Personal Narrative: An Interview With Becky Schmidt

I had the chance to interview Becky Schmidt, who is the department manager for the Studio department at the Nordstrom in Oak Brook, IL. This store and department is an example for the rest of the country because they won the President’s Cup, which is awarded to the top Nordstrom store for annual sales gains. As Becky approached me in a Nordstrom department, I knew exactly who she was. Her confidence, approachability, and warmth commanded respect and made me want to follow her. She is a person who by just one look or conversation you feel as though you have known her forever, and that she truly cares for you. From my interview, I learned that these qualities set her apart from a manager and instead make her a leader. She does not give commands, but instead inspires, leads, and supports people.
Becky lights up the room, from her responses I learned that she possesses innate qualities, which inspire me. She possesses true compassion with the way she handles customers and her employees, whether it is when a customer issue arises or just talking with a customer or talking one on one with her employees and learning about each of them. Her team has become her family because she is open and …show more content…
From this real life example, and the stories I was given, I know that strong leaders contain confidence, they listen to their employees, they support their employees, and they are the company’s biggest fans. She embodies Nordstrom’s values, and now her team does as well. Her positivity is contagious and she is the most genuine and kind person I have met. Becky reinforced the ideas we touched upon in class, from authentic leadership to ethics and put in perspective the makings of a great leader. I am fortunate to have chosen a leader who inspires me and is now guiding me towards my future with sales experience and internship