I Sat Next to the President of Steve Madden and This Is What He Had to Say...
“DO YOU LIKE YOUR SHOES?
YES?
My Flight Story: How I Met the President of Steve Madden, Women’s
My 6am flight from New York to Dallas started on the right foot…
As a chatty neighbor, I’m usually the first to talk up the passenger next to me…but Mondays are brutal. I’m awake by 3am, in the Uber by 4am, and checking into my flight by 5am. As I sat and napped for 3 hours, I skipped the breakfast and small talk, had two blankets wrapped around me, and fell asleep crossed-leg.
Do you like your shoes?
I heard the man next to me ask.
It wasn’t the first time my deal sliders got a reaction. Usually it came from my male colleagues who thought my “deal sliders” were Gucci. Except contrary to my friends, this man didn’t look like he came out of a Midtown Uniform Instagram post…
“I do! They’re great”, is what I managed to respond.
“I make them.”
As I sat next to this man in awe, and yet still half asleep, I couldn’t wait to learn more. He introduced himself at the President of Steve Madden, Women’s. and we talked about the brand. I couldn’t help but ask if we could take a selfie. After all, I couldn’t wait to tell Jenn, my sister, all about the encounter.
We Talked Business
We talked about supply chain and the complex operations the company is handling with the changing economic climate. With everchanging policies, I was fascinated to understand Matt Guthartz’s role as President. I asked him about his specialty. He wasn’t shy to admit he has to be good at all of it - and by that he meant all facets of the business.
His coy confidence shined through as he excitedly turned to the site’s analytics showing me that my shoe model “Kandi” was the second-best seller. Then the real talk began…Steve Madden’s newest collection features none other than Winnie Harlow.
It was quite incredible to have Matt show me himself, the collection of boots and influencers who received the first set of packages. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Ava, Rita Ora, and Winnie, all raved about their pairs.
In hindsight, I wish I would have asked him a couple of things. For instance, as a Long Islander, what were some of his values that propelled him to where is today? How did he end up in footwear? He mentioned he’d been in it forever, but what did that really mean? And if he could give advice to young professionals or his fifteen year-old daughter, what would it be?
I’m often asked how it is I’m able to connect to many people - or meet such incredible people in these types of coincidences. While I am blessed, I do think we often shut ourselves away from possibilities. We sit on buses or on the subway ignoring each other, so preoccupied with our own lives. Stepping out of our comfort zones and being curious about those around us is what it takes to build a connection. I’m not talking about networking in the transactional way we talk about it in business school. I’m talking about real deep connections. Matt invited me into the conversation and with his effervescent personality woke me up on a bright Monday morning. Be ready for an invite and when someone does not pass one up, create one yourself and hand it out.
Remain curious and embrace your extroversion.
@katgarciaonline on Instagram
