For more than a year, Jessica Adler has contributed to Merrell‘s pro-outdoor mission as its vice president of sales. To fulfill her duties, Adler said she often has leaned on the brand’s leadership team for support and guidance.
That team includes global brand president Janice Tennant, who is Adler’s first female boss.
“[She] has encouraged me to stay neutral when leading a conversation, emphasizing the importance of objectivity,” Adler said. “Additionally, she exemplifies the importance of setting personal boundaries and unplugging from work during non-working hours.”
As she receives support and guidance from the Merrell team, Adler, a leader who balances her career with motherhood, welcomes the opportunity to mentor others, stating is “among the most fulfilling privileges.”
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“I’m passionate about paying it forward, and mentoring allows me to share my experiences, best practices and lessons learned,” she said. “Being a mentor is reciprocal and connects me to fresh perspectives that broaden my understanding of relevant new topics.”
Specifically, as a working mother, Adler said she recommends women balance the expectations of leadership and raising a family, even if you are ambitious and want to excel in all areas, all the time.
“It’s impossible to do it all by yourself, so hiring, coaching and developing an incredible bench is so critical. My team is everything,” Adler said. “Being a mother has shaped my leadership style, making me more empathetic, resilient, curious and even patient. It’s important to foster a culture of support and adaptability. Today’s landscape presents unprecedented opportunities for women to shatter barriers, challenge the status quo and position themselves as influential leaders to drive change.”
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.
