Welcome to my New Blog, GirlToGreat!

My name is Carol Spieckerman, and I speak, write and consult about retail for a living.

I've traveled a 1,200-mile sales territory three times per year in a gutted-out cargo van loaded with 2,500+ clothing samples. I've taken a baby bootie to the head (chucked at me by a buyer who was infuriated at a salesman I managed). I've been given major salary increases and sign-on bonuses during down economies and when there was "no budget." I've been promoted over bosses who had previously plotted my demise. I've launched and grown a successful consulting and speaking business without outside capital. I've traveled the world speaking to and working with incredible people from all walks of life.

And at the end of the day, I've managed to stay relevant in a fast-moving, male-dominated industry that has left many behind. For me, that's been a good thing, because I've had to continually sharpen my game. 

During this awesome ride, I've learned volumes about the ways women (still) give away their power. After all, I was once one of those girls. I've played the role of "showroom girl," "sales girl," "new girl," among others, but it wasn't until I took ownership of my own trajectory that I was able to graduate from "girl" to great. No one else could do it for me and the journey that continues to this day.

I'm starting the GirlToGreat blog at the urging of the many women I've mentored and informally encouraged over the years. In this space, I'll share tools and tactics born from my experience, not theory, that will help you get out of your own way, make better use of where you are right now, and ditch the insecurity that is at the root of cringe-worthy compromises and playing small.

I'm glad you're joining me on this journey. May it inspire and accelerate your own Girl to Great story!