Q&A: Jasmine Bellamy, Global Product Strategist, Gap Factory

This article originally appeared on Total Retail's sister's brand site, Women in Retail Leadership Circle. This week’s Q&A is with Jasmine Bellamy, global product strategist, Gap Factory.

Jasmine Bellamy, Global Product Strategist, Gap Factory

Melissa Campanelli: To whom do you turn for inspiration in your career?
Jasmine Bellamy: A.R. Bernard, founder and CEO of Christian Cultural Center, has been the most influential person in my adult life. He’s indeed my favorite teacher and thinker. He has greatly shaped and inspired all aspects of my life, including my career.

MC: Describe your leadership style.
JB: I learned as an intern that it’s important to surround yourself with really smart people. I aim to build trusting and collaborative partnerships that empower people to lead and solve complex problems. I like being a thought partner and giving people the space to grow and elevate to new levels. If I’m working with a greener team, I rely on my experience as a college professor and serve more as a teacher, guide and coach.

MC: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Why was it so important?
JB: Patti Ippoliti said to me once “It’s all in how you frame it.” Your mind-set, perspective and approach are critical, especially in a competitive and volatile business like retail.

MC: Can you share a productivity tip you swear by?
JB: Clone yourself! Have a mom like mine! Honestly, as an engaged mom of active kids, a retail executive and co-founder of a nonprofit, I’m always juggling a ton of balls in the air. My mom is a HUGE support and allows me to make my life happen. Self-care is critical to my ability to balance it all. Prayer, meditation, regular workouts, monthly massage and spending one-on-one quality time with the people that matter most nourishes and allows me to manage the complexity of my life.

MC: What retail trends are you tracking for 2018?
JB: Working for a global brand for the first time in my career, I’m really focused on international markets. Additionally, as a data and analytics merchant where brick-and-mortar stores still drive the bulk of my business, I’m really focused on leveraging information internally and externally to transform customer in-store experience.