Kandace van Heel’s Post

Life is all about memories and experiences, right? In some time of reflection, I have compiled some of the best memories and experiences during my time at Express to share with you. When I first started at Express, I was brought on (thank you Vaughan Staros) to lead a customer experience program that was centered around Express' Brand Purpose. 'We Create Confidence. We Inspire Self-Expression'. With that, the experience was all about bringing our Styling Community together, and our associates, were the second largest component to that community (second to our customers). While leading this program, it allowed me the opportunity to meet and engage with amazing leaders throughout the country. I was able to build and lead immersion into the program, host change management sessions, lead store calibration visits, analyze the program performance, and most importantly, measure customer loyalty and associate feedback. I loved every second of that role, and I was able to immerse myself deeper into the brand, learn best practices, and take on new opportunities, such as leading Marketing Brand Events, hosting Associate Incentive Trips, and launch Customer Experience tools to drive consistency. While I was at Express, I also co-led the Professional Women and Allies Community Group and had the honor of moderating a panel for International Women's Day. As I mentioned in a previous post, that conversation was grounded in mentorship and it left me feeling inspired to be working with such an amazing community. And thank you, to my fellow leads Heidi Tharp Jennie Goff and steward Megha Patel! I was promoted last August (while on Maternity Leave!) to Senior Manager, Store Experience. My role grew into leading half of the Store Operations team focused on Field Communications, Learning and Development, Stores Strategy, Incentives, Recognition, Customer Experience and Initiatives. As a team, we led the Stores' Strategy, made significant improvements to the associate experience (through communication and immersion), and drove a store-centric culture through providing a feedback loop and store visit program. This Spring, I project managed our Field Leader Meeting where we brought our ELT, Regional Directors (Lee Vuolo Tracy Sundermeier Michelle Robinette, SPHR) and District Managers together to talk strategy for 2024. We delivered a virtual experience that left the audience engaged, clear, and ready to reboot the new year. And lastly, I would be remissed if I didn't acknowledge the amazing team I last worked with. Sherri Tamasovich Kimberly Graff Jennie Goff Betsy Spence Ariel Balske JESSICA BAKER Jeremy Saeger Becka Sanders Ruth Subedi I will miss learning and working with you! Thank you to each and every one of you who made my time at Express so memorable. It's these types of experiences that make you love what you do, and eager to take on more. If you have a memory or experience that I was a part of at Express, feel free to drop it below!

🌟 The Unsung Heroes of Retail 🌟 As I sit back and reflect on my many years of working in retail, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible friendships I've made along the way. These friends have become more than just colleagues; they've become my family, my support system, and the reason why going to work every day feels like a joyous adventure. In the late-night shift windows and early-morning VM setup sessions, I found a group of special individuals who share the same passion for making our store the best it can be. Together, we form an unstoppable team, pushing through challenges and embracing every moment of camaraderie. The bond we share is truly unique. These aren't high-ranking officers or CXOs; they're everyday people who pour their hearts and souls into the smooth operation of our stores. Their dedication and hard work often go unnoticed by the outside world, but to me, they are the unsung heroes of retail. Through this Weekly series, I aim to share the happy moments and stories that have made our time together unforgettable. From the little tea breaks we cherish like sacred rituals to the naughty and hilarious escapades that keep us laughing even on the toughest days, I'll shed light on the magic that happens behind the scenes. These stories will feature the names and personalities of these incredible individuals who have touched my life in profound ways. They have taught me the value of teamwork, empathy, and the simple joys of finding fulfilment in the little things. So, watch this space as we embark on a journey through the heartwarming, humorous, and sometimes mischievous tales of our tight-knit retail family. As I recount the adventures shared with these amazing friends, I hope to not only celebrate our time together but also shine a light on the beauty of forming genuine connections with the people we work with every day. To all the unsung heroes out there who dedicate themselves to their jobs and their team, I raise my metaphorical tea cup to you. Let's make this series a tribute to the power of friendship and the unsung bonds that make life's journey so much brighter! 🍵🌟 P.S. MOHAMMAD ASAD are you ready for next week ?? 😁 😁 #UnsungHeroesOfRetail #WorkplaceFamily #RetailAdventures #FriendshipTales #RetailLife #retail #workculture

Motivational Fridays. It's that time again. Have a great weekend! RKB Facility Solutions #retailindustry #restaurantmanager #retailrealestate #retailmanagement #cstores #networking #realestatedevelopment #luxurybrands #tradeshows #constructionindustry #restaurantindustry #procurementprofessionals #leadershipdevelopment #businesswomen #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #facilitiesservices

Wake up and smell the coffee before it's too late. Gone are the days when getting a bag or a hoodie from your company overjoyed people, this generation sees through the bluff and knows it is a branding activity by the company, there's nothing in it for them. At least not what they want. What your team truly needs is: 1. Work Live Balance 2. A non-toxic work environment 3. Opportunity to learn & grow 4. Fair evaluations Acknowledge the difference, I am not against these branded merchandise but do not fool yourself by mixing it with team satisfaction. #busienssowners #teambuilding #businesscoaching

