For Jessica Alsing, chief executive officer of Toms, adaptability is essential. And that means “raising your hand for the role that doesn’t have a clear playbook,” she said. “My career has taken me across multiple countries, brands and functions … often in ways that felt risky and ambitious at the time. Each move gave me a new perspective, a new set of skills and more confidence.”
Alsing noted that technical capabilities can be learned, emphasizing that a skill that compounds over a career is being comfortable with not knowing and figuring it out anyway. “Walking into a room where you’re not the expert, asking the right questions and building a point of view from there. That’s where real growth happens,” she said.
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Alsing said women shouldn’t just focus on their work function. She advises them to learn the business, such as understanding the profit-and-loss statements and how their work connects to the bigger picture.
The Toms CEO doesn’t look at supporting women as a separate effort, but rather a broader purpose benefiting everyone, where work is collaborative with individuals on what they need. “The job isn’t to build a special track for women; it’s to build a culture where everyone is valued for what they bring to the team,” she advised.
Alsing said she also cringes when she hears the phrase “work-life balance.” Boundaries aren’t a luxury but a discipline that need to be protected. “For me, that looks like being fully present wherever I am. When I’m at work, I’m in it. When I’m with my family, I’m fully engaged with them,” she explained. “Committing to yourself is a practice, and I’ll be the first to admit I need to get better at saying no.”
Her final advice is to not confuse being busy with being effective. “Over time, I’ve realized the best leaders aren’t the ones doing the most,” she said. “They’re the ones who are clear on what matters and focus their energy there.”
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.