In Conversation with Sydney Price
Tell us about your background:
I grew up mainly in California and the Washington DC area. My father was a pilot in the Navy, so being uprooted, relocated, and integrated into a new school was a normal occurrence in my childhood. My professional journey started my junior year in high school working at Bloomingdale’s in Tysons Corner, Virginia. I was passionate about beautiful product at an early age. After I graduated from San Diego State University in Psychology, I traveled to Europe for 3 months and experienced 9 different countries. Once again listening to my heart to explore and learn about new cultures. Once I returned, I needed a job. And I was determined to find a job that allowed me to travel all over the world and discover beautiful products. So, I walked into Neiman Marcus and walked out 18 years later. I held 6 different jobs as a merchant. I started off as a manager in Fashion Accessories and worked my way up to VP Jewelry and Watch at Bergdorf Goodman. (NM and BG are sister companies).
After leaving the Neiman Marcus Group, I headed over to Kate Spade in 2009. I took on the role of SVP direct-to-consumer and global merchandising through 2012. At that point, my work had brought me to more than 50 countries. During my travels, I had observed women in developing nations facing gender-based discrimination and in turn an increased rate of poverty, violence, ill health, and poor education. I became passionate about helping to empower and give voice to these women and knew that economic empowerment was one way to do so. So, in 2013, I made a radical transition in my career, integrating my business and merchant expertise with my desire to do good, and became SVP of Social Impact at Kate Spade (a position I was able to create for myself.) There I designed and led a women-focused Social Enterprise Supplier Model called on purpose. While building on purpose, I learned what it means to empower leaders while creating sustainable and profitable business models.
Working at Kate Spade in Rwanda with the on purpose project
In late 2017, Tapestry bought Kate Spade and my role was eliminated. My heart was broken as I had to leave my passion project in Africa that I built from the ground up. This was a time of deep sorrow, processing many emotions, and figuring out what is next. During this transition it became clear while going through exploratory interviews with companies that I liked and respected, the work I really wanted to do in the world did not exist in a traditional corporate environment where I had spent the past 20+ years. I also observed firsthand there was an opportunity to guide leaders to become better global citizens, and wake them up to their actions and the effect it had on people and the planet. So, I created my own company, The Knew Purpose. I now have the privilege to guide leaders to build profitable businesses while alleviating poverty, improving communities, shaping industry and inspiring others.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I worked so hard for so long and rarely took time for myself outside of work. I gave work 150%. I found my work so invigorating, that I often ignored other aspects of my life like my health (exercise and eating well) and romantic relationships. I am not sure if “balance” is fully achievable. But I do know that if you invest in other important aspects of your life other than just work, you will have a more fulfilling life. And I believe, be better at your job. As you will be bringing your full self.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Early on in my career, I was told to work for a large enough company that if I wanted to explore different career paths, it would allow me. Even though I loved product and wanted to become a merchant, I had the opportunity to pivot to other areas within Neiman Marcus. Also, work for a company that has an incredible reputation within the industry. Where you work is your calling card, so be selective.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
I have had great bosses and truly horrible ones. Having experienced the 2 extremes has helped me determine what type of leadership qualities I would want to work for in the future and practice myself. A leader that is inspiring, empowering, trusting, respectful, kind, transparent, empathetic, recognizing, and inclusive.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
My job elimination in 2017 was by far the biggest challenge in my career. I was not only really sad and confused but scared. How would I generate income? And more importantly what was my purpose? I took an entire year to do some really deep work, a journey within. It required curiosity and commitment. I became a student of life and learned new tools and skills and invited more play and creativity into my life. Through this discovery process, I was able to develop clear steps along my path, a 9-principled system that ignited passion and purpose back into my work and life. I call it SoulMap®.
The 9-step method that Sydney designed called SoulMap®
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
Sneakers! I love dressing up or down in sneakers. I am so comfortable (and my feet are very grateful), which is a far cry from the majority of my career working in 70mm+ heels.
You can check out Sydney’s website here: www.theknewpurpose.com
Also follow her on Instagram here: @theknewpurpose
Or if you want to connect feel free to reach out on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyyprice/
