2022

Samantha Lomow

Claire’s Board Member, fmr CCO, Foot Locker Inc.

There are so many talented women out there and we need to level the playing field to enable talented individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. That happen when men and women are promoting change together, not when it is viewed through a lens of male versus female.

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

I prefer the term “Empower Woman” as women in leadership roles focus on empowering individuals. I’d say that an “Empower” Woman is someone who leads by example to help create more opportunities for others around her

What benefits and advantages does a company with positive gender equality have over a male dominated workplace?

As an Empowered Woman, one of my principal objectives is to ensure that more companies like this exist and succeed! I’m proud to serve on the Board of Claire’s where our non-executive Board Chair and 50% of our Board are female.

Is there one particular issue in your life you are passionate about? Something that overides all of your objectivity?

I’m passionate about people and empowering others to lead.

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)?

There are so many talented women out there and we need to level the playing field to enable talented individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. That happens when men and women are promoting change together not when it is viewed through a lens of male versus female.

What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth and presence of women in high profile positions?

Give credit where credit is due!

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

I was once offered a very senior role but some of the key responsibilities would remain with someone else. Ultimately, I didn’t take it because that dynamic would have compromised my ability to succeed.

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

I took a risk early in my career. I started my career in Canada and after a few years, I got a job offer to move to the US. It meant moving away from my family and a long-distance commute with my then boyfriend (now husband). The move led me to an exciting 20-year career leading transformation at Hasbro while raising two amazing daughters.
The further you get in your career and in life the more responsibilities you have that can put limits on the amount of risk you are willing to take but being fearless from the start can be the advantage – you never know where a new path will lead you. Taking a risk early in my career was a key choice I look back on with appreciation.

Is “Education, education and education” one of the top three responsibilities of a civilized society? If not why not? If so why is it prohibitively expensive? Also who should decide on the curriculum?

Education has the power to uplift and close key opportunity gaps we see within society. As higher education costs continue to rise, the traditional, four-year path can no longer be viewed as the only viable option. Apprenticeships, community colleges, online programs, and trade schools all provide opportunities for advancement.

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

I love this question. I think it would be exciting to be an assistant coach on a really high-performing team – like a women’s national soccer team. As a student of leadership, it would be inspiring to observe and learn how a great coach motivates leadership and teamwork at the same time in really high performers.

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

When in doubt, choose change.

What is your favorite book (fiction or non-fiction)?

Fiction: I recently read Circe by Madeline Miller it’s an adaptation of Greek mythology told from her (Circe’s) perspective.

What do you most value in your friends?

Someone you can confide in who will tell you the truth, but without judgment.

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

I try to embrace the things that make me uncomfortable by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Patience.