Krissie Millan, global chief marketing officer and head of digital at Cole Haan, said the best advice she received from a peer was to “never take yourself out of the race.”
“Women, for whatever reason, always think of it as ‘I may not be ready for that role’ or ‘Let me just not go for that role because there are so many other things that are happening that I may not be able to do it,'” she said. “Don’t take yourself out of the race just because of your own potential doubts about yourself. Just go for it, give your best and still be able to go after what you would want to do.”
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Millan explained that taking one’s self out of the race means you’re making it harder to be able to participate and to later get back into the ring. “Believe in what you can do, and the rest of it will follow,” she emphasized.
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In addition, because fashion and footwear is historically more male centered, especially on the leadership side, having female leaders helps open up opportunities for other women.
First and foremost, having female leaders creates an opportunity to offer role models within that level to show other women that “there are already women here who are doing this,” Millan said. But that alone isn’t enough to continue the advancement of women. “At the same time, it’s also about working with men in particular, especially at the leadership level, to open up those types of opportunities, and really working with them and showing what women can deliver.”
Millan also noted that companies can design mentorship opportunities and structure leadership opportunities for the next generation of women. “Succession planning is also really important,” she said.
A version of this article appeared in the June 1 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 3, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.