The 2023 class of winners included a variety of executives who have not only driven incredible projects and initiatives at their organizations; they have also contributed to social causes and donated time and money to charitable efforts that they believe in. Check out the complete report, which includes some fun, exclusive interviews with all award winners. They get candid about their jobs, the failures they’ve had to navigate and, of course, the trends they believe will impact the future of retail.
One winner that we’re thrilled to spotlight is Susan Bagley, Director of Category Sales & Business Development at Lowe’s One Roof Media Network. Check out her interview below to learn more about her exciting career!
What are the core requirements of your job and how do you measure success?
I own the strategy creation and execution of a vertical team with direct revenue responsibility, leading a high-performing client-facing team, maintaining both internal and external top-to-top relationships, as well as ensuring that we provide a premium partner experience through both service and delivered results. I measure success both quantitatively and qualitatively, ensuring we are hitting core KPIs for our internal and external partners, our revenue goals and equally as important, measuring associates’ experiences. Can my team bring their whole selves to work? Are they supported and can they grow?
What is one notable professional achievement you’ve made over the past year that you are most proud of?
I have had a large hand in standing up and in-housing the Lowe’s One Roof Media Network (LORMN). From talent strategy and third-party working relationships, to integration of LORMN into the total Lowe’s enterprise, I am incredibly proud of the foundation established and the accomplishments achieved in such an accelerated timeframe.
What professional challenge or failure has stuck with you, and how did you embrace it?
Incredibly early in my career, I had the opportunity to sell a product into retail for the first time for a well-established brand. We received brutal feedback during the buyer meeting that made us feel like we had wasted 18 months of time, effort and resources. I still believed in our product for this retailer, so before we left the meeting, I asked, “If we fix it, can we come back in six months?” The buyer reluctantly agreed. We went back to the drawing board, the buyer honored his word and we ended up selling in the product line. This experience was pivotal for me in so many ways and I think of it often when I run into obstacles.
What trend or technology do you believe will have the most profound impact on your work (and the work of your peers) over the next year?
The greater need for measurement standardization within the RMN industry is finally gaining broad traction. While not everything can be standardized, considering the differences in retailers’ first-party data, understanding what truly drives a sale and parity where possible is critical for not only our brand partners but everyone working within the RMN industry.
If you could say one thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If you continue to push hard on a door that won’t open, it is the wrong door.
If you know someone who is a personal and professional force to be reckoned with, you can now nominate them for our 2024 awards! Click here to get all the details and submit one of your colleagues today. The deadline for nominations is April 29, and winners will be able to attend an exclusive party during the 2024 Retail Innovation Conference & Expo!
