Top Women in Retail 2017: Laura Alber, CEO, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Laura Alber, CEO, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

What do you enjoy most about working in the retail industry?
Retail is both an art and a science; it’s the cycle of creativity and analysis. Our customers continue to evolve, and I’m excited about the challenge of constantly innovating in a way to better service our customers.  

If you weren't working in the retail industry, what do you think you'd be doing?
I’d likely be working in medicine as a surgeon.    

How would you describe your leadership style?
Connected. I speak to my team members every day to understand what’s driving our business and why. We don’t shy away from having open, honest and — sometimes — humorous discussions about the opportunities in our businesses.

What's the best advice you ever received, and who gave you the advice?
“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” - Attributed to Hunter S. Thompson

Do you have any mentors in the retail industry?
I’ve been very fortunate to have learned from a number of retail leaders, industry titans and team members.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I enjoy spending time deeply engaged in activities with my family and friends. I enjoy exploring new opportunities to cook, garden or exercise with those closest to me.

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