Ragtrader asks Hush Puppies and Clarks GM Charlene Perera, whose leadership style do you admire?
On a personal level, Nigel Austin at the Cotton On Group – I was very fortunate to work with him for about four years.
At the time, Cotton On just went through incredible growth, whether it was countries, brands – you name it – it was nonstop.
I think my four years there would be like 12 years anywhere else, just based on how fast things moved.
He and the team there at the time with the way they were driving culture, educating the team, and how they drove their retail business and the depth that they went to understand the consumer, it was quite revolutionary back then.
They really understood the value of their people.
The way that they trained their team there, was almost like how you would train a sports team.
I think that's where I got my energised gusto about me which I really like, and I think is really encouraging for the team and the people around you.
The other one, which is not a personal one and I always talk about her, is Jo Horgan and what she is done with Mecca.
I’ve been watching that journey over the last couple of decades now.
It's been there from one store, taking brands that are up and coming and quite niche and delivering them in a amazing platform to the Australian consumer; it has been inspirational to watch.
And over the years when retail has been tough – and it's just gotten tougher and tougher – to watch that brand go from strength to strength has been very inspirational.
I just feel like it's not ever my job to know the answers but it's my job to be able to ask the right questions.
Everybody is really moving towards a people-first attitude and an understanding that culture will eat strategy for breakfast.