Tacey Powers knows the power in longevity. Nordstrom‘s executive vice president and general merchandise manager for shoes joined the retail company in 1981, starting on the sales floor and working her way up to the executive level. But it didn’t come without challenges.
“How much time do you have?” Powers said when asked if there was a time when she felt like she failed.
“Throughout my career, there have been instances where I didn’t achieve what I had set out to do or have been passed up for jobs I thought I was ready for,” she explained. “In these moments, it’s crucial to seek the perspective of someone you trust, someone who will tell you the truth, even if it’s difficult to hear. This person is your truth teller, offering insights into what you may have missed, where your plan was flawed, how you could have improved or how you showed up. Actively listening to their feedback and giving yourself grace is essential, as it’s all part of the learning process and will help elevate your performance to the next level.”
For Powers, mentorship has been key to her success. She cited former shoe leaders Jack Minuk and Scott Meden, along with Nordstrom‘s former women’s apparel exec, Kelly Cole-Berka, as people who’ve helped guide her career.
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“With my mentors, they were always direct and were never shy to be honest with me,” she said, noting that honesty is a sign of respect and belief in a person’s potential.
With more than 40 years at Nordstrom, Powers has used her own experience to mentor future leaders. And it’s a two-way street for the exec. While she certainly has skills and knowledge to pass on, Powers said she gains as much insight from her mentees as they do from her. “I find that they can help me build a wider perspective,” she said.
When choosing a mentor, Powers again reiterated finding someone who can give straight feedback. The exec practices what she preaches, too. For instance, when asked about deciding whether to stay at a job or to look for other opportunities to increase your salary, Powers didn’t hold back.
“In my experience, making a move purely for the money is rarely the best decision,” she said. “I’m a believer that being challenged and passionate about your work is essential. It’s clear we all work hard to provide for our families, and that’s something I deeply respect. If you’re truly engaged and do what you love, success in your role will follow along with compensation. Personally, I’ve seen individuals chase after a higher salary, but often they end up moving on within a year.”
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 5, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation honored these women at a live event in New York City.
