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Careers at RadioShack -- Interview with the Director of Retail Service...
Irene Kieweg, Director of Retail Services at RadioShack Corporation tells us about her path to success and the opportunities at RadioShack.. Ms. Kieweg juggles a very busy life with Corporate responsibilities, an Executive MBA program and family life. Technology helps her keep up with it all – all while keeping the human touch. Read this informative and inspiring interview about a successful career woman...
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Tell us briefly about your company, your area of expertise and responsibilities:
I started with RadioShack straight out of college and worked in field operations for eight years. I was promoted into the corporate office three years ago on a temporary assignment as a Regional Director in Training. I was asked to work on a new venture and fell in love with the development of new businesses. RadioShack has since established a new subsidiary, Retail Services, where we offer turn-key retail solutions. I took on the responsibilities of managing the operations of our new division.
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Describe a day in your professional life...
I wake up at 4 or 5 am depending on my work load to study for my MBA course work or catch up on emails. I also review my calendar and prioritize my work for the day. I usually get the kids ready and drop them off at school two to three days a week before going into work. My day is usually spent in meetings with various departments and vendors to explore and develop new ventures. I also seek sales and operational best practices for our established channels, handle escalated issues and manage my team.
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How is technology impacting the nature of your work and how you do your work?
I am a techno geek and working at RadioShack keeps me up to date with all of the latest technology on consumer electronics. I use my Blackberry, wireless phone and wireless router at my house to be more efficient but I make sure that technology does not replace the human touch.
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Was there a lesson or skill learned from your first job that has been invaluable on your career path?
A successful person in our industry/company should be driven, competitive and techno savvy. He or she must possess good communication skills and the ability to drive results through others. A lesson that I have learned that is invaluable is not to be afraid to step up to a challenge.
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Has Higher Education been important in your career path? What educational advice would you give to viewers? Tell us the path you took to where you are today.
Higher education is important in my career path and personal growth. Even though I have been very successful in my career, I felt a need to broaden my knowledge to further contribute to my company. I decided to attend the Executive MBA program at TCU last year. Although it has been challenging to juggle a full time job, full time school and two young children, it is well worth it. My advice is to work for a few years to gain some tangible business experience prior your Master’s degree. Your work experience will enhance your learning
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Tips for Success:
"A successful person in our industry/company should be driven, competitive and techno savvy. He or she must possess good communication skills and the ability to drive results through others. A lesson that I have learned that is invaluable is not to be afraid to step up to a challenge."
-- Irene Kieweg
--Irene Kieweg |
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What is your work ethic, and how did it develop? Why do you get up to go to work everyday? What inspires you? i.e., money, power, challenge service, etc.
My goal is to always strive to be the best - limits are only what you set on yourself. I am seldom satisfied which drives me to try different ways to improve. I am inspired by making a difference in how we operate our business and in our employees lives.
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What advice would you give to potential job applicants to help them succeed in the ever-changing global marketplace?
Be open to learn and listen from people all around us.
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Tell us about your Corporate Diversity/Women’s Programs: What is your company doing to educate employees on valuing diversity in the workplace? FYI: Our viewers overwhelmingly state that Corporate Diversity Programs are important in attracting them for employment.
At RadioShack, diversity development is not a program or a system -- It is a way of life that represents a long-term investment in our future. We are committed to integrate diversity into our people programs and business practices, to consistently and fairly measure, assess and communicate our progress, and to build and grow a diverse workforce that reflects and supports the families, neighborhoods and communities we serve.
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Share your Favorite Inspiration Quote or Words of Wisdom:
Fill your culture with self disciplined people who are willing to go to extreme lengths to fulfill their responsibilities. --Jim Collins
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How do you maintain balance in your life? or Do you?!
Currently, it is difficult to maintain balance in my life with work, school and my family. I cook dinner for the family almost every night that I am home so we can have a sit down dinner to catch up with each other. I am a techno geek so I use technology to be more efficient- Blackberry, wireless phone, WIFI on my laptop? I also installed a wireless router in my home so even if I have to work at home or study; I can be anywhere my kids are around the house.
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Advice for Job Seekers:
"Set personal goals and be relentless in reaching them. Let your performance speak for itself."
-- Irene Kieweg
--Irene Kieweg |
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Thank you Irene Kieweg for sharing your insights and experience!
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