I wore a school uniform as a kid, and was a Division 1 swimmer in college, so I wasn’t exactly overflowing with ideas about business or fashion. But, as fate would have it, it was all written in my stars. Fresh out of college, in need of a job, I landed on the sales floor at Nordstrom—supposedly a pitstop as I searched for my “REAL job.” But it didn’t take long before I discovered my passion for serving customers, merchandising the shop floor, and learning the art and science of retailing.
I quickly learned retailing was for me. The combination of my business acumen, love of fashion, and the joy of helping people under the protective umbrella of the Nordstrom company felt like running my own business. It was as if I were an entrepreneur, crafting a business while still being an employee. Fast forward 25 years, I found myself at the helm of the company’s largest division, a member of the executive team, and managing a $2B P&L. During my tenure as Executive Vice President, I grew revenue from $1.5B to $2.0B, grew eCommerce sales from $150M to $270M, and generated an additional $90M in gross margin dollars. In 2012, I waved goodbye to the boardroom and jumped headfirst into independent consulting. Honestly, I had a big network, but had no idea about what consulting or entrepreneurship really meant for me. But you know what? I figured it out along the way, employing the good old "fake it until you make it" mantra. Since then, I've helped business owners and operators spot growth opportunities, fine-tune their operations, and explore new business ideas. Throughout my career, I've had my fair share of wins and losses, picking up priceless lessons along the way. Now, I'm excited to pass on these nuggets of wisdom to inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow. Teaching and mentoring are my soul food, and it’s an honor to share my knowledge each year at Columbia Business School and McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas. But, who am I at the core? I’m a wife, a mom, a yogi, and still, a swimmer. When the work whirlwind settles, you can find me traveling the globe with my husband and our three adult kids or enjoying neighborhood walks with our labradoodle, Dory. |
My approach is rooted in these values
InspirationI find inspiration everywhere – in conversations, experiences, products, and places. With humility, I ask, "How can I share my knowledge to empower others?"
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CreativityMy ideas are shaped by travel, exposure to diverse cultures, and collaboration with talented people. Drawing from global clients and personal experiences, I develop innovative and unexpected growth strategies.
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OptimismI firmly believe that no matter the challenge, there is always a solution or a growth path wating to be discovered. And if nothing else, a great life lesson.
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"Loretta took us through her proven 5 Step Process to generate a filter for decision making. We now have a portfolio of brands that are clearly defined, distinct, and most importantly, profitable."
Ash Mohda, CEO Mondetta Clothing