FIRST THOUGHT: Tsk, Tsk
A sales specialist on LinkedIn talked about a topic we often shy away from: asking for help. She explains that if someone asks her for advice, support or an introduction, she’s happy to help. But when it’s the other way around, she just can’t do it. Maybe you grew up with a stiff upper lip, knowing that you had to make it on your own if you were going to make it at all. And that’s cool. But there will be moments when you need a lift from a friend, a colleague or even a stranger.
We’re not meant to journey alone. If you’re constantly giving to others, give a little to yourself today. Ask for what would make today a little easier. Ask for what you’ve wanted to ask for for years, but haven’t had the guts to.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 27 Percent
Women are often uncertain about asking for management positions. For starters, so many companies keep these jobs far from accessible. What does Bruce do in his corner office all day besides micromanage his team? I don’t want to do that. How much does he make? Who knows. With only 27 percent of senior management roles held by women at S&P 500 companies, we women have got to take another look at our LinkedIn profile and see if a promotion is in order.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Corie Barry, CEO at Best Buy
Chances are you walked into this store to buy your first CD or, heck, washing machine. Best Buy is a company that’s been around since we can all remember. Corie Barry is the new CEO of the brand and - you guessed it - the first woman to have the job.
The company began in Minnesota as a car and stereo store in the mid-60s. By the mid-80s, the biz had expanded and became a superstore. As streaming services have expanded, Best Buy has reduced its nostalgic music section, and is now people’s go-to for purchasing electronics IRL.
Competitors may have fizzled out, but there’s a lot left to do for Corie. Her very recent step into the CEO position isn’t a huge leap; she previously held the CFO position.
Corie has been with the company for nearly two decades. It all began with an in-house financial analyst position. Money is kind of her jam, with a degree in accounting and business management. As a first-generation college graduate, Corie feels compelled to pass down some of her savvy qualities to not only her kids, but to her employees, too.
When the former CEO gave Corie the remote to Best Buy (sorry!), he relayed his impression of Corie, saying she was a “purposeful” and “authentic” leader. He even said that the relationship with Corie was “one of the best working relationships” he’s ever had.
One of the career tactics that Corie used gives stellar insight. Over the course of her time at Best Buy, Corie reached for positions that weren’t entirely like the ones she previously had. She partook in operations and even an interim president position of Best Buy’s Geek Squad.
That wasn’t without resolution. Corie knew that engaging in a wide variety of roles would be integral to leading a large company like Best Buy. And it turns out she was right.
QUITE THE QUOTE
As Janis Joplin said:
"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got."