Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where people feel respected, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.
Tania Lecanda · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Tania
Tania Lecanda is the Senior Director of Business Development for Latin America at Michael Kors, where she leads the company’s commercial strategy across 23 markets throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Based in New York, she oversees a business exceeding $50 million while driving market expansion, strategic partnerships, and long-term regional growth.
Originally from Mexico, Tania began her career at Michael Kors shortly after completing her degrees in Economics, Political Science, and Fashion Business. Over the past 13 years, she has grown alongside the organization, earning leadership roles through her ability to combine commercial strategy with collaborative leadership and a deep understanding of international markets.
Today, she works cross-functionally with executive leadership, global merchandising, finance, supply chain, and regional partners to shape growth strategies, optimize performance, and build sustainable businesses throughout the region. She is known for balancing analytical decision-making with strong relationships, believing that long-term success is built through trust, adaptability, and empowering people to do their best work.
Beyond business results, Tania is passionate about developing future leaders, advancing diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities that help individuals and organizations reach their full potential. She believes influence is measured not only by what you achieve, but by the people you inspire and the legacy you leave behind.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tania
01What do you attribute your success to?
People often attribute success to hard work and persistence, and those certainly matter. But I’ve learned that resilience is built by the people who stand beside you. My family’s support—especially my husband’s—has carried me through the moments of frustration, self-doubt, and uncertainty that every career brings. Their belief in me has made it possible to keep showing up, growing, and moving forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A former colleague of mine once told me something I’ll never forget: ‘You’re smarter than you think.’ At the time, I was letting difficult personalities and strong egos make me question myself. He reminded me that leadership isn’t about winning every argument—it’s about understanding people, navigating different personalities, and staying confident in your own expertise. That advice taught me to separate ego from substance, trust my instincts, and keep moving forward without taking every challenge personally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready—growth happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Work hard, ask questions, and be the person who’s always learning. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge you, but don’t let anyone else’s confidence make you question your own potential. Stay humble, stay resilient, and remember that your reputation is built by how you treat people as much as by the results you deliver.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in our industry today is balancing speed with strategy. Markets change quickly, consumer behavior evolves constantly, and global uncertainty affects every decision we make. At the same time, that’s also the greatest opportunity. Companies that stay close to their customers, embrace innovation, and remain disciplined in their decision-making will continue to grow. I believe the future belongs to organizations that are willing to adapt without losing sight of who they are.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Above all, I value respect. It’s the principle that guides every relationship in my life, both professionally and personally. I’ve learned that you can challenge ideas, make difficult decisions, and have honest conversations without ever compromising the respect you have for the people behind them. Alongside respect, I value teamwork and integrity because success is never achieved alone. I believe the strongest teams are built on trust, humility, and the willingness to listen, learn, and support one another. At the end of the day, accomplishments come and go, but how you make people feel and how you treat them is what people remember.
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