Brian Librach’s Post

I made this mistake once in my own career. In my journey through retail leadership, I once veered off course, lured by the seductive glitter of brand prestige, attractive perks, and the financial rewards we often equate with success in our industry. But beneath this veneer, I encountered a culture marred by poor leadership, discriminatory practices, and a pervasive elitism. My sense of professional pride became intertwined with the product's price tag long before I truly understood the implications. Previously and thereafter, my career choices were guided by the caliber of a company's leadership, its culture, the drive to excel, and feedback I intentionally gathered from within the organization. The nature of the product mattered far less to me than the ethos and practices behind its leaders. An interview with any brand should excite you not because of its market position but for the opportunity to engage with individuals who excel in their field. If you find that excellence lacking, consider it a sign to walk away. We are here to help you navigate this at OSSY. Check out the website link below, and if you work in retail in any capacity, throw out your resume and start by creating your free digital profile. #retailpride #retailleadership #mentorshipmatters

A message to those in retail seeking inspiration: Reflecting on my journey, I've discovered that my ability to navigate challenges exceeds my initial expectations. While colleagues often see me as a natural fit for management roles across various industries — from transportation to telecom, aerospace to healthcare, software to finance — it's my time in retail that truly honed my adaptability skills. Beginning in customer service at a small family convenience store, I learned to exude confidence, sharpened my organizational abilities, and cultivated a leadership mindset. This foundational experience has been pivotal in my success across diverse professional arenas. #LeadershipJourney #AdaptabilitySkills #CustomerServiceExcellence #ManagementSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #RetailExperience #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerSuccess #ProfessionalAdaptability

Some people really do look down on retail leadership. That's wild to me. You can't possibly know a thing about this type of business if you think that. You're talking about people who have to have an enormous amount of resilience and perseverance to be successful at all. A group of people who deal with every walk of life every single day, only seem happy and encouraged when doing so, deescalate all problems regardless if it has anything to do with them, coach and develop your team while running the store, keep the store running smooth 7 days a week operationally. Handle all issues with grace and compassion and oh yeah, hit your monthly quota in sales. I've also heard retail is great if looking for entry-level positions. Maybe so and I do agree. However, retail is also great at identifying who has a work ethic and who does not. Who pays attention to detail and who does not. Who's selfish and who's not. Who can handle adversity and who cannot. Who's a fighter and who's not. Plain and simply put, who's a winner and who's not. I'm so thankful I went into retail leadership. It's provided hands-on experience in dealing with a diverse range of people and situations, which has fostered personal and professional growth. It's also introduced me to some of the strongest, most resilient people I've ever met. Several that were even in my wedding. Be careful judging talent by title or industry. #Retail #Leadership

Friends after over two decades of navigating the highs and lows of retail leadership, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned and want to share is the importance of giving yourself grace. I have had some time to think after leaving retail recently. Retail is fast-paced, demanding, and ever-evolving. There are days when everything goes according to plan, and there are days when nothing seems to go right. In those challenging moments, it's easy to be hard on ourselves, to feel like we’re falling short. But here's the truth: We are our own worst critics. Grace means acknowledging your effort, your dedication, and your progress, even when outcomes aren't perfect. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and appreciate the small victories. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Learn from Mistakes: View mistakes as learning opportunities. They are not a reflection of your worth but stepping stones to improvement. Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to others. You're doing your best, and that's enough. In the whirlwind of retail, where customer needs and business demands are constant, it's crucial to remember that we are human. We deserve the same grace and compassion we so readily give to our teams and customers. Lead with empathy. Start with you. 🌱 #Leadership #SelfCompassion #RetailLeadership #PersonalGrowth #GiveYourselfGrace #stayvibey 🌸

Let’s talk perspective and #teamwork! Did you know Winston Retail also does pop ups AND retail stores? The number one question I am always asked is what do you do?! My 10 year old smiled as I walked out of the house today in something other than my work from home uniform. From hospital stays, costco trips, school events and leadership I enjoy every.single.moment. In reality I do it all! ☺️ Chaos is my daily, but perspective and perseverance trump all. When you land a role at a company that trusts you to soar anything is possible! Throwing on my retail managment hat and heading to a store threw things back into perspective today. I am simply thankful. I wake up everyday and connect with humans on my team. I am trusted to make an impact as a people leader not a manager. At Winston there are no boundaries. We show up, work dang hard and never look back. Think about how you precive something… why was your day hard, and what could you have done differently? Someone struggling on your team, pick up a shift or find solution. Share your struggles because I assure you 3 other people have a similar story. At the end of the day, choose your hard. You have the power to change your future and the trajectory of your career! I empower everyone to do something kind and see what response you get. ✨ #wearewinston #crossfunctional #perspective #teamwork #filaretail #winstonretail #chooseyourhard #wearehiring #joinmyteam #leadership #regionalmanagement

Dear LinkedIn Family & Retail Leaders, Please watch this video & leave your thoughts in comments section. #Retail #Retailleaders #letsconnect #linkedin

