Advanced Management Program
Rising in Retail

Launa Inman had always been good with numbers, so she had pursued an accounting degree in college. But by the time she earned her degree, she knew accounting was not her primary passion. Then she took a job as a trainee at a clothing manufacturer, and discovered a passion for retailing. Inman moved to a large South African retailer as a planner, beginning a highly successful career of more than 25 years for large retail companies. She initially used her accounting expertise to do budgeting and forecasting for buyers, but her dream was to become a buyer herself. As she has done throughout her career, she worked to realize this goal. "I've found opportunity for career progression is only limited by maturation and the goals you set," she said.

A Turnaround

Inman's passion for retailing ultimately led her to become one of the top executives of Coles Myer, where she was named General Manager of Apparel and Accessories for Target Australia in 2001. She oversaw the apparel divisions, including ladieswear, menswear, childrenswear, footwear and intimate apparel. In this new role, she had her work cut out for her. Shortly after she started, the company posted its first-ever loss of $32 million. But, she and her team turned the company around. In her first 9 months on the job, sales were up 9 percent. Just 18 months after she started, the retailer posted a $68 million full-year profit, and sales continued to grow by about 20 percent annually.

In 2003, Inman was recognized with the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year award and in the same year won the Commonwealth Government Private and Corporate Sector Award. Inman was one of only 16 women among the top 100 leaders of Coles Myers and was among the 8.4 percent of women in executive management positions of the 200 companies on the Australian Stock Exchange.

While working full time as a merchandising manager in South Africa and traveling overseas, Inman completed an honors degree in 2 years instead of 3 and a master's degree in 2 years instead of 3. At the same time that she has advanced her career, Inman and her husband also have raised 2 teenage daughters. "I have often said to women I've mentored that there are only glass ceilings, if you let there be. With good planning, time management, and hard work, you can have a family and reach the pinnacle of your chosen industry — if that is your choice."

Preparing for the Next Level of Leadership

Her success lead Inman to be identified by Coles Myer as a high potential in the company's "Talent Pool." This not only gave her access to mentoring within the company but also brought her to Wharton's Advanced Management Program. The 5-week program provided a broader perspective on leadership and a network of peers in diverse industries.

"This was a fantastic opportunity to be exposed to and network with some amazing people with diverse backgrounds and ideas," she said. "The lecturers posed questions on moral and ethical issues we might be faced with as leaders in our industry. Much of the work was done in teams and proved the net result was more effective than working as an individual."

Shortly after completing the program, she was tapped to become the managing director of Coles Myer's 80 Officeworks Superstores and Officeworks BusinessDirect. The company, with about 3,000 employees, is Australia's leading retailer of office products.

Advice for Those on the Way Up

What would she advise others who aspire to senior leadership positions? Among the advice she offers:

  • Find what you are passionate about, and follow that path: While she was trained in accounting, Inman discovered that her true passion was retailing. "I love the cut and thrust of buying and selling," said Inman. "I feel like it's in my blood."

  • Have a plan, and set realistic goals: In addition to having a clear strategy, personally and professionally, it is important to choose what not to do. "I like to define strategy as not only what you do, but also importantly what you choose not to do. In any career, it's critical to have a plan and a set of realistic goals, and stick to them."

  • Cultivate a great team and personal support network: While she is proud of her successes, she stresses that the credit goes to her team. "Target's success is not the result of any one person. Success in any form, professional or personal, is not an individual achievement. The team I worked with at Target was first class. There was a mix of those who had been with the company in good times and bad, and fresh blood with outside experience and ideas." The roles of the team members need to be clearly defined and their contributions recognized.

  • Find good mentors, and mentor others: She attributes her success to her many mentors. "Early in my career, they were predominantly men, because of the industry I was in. However, a good mentor doesn't have to be from the same industry. Since I've been living in Melbourne, I've had the opportunity to meet some wonderful women who have provided me with that 'sounding board' when I've needed it."

  • Be willing to ask for help: Personally or professionally, Inman has "never been afraid to ask for help," from picking up her daughters to asking for assistance or advice from peers and other experts within the company. "It is important to recognize that you are not expected to be an expert at everything," she said.

  • Take every opportunity that is thrown your way to network and keep developing as a leader: Inman said that her Wharton AMP experience "absolutely reinforced that success is a team effort and that much can be achieved with a support network."

As this article was going into publication, Myles Cole announced that Launa Inman was promoted to Managing Director of Target.

    

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