Every career comes with challenges, unexpected opportunities and lessons learned along the way. During the Nov. 6 Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) Power Hour, “Been There, Learned That,” four industry leaders shared candid reflections on navigating change, building confidence and growing throughout their careers. Watch the full Power Hour here!
Moderated by Amy Rush-Imber, publisher and editor-in-chief of Floor Covering Weekly, the conversation featured:
Brenda Knowles, vice president of customer experience and channel development, Shaw Industries
Stephanie Owen, president and CEO, National Wood Flooring Association
Alex Roberts, CEO, Roberts Carpets and Fine Flooring
Lauren Voit, president, Great Western Flooring, and chair of the World Floor Covering Association Board
Take initiative and embrace opportunities
Career growth often begins with stepping outside your comfort zone. Reflecting on nearly four decades with Shaw Industries, Knowles encouraged women to recognize opportunities and take action. “If you see a void or you see an opportunity in the business, just fill it,” Knowles advised.
Voit shared how learning every aspect of her family's flooring business helped her establish credibility and prepare to lead alongside her sister. Owen similarly credited her experience across multiple departments at NWFA with preparing her for the CEO role.
Find confidence through challenges
Roberts described unexpectedly taking over her family's flooring business with little industry experience. Despite a steep learning curve, she gradually developed confidence in her abilities. “I didn't think I was going to do this. I didn't think I could do this,” Roberts reflected.
Voit also discussed learning to trust her instincts while leading through the pandemic. For Knowles, a past experience of being passed over for a position became an opportunity to seek feedback and grow. “Don't let setbacks derail you,” Knowles encouraged.
Lead by empowering others
As responsibilities grow, leadership requires trusting others and recognizing their strengths. Owen described the transition from managing individual departments to leading an entire organization, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with talented people. “It's okay to not be the smartest in the room,” Owen said.
Voit acknowledged that learning to delegate has helped her team grow, while Knowles emphasized the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in creating opportunities for others. “Sometimes it's just about bringing that different perspective and being willing to speak up,” Voit shared.
Keep learning and lift others up
The panelists closed with advice for women at every career stage, from seeking mentors and understanding flooring installation to asking questions, taking risks and advocating for themselves. “You have a voice, use it,” Roberts encouraged.
Owen offered a final reminder about pursuing leadership opportunities and supporting the next generation. “Nobody's going to hand you that seat at that table. So take it and then pull up a chair for somebody else.”
The conversation reinforced a shared message: Career growth isn't about having everything figured out. It's about embracing opportunities, learning from challenges and helping others succeed along the way.
Know someone who could benefit from these lessons? Share this recap with a colleague or friend, and visit womeninflooring.org to discover more opportunities to learn, connect and grow with WIFI.
Join Us at These Upcoming Events
WIFI Book Club: The Art of Gathering | Nov. 12 | Noon ET | Virtual
Hosted by Renee Littleton, Kährs Americas, and Carlene Blanding, Shaw Industries
WIFI Breakout at Synergy Convention | Nov. 12 | 11 a.m. ET | Chattanooga, Tennessee
What's in Your Toolbox? Modern Hacks for Women in Flooring to Simplify Work & Life
WIFI at Mohawk Edge Summit | Dec. 1-3 | Dallas, Texas
Visit the WIFI booth throughout the summit!
WIFI Brunch and Women Who Lead Panel | Dec. 3 | Dallas, Texas
Join WIFI for a special brunch and conversation with women leaders in flooring.