From Dreamers To Doers
We believe everyone should feel free to be themselves at work, which is why we’re powering an internal movement of belonging. To us, a movement is the collective drive to achieve a set of shared goals in pursuit of an ambitious vision. Movements don’t happen overnight. And they don’t happen alone. Movements require the organization of many people working together toward a shared goal.
Read her story
From Dreamers to Doers – Ellen – Director, Global Production at Vans
Ellen was recently promoted to Senior Director, Global Digital Portfolio & Programs in our Digital org.
1
Tell us about your movement maker project. What does it do, and who does it help? How is it creating a movement?
Rather than one single project, my overall job allows me to help make a difference. The work we do across our global team to ensure we have the right strategy set to support the brand growth is super exciting. Every day, we are constantly aligning and collaborating across all functions and regions to ensure we are supporting the brand growth. It’s creating a movement for us to be better connected to our consumers and understanding how we can set our supply chain to be more agile and flexible, especially in this new environment.
2
What kinds of challenges have your project faced so far? How have you overcome them?
When you work across the global team, it’s very easy and quick to lose connectivity across the function. The biggest challenge we always face is to ensure we assume the best in our team to support each other and provide transparency. We are constantly connected to a virtual environment and super grateful that we have the opportunity to do so.
3
Choose the statement that best describes the qualities you believe make your project a success. Tell us why you chose that statement.
Limit Less resonates so well with the work we do. As leaders, it’s our job to recognize people’s strengths and help use them to exceed expectations. It’s about helping them challenge the boundaries of their capabilities and believe more is possible.
4
You obviously have a lot of passion. How do you bring that to life in the workplace, day-to-day?
I think of myself as a small piece of a puzzle that fits into a bigger picture. I might be only one piece, but I know I’m connected to four other pieces. I also know with one missing piece, that puzzle isn’t whole. I remind myself of that every day and although I might be just “ONE” piece, that one piece is important.
5
Do you have any advice for people wondering how to make their ideas or goals come to life, whether that’s inside work or out of it? What would you say to help others go “from Dreamer to Doer”?
Dream BIG but know that to achieve that dream, you must take one step at a time. Life is a journey so be bold and take that first step towards your journey. Every step you take, learn, and push your boundaries. Never settle and never get too comfortable.