Her Story
About Gladys
My professional journey began with a major in international business and a specialization in logistics. After spending a few years working in the administrative field and then as a full-time mom, I came to Arizona and received an opportunity to work as a freelancer for Dior. Accepting that opportunity opened doors for me to work in the retail field. I started at Dillard's from the bottom as a sales associate, and due to my constant dedication and effort, I have been promoted to different positions until reaching my current role as Clearance Assistant Manager, a position I have held for 4 years and 5 months. In my daily work, I support the store and assistant manager in running the store, which includes arriving early to open, managing employee rotations and assignments, addressing customer needs and problems, and overseeing floor movements. Since my first language is Spanish and we have a lot of Hispanic people in our store, I also serve as a translator and help bridge communication gaps. I work every day with different personalities and backgrounds from both co-workers and customers, which requires me to explain duties and expectations in ways that each person can understand. I am a very empathetic person, but I am also very clear in my communication and leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gladys
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my success comes from trying to have a positive attitude every day. I try to lead with example and empathy. If my employees see that I am doing my job and showing them how to do it, they learn from that. Also, if you have empathy, it helps them a lot to build trust in you. I have had employees come to me and say, thank you so much, you are helping me a lot, I have learned a lot from you. I think that is what has helped me to be very successful - leading with example, with empathy, and always having a positive attitude to face everyday challenges.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always have a positive attitude to face every challenge and don’t let that a bad experience stop you from continue trying until you reach your goal.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to always try to be better every day. You are your only competition - try to be better tomorrow than you were yesterday. Also, you are going to face a lot of obstacles, but don't let those obstacles stop you from being successful.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the retail field, the biggest challenge is to have a fresh atmosphere to attract more customers, and also to continue to provide them with excellent service and help them in what they need to make them have a great shopping experience. In that way, we can continue building trustworthiness and loyalty.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Loyalty is one of the most important values to me. I also value having a positive attitude and having empathy for others. For example, not just doing a job because it's what you have to do, but if you see that another person is struggling and you could help them try. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
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