For our Ladies Who Lead series, female leaders in luxury and fashion share their journeys to the top and their learnings along the way. Here, Amy Williams, CEO, Citizens of Humanity, discusses career milestones, work-life balance and the importance of listening
What were some turning points or key takeaways along your career journey?
Getting a job at The Gap in 1989, after 18 months at Macy’s, which was the leading retail programme in the ‘80s was a turning point in my career. The opportunity to be part of an iconic American sportswear brand and team during the height of the brand’s relevance taught me the power of small collaborative teams and the power of strong merchandising and confident ideas. Customers want an edit, a well-presented point of view, and teams thrive when they are built on trust and a foundation of collaboration.
At Citizens of Humanity a major turning point came when we added creative talent to the team, ensuring the brand would remain relevant globally and created the AGOLDE brand.
Citizens of Humanity turned 20 years old in 2023 and our most innovative project to date has been our transition to regeneratively farmed cotton. It is designed to support farmers with the financial, technological, and educational resources needed to successfully transition to regenerative cotton growing.
Were there any specific challenges you faced as a woman along the way?
As a woman, my biggest challenges have been finding balance as a mother, wife, friend and making time for myself. I started working at Citizens when our daughters were four months old, and took the role as I knew I could be more present than if I was part of a publicly traded company or multibillion dollar group, as I had been earlier in my career. There are often times I am thinking about a work challenge, have to take an early morning call as they are getting ready for school, or have to travel at a time that may not be ideal, but I made sure that they know the team, the brands, the company and see mostly the great things about finding a career that you love. Most of all, at the age of 55, I am trying to prioritise wellness, movement and self care, to better navigate this life chapter and feel my best. It is a work in progress!
In hindsight, what is something you wish you knew that could have helped you?
When you are at school, teachers and others are very focused on individual performance and results. Having the right answer and speaking up were key. In my early days at The Gap, I was told to speak up more, to be seen. But, I was listening and getting ideas from others that were talking. In the working world, it is really about the collective of we, and bringing together groups of talented people with different strengths and styles and being sincerely interested in what they have to say.
What was the best advice you were given?
To commit to actually doing the work, rather than being focused on what you can say you are doing or trying to “market”.
Forming partnerships with other brands of all types and sizes will deliver the best ultimate solutions, and make the biggest changes, especially when it comes to sustainability.
Lastly, the notion of constant growth triggers brands to produce far more inventory than is needed, which generates an incredible amount of excess. I believe in creating financial health, which will eventually establish sustainable organisations, stable jobs and much less stress on all parties.
See also: Tibi's Elaine Chang on asking for help and never hesitating on the hard decisions