The Top Women in Retail 2016: Bonnie Orofino, Chief Merchandising Officer, Restoration Hardware

Bonnie Orofino, Chief Merchandising Officer, Restoration Hardware

What do you enjoy most about working in the retail industry?
The fast pace and working with a team that’s always innovating and creating/executing new ideas — a team that truly doesn’t know what cannot be done.

If you weren’t working in the retail industry, what do you think you’d be doing?
I would have pursued a career in criminal profiling for the FBI.

How would you describe your leadership style?
Inclusive. I believe in empowering people to do their jobs. I’m there to help them be successful in them.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and who gave you the advice?
Do what you love every day and you won’t work a day in your life.

Do you have any mentors in the retail industry?
Gary Friedman, chairman and CEO of Restoration Hardware, has been my mentor for the past 15 years. I’ve learned so much from him — how to take risks, how to let the data guide you, how to connect the dots from looking backwards.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family at our vacation home in Hawaii.