Sarah Rilling’s Post

The Power of Starting from the Bottom: Building a Career Through Diverse Experiences: Today, we often hear about the importance of specialization and honing specific skills. However, I’ve found that the most valuable lessons in my career have come from starting at the bottom and experiencing a variety of roles across different industries. I began my journey washing dishes, moved into fast food, and then transitioned into retail sales. Each of these roles, though seemingly unrelated to my long-term career goals, taught me critical skills—customer service, attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork. When I entered the technology field, I literally started by sweeping floors and performing menial tasks. It was through these humble beginnings that I gained the trust and respect of a business owner, who gradually entrusted me with more responsibilities. Over time, I was managing client portfolios, leading teams, and learning the intricacies of different businesses—understanding what made them successful and unique in their markets. This experience paved the way for my career in Managed Service Providers, where I started as a support technician and worked my way up to VP of Operations. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse teams and organizations, always taking the time to understand their goals and challenges. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that there is immense value in starting at the bottom and taking the time to understand each role you step into. It builds resilience, provides a deep appreciation for every part of a business, and fosters a well-rounded skill set that’s invaluable in leadership. For those of you just starting your careers, or even those looking to pivot, remember that every experience is a stepping stone. Embrace the journey, and take pride in the fact that starting from the bottom can lead you to the top. #CareerGrowth #Leadership #LearningByDoing #FromTheBottomToTheTop #ExperienceMatters

Adapting, Leading, Excelling: How my Department became #1 in the company! Today, I learned that my department isn’t just up 9% for the last quarter—it’s officially #1 in the company as of this very day. Sales fluctuate, but this achievement is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability. When I stepped into this role, I had ZERO experience in this particular work. Instead of hesitating, I dove in, embraced the opportunity, and focused on learning everything I could. I stood up for my department to ensure we had the tools and resources we needed, sought guidance from more experienced colleagues, and implemented better processes to not only improve our performance but also support other locations struggling with similar challenges. This effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Corporate leaders have shared how other department managers are talking about my supportive approach, my willingness to ask questions, and my ability to collaborate for collective success. While I’m proud of these accomplishments and the recognition, I’ve realized that there’s no room for the kind of growth I’m seeking in this role. That’s why I’m actively looking for my “forever” job—a position where I can continue to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. I’ve proven that I can step into any role—whether I have direct experience or not—and quickly make an impact. In less than six months, I turned this department around. In my previous temporary role, I achieved similar results in just three months. My ability to adapt, learn, and drive results speaks for itself. I’m excited to bring this knowledge and passion to a company that values its employees and customers equally. When a company invests in its people, it creates a culture of excellence, and I’m ready to contribute to that kind of environment. If you’re looking for a leader who thrives on challenges, builds strong teams, and drives results, let’s connect! #LeadershipJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #Teamwork #ResultsDriven #CareerOpportunities

💡 Every journey has its challenges, and every individual has their worth. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to gather experiences that shaped who I am today. Whether managing operations, coordinating diverse teams, or bringing creative ideas to life, I’ve learned that dedication, adaptability, and the willingness to innovate define true value. My passion for solving problems, thinking outside the box, and creating systems that work seamlessly has always driven me. From managing warehouses and operations to exploring futuristic concepts and hands-on projects, I am proud of the skills I’ve honed and the vision I bring. Today, I want to remind myself and others: We are all worthy of opportunities that align with our potential and aspirations. Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to acknowledge our abilities and share them with the world. To anyone navigating their own professional path, remember: your value is undeniable when matched with perseverance and a commitment to grow. #ProfessionalGrowth #Innovation #CareerDevelopment #Motivation

The Ball Should Never Be in Your Court! 🎾 Early in my corporate career as a brand manager, the workload was overwhelming and seemed to keep piling up every day. 📈 And just like what we have been reading recently, long days stretched into nights, especially for junior employees like me 🌙💼 Feeling the stress, I approached my boss and shared my struggles.😓 He leaned back, smiled, and gave me one of the greatest corporate lessons of all time: “The ball should never be in your court. If it stays, it will grow so big that you won’t be able to pass it on.” 🏀💡 Curious, I asked him to elaborate... He shared his profound wisdom: “The key to survival and success in a corporate career is never to hold onto tasks for too long. Add your input, do what needs to be done, and pass it along. And try to get ahead of the day by doing something productive in the morning, even before coming to the office.” 🌅📝 Those words were incredibly true and helped me immensely as I climbed the corporate ladder. Amazing insight, indeed. 🌟🚀 #CorporateWisdom #CareerGrowth #WorkSmart #Leadership #ProductivityHacks #ProfessionalDevelopment #SuccessTips #CorporateLife #MondayMotivation #pharmamarketing #brandmanagement #brandmanager #productmanager

