The Female Execs Guide To Kicking Your Career Goals

Erica Berchtold, Chief Executive Officer
“For me IWD is a chance to stop and reflect on where I am at, what the industry was like when I joined and what I want it to be like when I’m done! It’s a chance for me to consciously think about what it’s like today for our future female leaders and what I might be able to do to help them on their journey.”

“When I was at school I had my mind set on being a lawyer, but I quickly decided against it and instead went on to study journalism. My career path into retail was serendipitous, but it was love from day one. In the early days I was a perfume bomber at Grace Bros and worked for Harvey Norman – which laid the foundations for where I am now.”

“What I learned from the shop floor 20+ years ago was the importance of customer service, being continuously curious and a strong work ethic. Your attitude and how you show up every day is equally important to your technical skill, and it’s important to never forget that.”

Erica’s career advice
“You can hold a mirror up to some people but you can’t make them open their eyes and look in it. Be firm, be consistent, and in the end, run your own race. If you can’t see change on the horizon, it might be time to rethink your situation.” 

Gayle Burchell, Chief Category Officer
“I studied biology at university – I was inspired by my auntie who was a professor at an imperial cancer research charity, travelled the world and was instrumental in driving change and research towards breast cancer. I completed my biology degree but it was a really tough, male-dominated industry and I soon realised that it wasn’t for me, so I went into retail.”

“In my early 20s, I worked as the assistant merchandiser for Habitat, the UK home furnishings retailer owned and managed by Terence Conran. It was there where I learnt to have more confidence in myself and talk more.”

“I then moved on to work at Debenhams and later had the confidence to get up, take a suitcase and move to Australia – a pivotal moment for me.”

“I had the responsibility of taking on the David Jones online store but with no playbook and no one I could ask for guidance in Australia, so I reached out to other businesses and connected with people in the industry. Realising you don’t have to do it on your own, and that you can use your network takes confidence.”

“Now even with 25 years of retail experience, I am still learning – THE ICONIC never sits still and that energy, positivity and curiosity is what I love about working here.”

Gayle’s career advice
“Nurture your career – treat it like your prized asset because no one else is going to look after it the way you would. Stay curious and educate yourself in as many ways as you can, read widely, stay informed.”

Vesna Garnett, Chief People & Culture Officer
“I was never fixated on a direction in life. I’ve fallen into things and as a result I think it’s important to keep an open mind. Having worked across multiple industries, workforces and countries has benefitted the role I’m in today. All the experiences I’ve had and people I’ve worked with have all led me to this path. Over time I have built up a strong network of people, who have helped me professionally and personally, and I’ve been fortunate to have always worked with great women who are wonderful role models.”

“For me, IWD is a great time to stop and reflect on the amazing people who have shaped my career and who I am. It’s important to stop and celebrate those women and feel fortunate to be surrounded by such great women in your life.”

“I’ve learnt to never shut doors as you don’t know where it could take you. Always have a conversation and let it lead you to someone – it may not be the next thing you do and it doesn’t have to be transactional, but you never know where it can take you.”

Vesna’s career advice
“Women can have it all – but do it your way – you don’t have to be all things to all people. There’s no rule book. You create your own opportunities so you can have whatever you want, just do things your way and respect that everyone will be different.”