Building a successful career is a marathon, not a sprint, according to Stephanie Berg, Birkenstock USA’s senior director of sales for special accounts.
“In the earlier parts of my career, I was in a rush to take on more. It was a race to have more responsibility, have a more senior title and ultimately climb the company ladder,” she recalled. But moving too quickly brings dangerous risks. “If had taken on too much too fast, I would have failed.”
Instead, Berg has important advice for future footwear leaders: “I would tell anyone in this position to trust the process, build relationships, learn and be patient. When the time is right, the promotion or the responsibility will come.”
Berg has a track record to back up her wisdom. After holding early sales roles at Fila, Skechers and BBC International, Berg joined Birkenstock in 2010 and said she’s grown tremendously in the organization.
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She credits that, in part, to mentors like David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas; and Sandra Colon, vice president of sales at the brand. “They have both been key contributors to my personal and professional growth over the last 10 years,” said Berg. “They have guided me, ensured I was set up for success and pushed me to be a great leader and a high performer.”
Berg, in turn, helps to further the growth of others, especially women, by serving on the advisory board of Two Ten Footwear Foundation’s Women in the Footwear Industry community. “Giving back what I have received in terms of mentorship is important to me. Watching others reach their career goals is rewarding,” she said.
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 5, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation honored these women at a live event in New York City.
