Macy's CEO Tony Spring Offers Four Practical Career Lessons from Retail
Tony Spring, chief executive of Macy's, shared four career pointers drawn from his decades in department stores during a recent podcast interview.
In a latest episode of the "How Leaders Lead with David Novak" podcast, Macy's chief executive Tony Spring outlined four key career guidelines based on his long tenure in retail. He urged newcomers to prioritize listening and learning, noting that fresh eyes can spot overlooked issues. Spring highlighted the importance of expressing empathy and sharing personal stories to build workplace rapport.
He recalled an early job cleaning a parking lot, explaining that first impressions matter to customers. Finally, he stressed that humility does not mean lacking confidence, and he models this by using his first name and engaging with staff about their families, treating Macy's as a close-knit community.
Why it matters
The advice provides actionable guidance for professionals seeking growth in retail and beyond.
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