Josefina Aguayo is the director of marketing for women’s shoes at Macy’s. A seasoned marketer, business developer and retail manager, she is one of the the driving forces behind campaigns like Go Red for Women.
In her role as a retail leader, she develops and drives strategic marketing and growth strategies for Macy’s Inc. for shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear. This includes crafting and managing marketing plans and coaching vendors on how to maximize on sales, be consistent with the Macy’s brand and maintain quality.
“I didn’t set out on a marketing career path. I learned early on to be mindful of what I am good at developing relationships and strategy, and to make sure I am doing work that I am passionate about – like publishing and retail,” offers Aguayo when asked about how she landed on her career path. “The two other industries that I connect with most in this role are fashion and media. And I consider myself in the sweetspot between the two.”
A leader in the community, Aguayo is an executive board member and committee chair for the Chicago Urban League and National Urban League Young Professionals and she’s active with United Way of New York and the New York Urban League.
Here, she outlines essential skill sets for future business leaders and innovators and how to evaluate personal success.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
Essential skill sets for future business leaders and innovators would be threefold:
(1) Know how to build a team of leaders and encourage them to work together.
(2) Be willing to take risks.
(3) Know how to network and build relationships. You can’t close a deal over email.
Describe goal setting methods you use and how you evaluate personal success.
I use goals – both short term and long term – in my personal and professional life. Short term goals keep me focused. I try to keep them realistic and detailed. If I meet my goal – great. If I do not, I look at how much progress I made, how much better I am than before I set out on the goal and what I have to do to complete on the second try.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Magic Johnson is a major role model. His story is all around interesting: great athlete – made mistakes – made a positive transformation and has built a hugely successful empire by taking risks and investing in communities that need it. First lady Michelle Obama is my all round role model. She balances brains, class, humor, love, partnership and family and it’s inspiring.
What technology tools do you use daily ?
Google Maps
Weather Channel
Shazam
CNN
Notes
Why is lifelong learning is important to you?
Lifelong learning is important because the world is constantly changing. No one wants to be irrelevant.
Where do you enjoy vacationing?
Bermuda. My slice of heaven two hours away.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
The one thing I would change in the world is the obsession with violence. It’s frightening and totally avoidable.