In the world of retail, we are the captains of our ships, steering through bustling hours and dynamic customer interactions. We are leaders in our organizations, and with that honor comes a unique set of challenges. Among them, the sacrifices – the missed family functions, the unconventional hours – all in the name of our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer experiences. 💼 However, as we navigate this demanding journey, we discover that the sacrifices we make come with unparalleled rewards: 🛍 Empowering Transformation: Our leadership empowers teams to reach their full potential, driving growth, and career opportunities. 🕰 Mastering Adaptation: The retail world never rests; it teaches us to thrive in dynamic environments and seize opportunities without hesitation. 🌱 The Lesson of Continuous Growth: Every day is a chance to learn, to develop, and to achieve even more. 💪 Cultivating Resilience: We face adversity head-on, emerging stronger with every challenge, our leadership skills honed to perfection. 🏡 Cherishing Family Moments: Yes, some are missed, but we return to our families with an even greater appreciation for those precious moments. Our journey as retail leaders is a testament to the profound impact we make. Our dedication fuels the retail world, and we are essential to our organizations. So, to all my fellow retail leaders, let's share our wisdom and inspire one another. What's the most impactful lesson or reward you've gained on this remarkable journey? 💬👔🛍 #RetailLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #RetailLife #FamilyAndCareer #LeadershipImpact

🚀 What if you had a secret weapon that accelerated your retail leadership career growth? As a retail leader, you’re juggling a lot—high turnover rates, disengaged employees, and the constant scramble to fill positions. These challenges can hold you back from showcasing your true leadership potential and advancing in your career. But what if you had a secret weapon that could turn these obstacles into stepping stones for success? Imagine transforming your team into a powerhouse of productivity, passion, and unparalleled customer service—all while accelerating your own professional growth. 🌟 Introducing "Building Champion Retail Teams" This comprehensive course is designed specifically for retail leaders like you, eager to overcome team challenges and propel their careers forward. Here’s what you’ll gain: 🔑 Proactive Talent Prospecting: Learn to continuously scout for top talent, ensuring you always have a pool of potential stars ready to join your team. 🤝 Effective Networking: Build genuine relationships that lead to high-quality referrals and a robust professional network. 🔄 Long-Term Engagement: Develop strategies to nurture promising candidates, maintaining a warm talent pool for future opportunities. 🏆 Succession Planning: Create a seamless transition plan for key roles, showcasing your strategic foresight. 📈 Personal and Team Growth: Invest in personalized development plans and training opportunities, demonstrating your commitment to your team's and your own advancement. Why choose this course? ✅ Gain practical, actionable strategies from seasoned retail professionals. ✅ Learn through real-world examples and interactive sessions. ✅ Address every aspect of team building, from talent acquisition to succession planning. Don’t let team challenges hold you back. Turn them into your secret weapon for career growth! Ready to transform your team and accelerate your career? 👉 Enroll in "Building Champion Retail Teams" today! 👈 Let’s create a motivated, high-performing team that not only drives sales but also elevates your leadership profile. Your journey to retail excellence starts here. 🌟 🤩https://lnkd.in/ecrTy_GA #RetailLeadership #CareerGrowth #TeamBuilding #ProfessionalDevelopment #RetailSuccess #LeadershipSkills #ContinuousImprovement

Just had to share a recent experience as a store manager that reaffirmed my belief in the power of passion. 🚀 Hired an amazing team member with zero experience but an abundance of enthusiasm for our store and a genuine love for customer service. Now, seeing her dedication and hard work, it's a reminder that sometimes, the best hires are driven by passion rather than just a polished resume. 🌈 Experience is valuable, no doubt, but the heart someone brings to their work can be a game-changer. "Believe it or not, everyone is trainable if you're willing to invest in their growth. Cheers to building teams that thrive on passion and commitment! 🌟 #retailsolutions #retailstories #retailspaces #retaillife #teambuilding #passionandpurpose #retailjobs #thoughtoftheday #leadership

🚀 What if you had a secret weapon that accelerated your retail leadership career growth? As a retail leader, you’re juggling a lot—high turnover rates, disengaged employees, and the constant scramble to fill positions. These challenges can hold you back from showcasing your true leadership potential and advancing in your career. But what if you had a secret weapon that could turn these obstacles into stepping stones for success? Imagine transforming your team into a powerhouse of productivity, passion, and unparalleled customer service—all while accelerating your own professional growth. 🌟 Introducing "Building Champion Retail Teams" This comprehensive course is designed specifically for retail leaders like you, eager to overcome team challenges and propel their careers forward. Here’s what you’ll gain: 🔑 Proactive Talent Prospecting: Learn to continuously scout for top talent, ensuring you always have a pool of potential stars ready to join your team. 🤝 Effective Networking: Build genuine relationships that lead to high-quality referrals and a robust professional network. 🔄 Long-Term Engagement: Develop strategies to nurture promising candidates, maintaining a warm talent pool for future opportunities. 🏆 Succession Planning: Create a seamless transition plan for key roles, showcasing your strategic foresight. 📈 Personal and Team Growth: Invest in personalized development plans and training opportunities, demonstrating your commitment to your team's and your own advancement. Why choose this course? ✅ Gain practical, actionable strategies from seasoned retail professionals. ✅ Learn through real-world examples and interactive sessions. ✅ Address every aspect of team building, from talent acquisition to succession planning. Don’t let team challenges hold you back. Turn them into your secret weapon for career growth! Ready to transform your team and accelerate your career? 👉 Enroll in "Building Champion Retail Teams" today! 👈 Let’s create a motivated, high-performing team that not only drives sales but also elevates your leadership profile. Your journey to retail excellence starts here. 🌟 🤩https://lnkd.in/gxwbSJuc #RetailLeadership #CareerGrowth #TeamBuilding #ProfessionalDevelopment #RetailSuccess #LeadershipSkills #ContinuousImprovement