want to help instill that same confidence in women — success follows when you do your job, but helping other women is also critical. We need more women on the field.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
I think mentors and advisors play a critical role in your career, and I was quite lucky to have excellent mentors from my time at P&G. These are folks who will help you as you think about career changes, board roles and issues you face in your life. My mentoring experiences happened naturally vs. in structured mentoring programs. I have found that when you ask someone for help or advice people are inclined to respond positively. It takes courage to ask for help, but for me, it has always paid off in terms of good advice that helped me make better decisions.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
I have always admired Susan Arnold, former Vice Chair of P&G. She is smart, direct, down to earth and incredibly caring. I have so much respect for how she led the company. She inspired creativity, innovation and a culture where you could really thrive. She pushed you as a leader but always had your back. I am thankful for her advice and friendship throughout my career.
What do you want Rodan + Fields to accomplish in the next year?
I hope that we will continue to provide life-changing skincare to more women and men around the world as we expand our brand. I hope to create a culture of creativity, diversity and innovation where all employees and Consultants can thrive! Our goal is to become the #1 skincare brand in all markets we serve, and while we are focused on our destination, we are just as focused on savoring the journey.
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Laura Emily Dunn, Contributor