Carrie Cruz

I attribute my success to my willingness to embrace change, overcome the fear of starting over, and trust the process of rebuilding when needed. Rather than being defined by a single achievement, I take pride in the resilience I’ve developed through navigating uncertainty, stepping away from “this is how it’s always been done,” and making decisions that require both faith and courage. I’ve learned to view setbacks as part of growth—what I refer to as the “F-word”—and to recognize that failure is often a necessary step toward progress. My career path has never been linear, and from consumer goods to unexpected academic and geographic shifts, each transition has reinforced that success comes from adaptability, professional maturity, and the ability to keep moving forward even when the outcome is not what I initially envisioned.

My advice to young women entering my industry would be threefold. First, know your North Star—begin with the end in mind and stay anchored to the destination you want to reach, even as your path takes unexpected turns. Second, be intentional about the company you keep. This applies not only to the organizations you join, but also to the people you surround yourself with, as relationships can serve as comfort, mentorship, and catalysts for growth and opportunity over time. Finally, do not be afraid to take calculated risks or to fail; focus on making decisions that are reversible, understanding that each experience—whether it works out or not—is a meaningful chapter that contributes to your development and ultimately shapes a stronger version of yourself.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is translating big data, AI, and transformation language into tangible adoption at the frontline level. While the technology and strategy are often sophisticated, the real impact depends on whether it is actually understood and applied by teams in day-to-day operations. Another ongoing challenge is navigating traditionally male-dominated retail environments, where building influence and driving change can require persistence and resilience. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity in leveraging digitized learning and modern tools to drive immediate operational improvements and measurable P&L impact, particularly within fast-growing retail organizations where speed, scalability, and execution are critical.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are lifelong learning, resilience, faith, courage, and professional maturity. I believe in continuously growing and staying open to new knowledge, while also having the resilience to navigate setbacks and uncertainty. Faith and courage guide me in making decisions even when outcomes are unclear, and professional maturity allows me to approach challenges with perspective, accountability, and composure. Together, these values shape how I lead, adapt, and continue to grow throughout my career and life.