We're always listening & learning from our people at Primark around how we can build a culture that fuels performance. This year, we made an overdue (!) change to our holiday observances in the United States, based on feedback from our colleagues & candidates, including through our Your Voice #colleagueengagement survey -- adding two additional days off for our full-time colleagues in the US. This change means that for the first time we will officially observe #Juneteenth this week, following from our addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. Our holiday observances are one way that we're Investing in an Inclusive Experience -- from recognizing moments that matter to supporting work-life balance -- it's about how we bring Our Value of #Caring and Our Behavior of #Inclusion to life. In addition to time off, we also bring this recognition into our business, with each store creating their own engagement activities -- and I can't wait to see what the stores have planned for this week! Some snaps from past events are below. #culture #primark #growth #development #retailcareers

As J. Willard Marriott once said,” Take good care of your employees, and they will take good care of your customers, and the customers will come back.” Employees are the ones who stand at the very heart of the organization, and they are vital for the overall well-being of the organization. At Magnus Plywood, we are very well aware that showing our team members gratitude and appreciation is crucial to their success and the growth of the entire organization. One important aspect of recognizing your employees’ performance is that it makes sure that every employee’s voice is equally heard, and that corresponds to collective intelligence, which is vital for various aspects of your organization. That's why we organized a ceremony to recognize our key talents, so as to create an environment where our employees feel recognized, appreciated, and inspired to continue on the path of progress. #EmployeeAppreciation #RecognitionMatters  #TeamSuccess  #OneTeam  #TogetherWeRise

"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." - Mahatma Gandhi At ARM, we're fueled by innovation and driven by inclusivity. 🚀 We recognize the importance of continuously evolving to better serve all individuals. 🤝 From our physical spaces to our digital platforms, we're committed to creating environments that foster connection and accessibility for everyone. We believe in drawing inspiration from industry leaders who champion inclusivity and accessibility. That's why we're excited to take a page from Starbucks' book as they pave the way for a more inclusive retail environment! 🛍️🌐 Together, let's continue to push boundaries and build a more inclusive future for all! ✨ Need a partner in repair and preventive maintenance? Visit www.armaintenance.com for more information. 💻 --- #AmericanRepairMaintenance #ARM #propertymaintenance #propertymanagers #data #repair #preventativemaintenance #proactive #facilities #solutions #realestate #RE #commercialrealestate #CRE #propertymanager #strategicpartner #usa #customerservice #responsive #occupancy #tech #trust #reliable

Championing Diversity and Inclusion: Driving Positive Change in Retail and Hospitality 🌍🤝 Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not just ethical imperatives but strategic advantages in the retail and hospitality sectors. Here’s how leading companies are implementing effective D&I initiatives: 1. Starbucks: Known for its commitment to inclusivity, Starbucks regularly conducts bias training and has initiatives aimed at hiring refugees and people with disabilities, enhancing the diversity of its workforce. 2. Marriott: This hospitality leader has been recognized for its diversity efforts, including extensive programs to support women and minority-owned businesses, and fostering a global culture that celebrates diversity. 3. Sephora: After its inclusion workshops, Sephora launched a new range of products catering to a diverse customer base, demonstrating how inclusivity can drive innovation. 4. Hyatt: Committed to an inclusive environment, Hyatt has initiatives like the diversity business resource groups that encourage employees from all backgrounds to share their voices and perspectives. Industry Hiring Insights: With a clear shift towards more inclusive business practices, there is a growing demand for D&I officers and specialists in the retail and hospitality industries. Companies are increasingly looking for professionals who can cultivate an inclusive workplace culture and drive policy changes that benefit all employees. How is your organization embracing diversity and inclusion? To know more about job openings in the Hospitality and Retail sector, check the comments section below. 👇 #DiversityAndInclusion #RetailIndustry #HospitalityLife #InclusiveCulture #CareerOpportunities #ArbeitNexus

This is a great LAUFT post and article about LAUFT's expansion plans and new government collaboration that is worth sharing a second time! Discover what our CEO, Graham Wong, shared in a recent interview with Retailer Insider. “Really what we are looking at doing and really what we want, is to build the Starbucks of workspaces with an Uber-like experience... As LAUFT expands its footprint, it brings us one step closer to a future where workplaces are as dynamic and diverse as the people who use them, offering a glimpse into a world where our environments are tailored not just for our tasks – but for our lifestyles.” 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gGMqExfd #WFH #HybridWork #RemoteWork #Toronto #GTA #FlexibleWork #FutureOfWork #MakeSmartWork #OfficeSpace #CoWorking #Article #GovernmentOfCanada #Expansion #WorkLifeFreedom #WorkLifeBalance #Starbucks #Uber #UserExperience #Technology #Innovation #Convenience #Flexibility #Productivity #Collaboration

🌟 Embrace Positivity and Celebrate Culture! 🌍✨ Dive into a world where positivity and culture unite. Watch this snippet to feel inspired and uplifted! 🌟 . . . #positivity #greatplacetowork #bdl #bdynamiclogistics #warehousing #logistics