March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate the incredible achievements of inspiring women throughout history. Two such women, Grace Puma and Christiana Smith Shi, have come together to share their insights on career success in their new book, “Career Forward: Strategies from Women Who’ve Made It” (Scribner).
Smith Shi emphasized the importance of navigating a career, especially in today’s challenging landscape, and the significance of offering practical and direct advice to help others on their career journeys. Drawing from their own experiences and encounters with millennials seeking career guidance, both authors aimed to provide readers with a no-nonsense approach to career development.
Smith Shi’s illustrious career at Nike, where she served as the President of Consumer Direct, is a testament to the value of perseverance and strategic decision-making. Her role in transforming Nike’s retail and e-commerce business led to significant revenue growth during her tenure.
Puma, on the other hand, made her mark as the Chief Operating Officer at PepsiCo Inc., where she played a pivotal role in setting the company’s global operations strategy and driving business performance. With a background in various industries, including Motorola Inc., Kraft Foods Inc., and United Airlines Holdings, Puma brings a wealth of experience to the table.
One key takeaway from Smith Shi’s career journey is the importance of considering all options before leaving a role. Reflecting on her own experience at McKinsey & Company, she learned the value of exploring alternative solutions, such as transitioning to part-time work, instead of hastily resigning from a position.
As Puma aptly noted, each company has its unique culture and practices, highlighting the importance of adaptability and understanding the intricacies of different organizational environments. By sharing their stories and insights in “Career Forward,” Puma and Smith Shi aim to empower young female leaders to navigate their own paths to success.