Top Women in Retail 2018: Kristi Argyilan, Senior Vice President, Media, Guest Engagement and Measurement, Target

Top Women in Retail 2018: Kristi Argyilan, Target

To see the full list of this year's Top Women in Retail honorees, click here.

What do you enjoy most about working in the retail industry?
The constant change driven by ever-evolving guest expectations on what it takes to be one of their preferred retailers.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
I have an incredibly high tolerance for change and fast pace. That doesn’t mean everyone around me does too, or that it’s a good thing if we’re all running really fast. I’ve learned to be more thoughtful around how to build bridges between a future I can so clearly see with the steps needed to truly rally an organization to join me in the journey to get there.

How would you describe your leadership style?
I never assume I have all the answers, but I also know when I’m needed to make the final call so we can move on.

What's the best advice you ever received, and who gave you the advice? Colin Probert, a partner at advertising agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (and one of my top five leaders of all time), once told me, “As a manager, your job is to manage change.”

What one new retail technology or trend do you believe will have the biggest impact in 2018, and why?
Influencers who also sell experiences and merchandise, and usually on a limited-time (get it while you can) basis.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I ride horses! When riding them, you really have to be able to focus. They're big animals, and in that focus, I quiet the voices in my head