Episode 281: From Fashion to Philanthropy: An Inspiring Career Transition - Paula Schneider, President & CEO of Susan G. Komen®

Paula Schneider is a highly accomplished leader with a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the fashion industry. She has held prestigious positions such as CEO of American Apparel, as well as leadership roles at renowned brands like BCBG and Speedo. However, Paula's journey took an unexpected turn when she transitioned into the nonprofit sector as the CEO of Susan G. Komen. What sets her apart is her personal connection to the cause, having battled breast cancer herself. This firsthand experience fuels her passion and drives her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Paula's expertise in strategic leadership and her ability to navigate complex challenges have been instrumental in her successful transition into the nonprofit world. Her story serves as an inspiration for individuals considering a career transition, showcasing the power of following one's passion and finding purpose in meaningful work.

Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com, where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Paula.

Highlights:

[02:19] Paula’s background [10:47] C Suite retail to C Suite nonprofit [17:42] Moving forward despite uncertainty [21:16] When fires are all around you [22:46] Making decisions and what to do when things go sideways [24:17] How Susan G. Komen® dealt with COVID [28:25] The importance of knowing your financials [33:27] Not measuring up when under new management [35:23] Lightning round questions

Quotes:

“All the work that I do is illustrative of finding a cure so that my daughters don't have to go through this.” - Paula Schneider

“I couldn’t care less if I sold one more pair of jeans to Bloomingdale's. I wanted to do something that was more meaningful.” - Paula Schneider

“Women underestimate their abilities to problem-solve and figure things out. We need to believe in ourselves and bring our expertise to the table.” - Paula Schneider

“People are really happy when they are accountable and understand what they are accountable for.” - Paula Schneider

“The P&L guides all.” – Paula Schneider

“When you are in a turnaround, you don’t have time to make decisions.” - Paula Schneider

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you? - “The Paris Daughter” by Kristin Harmel (all books by this author)

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - “Don’t sweat the small stuff”

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Instigator

What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Finding joy in every day.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang

About Paula Schneider: Paula Schneider is president and CEO of Susan G. Komen®, where she is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Komen has made more than $3.5 billion in investments in breast cancer research, advocacy and patient support since its founding in 1982, helping reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by 42%. As a breast cancer survivor herself, and having lost her mother to metastatic breast cancer, Schneider’s work is personal as she brings a unique combination of business expertise and real-world perspective to Komen’s mission as CEO.

Paula led Komen through an enterprise-wide restructuring, transforming Komen’s national network of independent local affiliate organizations into a single, united entity, leveraging shared operational functions while maintaining local development and mission teams across the country. Under her leadership, Komen today serves as a trusted health care guide, providing millions of people with safe, accurate, evidence-based information and education—as well as direct patient support services including financial assistance, patient navigation services, emotional support and resources. Komen also remains focused on accelerating breakthroughs for the most aggressive and deadly breast cancers, and eliminating breast cancer disparities through focused interventions that break down the barriers for Black people across the country. Schneider is widely regarded as a business expert in organizational management and finance. Prior to Komen, she served as CEO of American Apparel, where she navigated one of the most notable turnarounds in the retail sector. She previously served as President of the Warnaco Swimwear Group, the largest swimwear company in the world, with brands such as Speedo and Calvin Klein. Schneider is a sought-after public speaker on issues of women’s health and empowerment. She has been featured at such thought leadership events such as Fortune’s Most Powerful Women’s Forum and Yahoo Finance. She has served as a spokeswoman for the Liz Claiborne Company and its crusade to eradicate abuse against women, and is currently a member of C200, the preeminent global organization for the advancement of women business leaders.

Links:

Website: https://www.komen.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-schneider-6322661a/