Brigitte Brady-Harris, UCLA Graduate, and Brand Veteran from Pottery Barn and Gap  

America is home to many business success stories, of course, and perhaps the most American of all – those that encapsulate the American dream – are about those people whose parents immigrated here and whose offspring are now flourishing in their careers.  Brigitte Brady-Harris is a wonderful mix of Irish and Vietnamese background, and her professional success is considerable: she was the Vice President of Brand Management at Pottery Barn for eight years, and also worked in marketing for The Gap and  Smith & Hawken.

Born in Hong Kong, she was raised in Los Angeles, that fair-weathered melting pot of a city, then moved north to San Francisco , where she has lived and worked for the last twenty years.  She has also been married for that length of time, and the couple now has twin girls.   She is a fan of Kundalini yoga, indie bands, green smoothies, and Chanel bags to tote along on high-pressure days at the office.  She also espouses a direct, though measured, approach for workplace communications, and gives several recommendations for helpful primers on career, rather than one book.  Read more about this Californian who is full of marketing savvy and experience below.

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?
I just recently left Williams-Sonoma, Inc. after eight years, where I was Vice President of Brand Marketing for the Pottery Barn brands. I love building brands and leading successful teams, and have been fortunate to do that for amazing legacy retailers like Pottery Barn and Gap.

I’ve also been married to my best friend for twenty years, and we have twin girls who are just about to enter kindergarten.

What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
Before I get up, I read all my emails and review my calendar. Then I rush to get myself and my children ready for the day. I’m in meetings by 9 a.m. and throughout the rest of the day.

Topics can range from reviewing sales trends to discussing deal terms for a partnership to brainstorming how our brand should activate at a surf competition in Australia! In between meetings, I am helping my team troubleshoot immediate issues and navigate challenges that are farther out.

Somewhere in the day, I grab a salad and stay hydrated. I’m home in time to make dinner for my kids, hear about their day, read stories and put them to bed. Then I wind down with my husband, a glass of wine and my iPad.

What 2-3 things do you do to prepare yourself before work and is there anything you try to accomplish everyday?

• I read all my email before I get up. I don’t respond to most, but it helps me frame what to expect and prioritize. I don’t know if it’s healthy, but it works for me!
• I am highly disciplined with my time, and always review my calendar carefully to eliminate meetings that are not necessary and block time to tackle key priorities. I also use technology to save time whenever I can – I love a good app!
• I like to listen to music on the way to work. It keeps me inspired and creative. 

What is your breakfast of choice?
Iced coffee and a green smoothie (made at home in my Vitamix).

What are your rituals or tips for staying energized and motivated? 
I find time to exercise, follow people I am inspired by on Instagram and Twitter, and sprinkle 2-3 professional development opportunities into each month.  That can range from attending a conference to grabbing a drink with an old colleague.

What is the favorite part of your job?
The variety and being a part of the incredible evolution that is happening in marketing. Digital has leveled the playing field for companies of any size to gain an audience and loyalty and has forced brands to be authentic, transparent and relevant. I am excited by the new frontier!

What and who inspires you at work?
Good business really boils down to whether you are meeting your customers’ needs and delighting them or not. I find it endlessly inspiring to listen to what customers have to say about the products I work with, and how we can make them better. I am inspired by smart, courageous leadership and folks that work hard.

Do you have a ‘Power Outfit’ that you wear for a big meeting or important work event?
Black dress, quilted Chanel heels, and a killer handbag in an unexpected color.

What is your favorite leisure activity after a stressful work week?
Practicing Kundalini yoga and spending time doing simple things with my family like walking to a park, going to a museum or out for dinner. I am also a huge music fan, so seeing a favorite indie band at a small club would be an ideal way to end a stressful week!

How does your culture/background influence your work?
I am half Vietnamese and half Irish-American. Coming from a mixed-race heritage gave me a great appreciation for the power of diversity. I consciously recruit for diversity on any team that I build – that can mean gender, ethnicity, educational background, work experience…the list goes on. Having a variety of perspectives only makes the work stronger.

How many times have you changed your career direction?
Three. I started on a path to a PhD in English to become a Comparative Literature professor. I opted instead for a five year career in advertising, and then switched to marketing, a profession about which I am absurdly passionate. 

What was your very first job?
Server at a catering company, at age fourteen – it was owned by my best friend’s mom!

What has been your biggest obstacle in your career and how did you overcome it?
I like operating without pretense and acting quickly and decisively. The downside to these characteristics is being perceived as intimidating and insensitive. I always need to ask myself if I’m doing a good job of bringing others on the journey with me.

What are your most steadfast ‘don’ts’ rules regarding work and the workplace, and what are your most cherished ‘do’s’? 

• Do keep things positive – remember what you are grateful for.  This should come easily.
• Do ‘walk the floor’ – get out from behind your computer and visit co-workers in person. It’s amazing how much more productive and meaningful a quick conversation in the hall can be vs. emails.
• Do deal with tough problems head on, and sooner rather than later.
• Don’t miss an opportunity to help someone looking to be mentored.
• Don’t ignore anyone reaching out to you personally, even if you can’t help. I find that the most senior people are always the most responsive – be a bridge-builder, and it will help you get to where you want to be in your career.

What are the most important qualities of a good leader?
Staying inspired, having a genuine passion for what you do, and a concern for the growth and well-being of those with whom you do your job.

What are the unforgettable traits of role models who have inspired you most?
Intelligence, grace, self-confidence and a sense of humor!

How have mentors impacted your personal and professional development?
My mentors have been integral to providing me with great insight into my strengths and weaknesses, acting as sounding boards when I’m facing a tough political situation and providing references, among so many other things.

What are three questions you like to ask during an interview to know if the candidate (or job) is the right fit?

• “What led you to apply for this job?”
• “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work, and how you dealt with it.”
• “What questions do you have for me?”

What advice would you give to women starting their careers?
There is no substitute for hard work. Bravely reach out to people whom you admire in your company or your profession. You’ll be surprised at how willing most folks are to help. Always take the high road. No matter how hard it might feel at the time, you will not regret it. 

What book would you recommend for women just starting their career?
Although I was a literature major, I am going to veer away from a book recommendation and recommend three things:

• Follow people and brands that inspire you on Twitter
• Read blogs like SharpHeels, Live in the Grey and TheCut
• Consciously cultivate your own brand via your social networks, tailored to each platform

What is your favorite quote you try and live by?

• It’s more important to be interested than interesting.
• Work Hard. Have Fun. No Drama.