As a professional working, I've had the privilege of holding various roles that have shaped me into the Executive Assistant I am today. Below are the roles and the things I learned from each role: 1. As a Project Engineer, I honed my skills in managing tasks with precision and accuracy. 2. As an Assistant Manager in Enterprise Sales, I learned the importance of maintaining strong relationships, persistent follow-up, and a never-give-up attitude, even on challenging days. However, my role as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director has been the most transformative. Working closely with the MD has given me a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and how to manage them effectively. I've learned how to apply my previous experiences to drive success and good leadership. This journey has taught me that it's never too late to discover what you truly enjoy doing. I'm grateful to have found it "It's never too late to start searching for what you love to do" #friday #worklife #businessconsulting #linkedin

Starting a new role as an executive? Here’s a three-step guide to help you make a strong impression: 1.Dress for Success: Present yourself as an executive from day one. How you look and act matters, so make sure you fit the role you want. 2.Take Your Time: In your first month, observe and learn. Use the second month to plan, and in the third month, start implementing your ideas. Avoid rushing things. 3. Get Quick Wins: Achieve something small but notable AFTER 30 days in your new role, so you take time to learn before doing. Follow these steps, and you'll be on the right track! #NewRole #LeadershipStyle #FirstImpressions #ExecutiveCoach

Know Your Career Level: Where Are You in Your Journey? Cut the fluff. Where are you RIGHT NOW in your career journey? This isn't just for retailers—it's for everyone. If you're not delivering results, you're at Level 1. Delivering results but still doing all the heavy lifting? You're at Level 2. If your followers support your vision but aren't getting promoted, you're at Level 3. If your followers are getting promoted but you're stuck, you're at Level 4. Each level requires a different focus: - Outworking and Outlearning (Level 1) - Being the example and staying accountable (Level 2) - Developing others and improving communication (Level 3) - Building influence (Level 4). If you're not stuck, you're ready for a new role and need to start over at Level 1 to earn the respect of others and gain the personal confidence needed to level up in the new role or responsibility (or with a new leader). Let's #getupandgo together. For more insights on how to get "unstuck", write and or re-write your career outcomes pick up your copy of The Retail Leaders Roadmap https://a.co/d/2qjoAZe #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #KnowYourLevel #ProfessionalJourney #CareerProgression #LevelUp #WorkplaceSuccess #CareerAdvancement #OutworkOutlearn #BeTheExample #DevelopOthers #BuildInfluence #NewRole #EarnRespect #AllCareers #PersonalConfidence YOOBIC RETHINK Retail #TRE Mellissa Librach

Boom! What Daisy said! ⭐️😎⭐️🎉🎉🎉 If you’re waiting for someone else to spot your genius, provide an alignment opportunity, know how YOU actually want to grow…you’ll be waiting a long time. Whether you want to be a director or not, these four points - alignment, proof, communication and mentoring - are spot on for career success, satisfaction and growth. You are the expert on you. Ownership is essential. #careerdevelopment #careersuccess #careerconversations

I was recently asked for career advice for someone starting out in the CPG world. As I reflected on my own journey here at the end of 2024, a few key learnings emerged that I believe are crucial for success, so I thought I would share them here in case they could help anyone else: The power of collaboration: - Building strong relationships and fostering teamwork across departments can unlock innovative solutions and drive impactful results. Leading me to advocate that collaboration and clear communication are crucial for success.   Championing impactful results: - Focus on driving solutions that deliver tangible results for the business, whether it's increasing market share, improving brand awareness, or optimizing supply chains.  - Listen first! Some of the best results come from truly hearing the needs of others. The importance of mentorship: I've been fortunate to have had incredible mentors throughout my career, and I highly recommend seeking guidance from experienced professionals. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was this: - You have the ability to create your own career path. Don't feel pressured to conform to expectations or accept roles that don't align with your goals. Reflecting on my own journey, an important note is life throws curveballs. My journey has been filled with them, from overcoming health challenges to achieving professional milestones. My advice? Embrace each day as a gift, pursue your passions, and NEVER stop learning. #CareerReflection #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #NewYearNewGoals