Shaye Anderson is Senior Director – Merchandising Operations, Alternative Inventory Models at Nordstrom. She is a senior retail professional with over twenty years of experience leading world class customer centered retail experiences. Her specialties include retail innovation, high-end luxury fashion, strategic planning, change management and business operations. She was named as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Seattle for 2024 (Women We Admire).
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Shaye shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion in retail, the secret mantra behind her success, her favorite quote, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Shaye. What inspired you to pursue a career in the fashion and retail industry, and how have you navigated the evolution of the sector over the past two decades?
Having grown up in a small town in Hawaii, I did not have access to the typical fashion influences that might be present in other parts of the country or larger cities. However, I was surrounded by strong female influences, particularly my mother, who possessed a great sense of personal style and applied it to her professional career—a career I deeply admired as a young girl. This early exposure provided me with an understanding of how fashion and business could intersect.
Initially, I considered attending an art school to study fashion merchandising; however, I opted for a university education to pursue a soccer scholarship. After college, I applied to Nordstrom—a company renowned for fostering talent and supporting career development—where a friend was interning. I swiftly secured a position in their sales and management development program, marking the beginning of my nearly two-decade career in the industry.
Like many industries, retail has undergone tremendous changes over my career, and I have been fortunate enough to capitalize on much of that change from a career journey perspective. In navigating some of the challenges it can bring, I have learned during times of uncertainty or evolution to maintain a clear perspective on the bigger picture and on one’s role within that. I have always understood that while our industry may not be solving the deeply complex challenges of the world, we are in the people business. Our goal is simple: to make people feel good and look their best. Our business success is certainly defined by achieving the targeted metrics we set out for, but first and foremost, it begins with ensuring we have successfully put a smile on a customer’s face as they leave our store with their new favorite purchase, or knowing we had some small hand in helping to build their confidence when they interview for their first job. These feel like simple things, but they matter, and it’s what keeps me grounded in the most turbulent times.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
In my current role of SR Director Merchandising Strategy and Operations, I lead a team of Senior Managers. My team gives me so much fulfillment, especially watching them succeed. This is going to be a breakout year for many leaders on my team, and nothing brings me more joy to see people that have worked so hard achieve what they’ve set their minds to.
How do you see the retail landscape evolving over the next 5-10 years, and what opportunities or challenges do you think this will present for retailers?
Social media will be one of if not the most disruptive spaces for change in fashion and retail (and likely the world) in the next 5-10 years, as it has been, but I see this exploding in growth while also becoming more mainstream. I expect we’ll see a focus on user generated content, live streams and a hyper focus on personalization.
Social media is the only place where the brand of those jeans you’ve been dreaming about can have a voice, your friend can have a voice, and a stranger from another country can have a voice– in the palm of your hand…and as the retailer that you want to buy those jeans from, you must have a voice somewhere in the mix as well, or at least a seat at that table.
I expect this will present retailers with both opportunities and challenges, but the good news is, the groundwork is laid, we’ve been here awhile now, and if we’ve all been listening and paying attention, it’s just about continuously showing up and committing to meet the customer where they want to be.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in your field? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
Diversity and inclusion are paramount in our industry. As a retailer, we adopt a customer-centric approach to everything we do, which involves continually considering the diverse customer base we serve and addressing their needs through our products, services, and experiences. We achieve this by persistently striving to develop and support a workforce that mirrors the diverse needs of our customers, including feeling empowered to express their views, and understanding that their opinions are valued and influential. Inviting both customers and employees to participate in decision-making processes has been an effective strategy I have been fortunate to have utilized to verify and solidify our proposed paths overtime. The insights gained from these sessions have always been profoundly impactful.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Seattle for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
Thank you, I am very honored to have been recognized, particularly amongst so many admirable women that are so accomplished in their respective fields.
I’m not sure I have a secret mantra to my success exactly, but I will say that I have always been a very curious person and a believer that anything is possible with the right mindset. I also grew up playing team sports, so I think this combination has gifted me with the ability to always prioritize ensuring I have a very clear vision for where I’m going that feels both lofty, but inspiring and meaningful – and one that most importantly attracts a team that wants to take this journey with me. It’s so important as leaders that we inspire people, that we create a vision that brings out the best in people, that connects vision with purpose, and something that allows us to cheer on one another as we go through the inevitable peaks and valleys that make it all worthwhile in the end.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
Personally, my parents. They both are not only incredible parents and set within me a strong work ethic, empathic heart, but they also encouraged and supported my dreams and I’m eternally grateful.
Professionally, I am grateful for my mentor and now friend Shea Jensen. Shea is now currently the President of Urban Outfitters. Prior to that, she was my leader, and we worked together for many years. Shea exemplifies courageous leadership, and she truly represents what it means to support and uplift women as one advances in their career. I will forever be grateful that our paths crossed.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
I firmly believe that the effort one invests is reflected in the outcomes. I am striving to be more mindful of where I direct my focus and energy, making adjustments when I find myself engaged in activities that do not align with the energy I wish to attract or need. To maintain resilience and health, it is essential to make deliberate choices about what benefits us and what does not, as we lack the capacity to sustain both simultaneously.
To be candid, my team often drives much of the motivation. However, if you were to ask them about my role in motivating them, they might say that I consistently maintain a belief in finding a way forward.
What is your favorite quote?
“Actually, life is beautiful, and you have time” – Unknown
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years I expect to spend more time focused on mentorship and business development.
What advice would you give to retailers looking to drive innovation and growth in the current market?
The advice I would give: If innovation and growth in the current market is your ambition – first start with asking yourself a few questions. Take inventory on where you are today…get clear on:
- Customer led – What direction is your customer pointing you? Where’s your greatest opportunity to serve them?
- Innovation or Foundation? – Do you need to innovate, or do you need to invest in improving on your foundation?
- Is your goal big enough? – Growth mind set and innovation mindset, often requires a place of discomfort to operate successfully, consideration: raise your goal.
- Is your vision clear? Does the new hire think so?