2024

Amiee Bayer-Thomas

Chief Store Operations Officer, Ulta Beauty

“Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s not the mistake that defines you but how you handle the situation that does.”

In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?

Character, integrity, courage, authenticity, and confidence coupled with humility and grace. A Power Woman has the confidence to be unequivocally authentic and true to self, the courage to stand up for what is right, the vision to look beyond the obvious, the strength to persevere, a level of humility and vulnerability that humanizes and makes them approachable and the commitment to pay it forward.

What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take toward en-powering women and gender equality (e.g. affirmative action)?

In my role overseeing all aspects of Ulta Beauty’s store and services operations, I witness every day the meaningful role beauty plays in culture and lives, empowering self-expression, influencing emotional wellbeing, and inspiring creativity and imagination.

As the largest beauty retailer in the U.S., and as a company whose workforce is more than 90% women, Ulta Beauty has the tremendous responsibility and privilege of helping to shape how women—especially young women—experience beauty and harness it as a source of empowerment and self-confidence. Beauty is not just about how you look on the outside, it’s a reflection of a person’s holistic health, which includes mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I’m particularly proud of the work by the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, which has donated more than $61 million since 2016 to improve the lives of women and families. Through partnerships with organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Jed Foundation, and many others, we’re supporting holistic well-being for women and teens by providing resources to help increase confidence, improve physical health and create a sense of belonging.

Can you tell us a short story in which you encountered a block due to your gender?

Early in my years as an officer, I was passed over for a promotion. At that point in my career journey, men predominantly held officer and senior level roles—decision making roles—and when I asked why I didn’t get the position, I was told it was because he had been with the company 25 years and frankly, they had not even thought to look at my experience, accomplishments and success prior to my joining the company. My mentor at the time was one of the few women at the senior level. When I went to her in frustration, she asked me if I had asked for the promotion. My response was that my experience, performance and impact should speak for itself. At that point, she gave me some of the best advice I have received in my career – “don’t ask, don’t get”. Simple yet profound. She told me men ask for what they want and women think their hard work and performance will be noticed and rewarded. In that moment, I learned that if you don’t avidly advocate for yourself, you cannot expect others to. Don’t ask, don’t get!

There are many studies that support the assertion that a female presence in the boardroom increases the bottom line and leads to healthier work environments. What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth to and presence of women in high profile positions?

I’m proud to work for a company whose workforce is 65% women in leadership roles and has an executive team and Board of Directors that is 70% and 55% women, respectively. I firmly believe in the positive impact diversity in leadership roles can have on business performance and workplace culture. Looking back on my own career journey, I have so much gratitude for the mentors that empowered and inspired me, and I’m fiercely committed to paying it forward. I believe in the important role mentoring can play in lifting up young professionals—particularly young women whose worth and confidence are challenged early on.

I’m honored to serve on the board for YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting dignity for all. Through my involvement with YWCA and my passion for mentoring young women and girls, we created an annual event called Pretty Empowered, which engages young girls in sessions focused on STEM fields like cosmetic science and supply chain logistics; leadership development; career exploration; and wellness. Through this opportunity, I have seen firsthand the power of helping young women and girls gain the confidence and capabilities they need to believe, dream and pursue higher-level roles. This year, we’re doubling our impact by expanding Pretty Empowered from 4 cities to 8 cities and we hope to continue growing the program’s scale and impact in the future.

Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?

As I reflect on my 30+ year career, there are two key moments that helped define the leader I am today. First, as a leader of leaders early in my career, I discovered it wasn’t all about me. I let go of how things would impact me and focused on how things impacted my team and those around me. Second, I learned that making mistakes can be a good thing. Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s not the mistake that defines you but how you handle the situation that does. Own it, learn from it, use it, and move forward as a stronger person and leader.

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?

If I could have a different job for one day, I would be the front woman for a rock band! I’d want to be an artist whose music brings you back to a special moment, makes you happy or gives you that go-to song when you need to feel a certain way. Music has played such an important role in my life, and it’s something I turn to when I need an energy boost or to change my mood. There is nothing like an amazing hype song! My go-to hype song right now is “Unstoppable” by Sia… or anything Bon Jovi.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Know your five—the people in your life who know you best and are your most trusted confidants. Your five can change and evolve over the years and can be friends, family, mentors, co-workers, but they are the people you can reach out to at any time and who know what you need when you need it—a kick in the butt, words of affirmation or encouragement, a listening ear, or help you come up with a game plan. Your five will know and serve you well.

What is your favorite book (fiction or nonfiction)?

My favorite book is The Dash – Making a Difference with Your Life by Linda Eillis and Mac Anderson, both for what it embodies but also because it was gifted to me by a leader on my team. It holds a very special place in my heart and encourages me to reflect on my life and the impact I have on others.

The Dash is rooted in the idea that your life doesn’t start at the date of your birth or end at the date of your death but exists in the dash in between those years. The message of the book motivates me to make certain choices in my life that bring meaning to that dash—like reaching out to others, making the most of time with friends and family, and finding joy in the little things. That dash represents your life and only the people closest to you will know what that little line is worth. The book was gifted to me with the message, “Thank you for always challenging me to be a better leader, a better person and a better champion for our teams! I thought about you often as I read this book. You Rock!” That is what the dash is all about.

What do you most value in your friends?

I celebrate those in my life who love me big, never judge me, lift me up and fill my cup. Those who support being authentic, and who can embrace and see the value in our differences. Those who love all of me…the good, the not so good and sometimes the ugly.

Which trait do you most uncomfortable in yourself? In others?

Like many women, I have dealt with imposter syndrome my whole life. Negative self-talk isn’t productive, but it happens. I try to be kind to myself when doubt creeps in and remind myself that I’ve worked hard and that I am worthy and deserving.

In others, I value earnest conversations, so it bothers me when I don’t have someone’s full attention or respect, or I feel unheard during a conversation that’s important to me. I also dislike when people speak for me without bringing me into the room.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Graciousness. You are the author of your own story, and accepting what is handed to you isn’t always the best choice.