Wantable CMO Tiffany Cooley's candid take on confidence, career growth, and curating your circle.
Tiffany Cooley, Chief Marketing Officer at Wantable, didn't always envision herself in the C-suite.
Growing up in Wisconsin, she began her career at a regional bank, laying a foundation that would prove invaluable in her future marketing roles.
But it was a move to Columbus, Ohio, and a stint with Limited Brands that ignited her passion for retail - a flame that has burned brightly ever since.
"I honestly have not strayed from the retail industry since," Tiffany reflects, recounting her journey through various retail formats, from specialty stores to e-commerce.
This diversity of experience prepared her for the pivotal moment when she joined Wantable, a then-small company that aligned perfectly with her love for building teams and scaling businesses.
Tiffany's journey, however, wasn't without its challenges.
In a remarkably candid moment, Tiffany shares, "I actually was put on a performance plan at the beginning of that job."
Instead of letting this setback shake her confidence, Tiffany used it as a catalyst for growth.
She immersed herself in learning, exceeded expectations, and ultimately became a sought-after resource for high-level clients.
This experience shaped Tiffany's perspective on career growth.
"Nobody tells me I can't do something," she asserts, emphasizing the importance of self-belief in overcoming obstacles.
Her approach to success has evolved from chasing titles to finding fulfillment and alignment with personal values.
At Wantable, Tiffany found an opportunity to shape a brand that resonates with her core values, particularly in building confidence.
"We're a personal styling company, so we can help people find a way to look good and feel good," she explains, highlighting how her work aligns with her personal mission to empower others.
Tiffany's candid advice on curating your circle is both striking and insightful:
"Don’t waste time on people that don’t serve you."
This isn't a call for selfishness, but a reminder to be intentional about relationships. "
You want to raise your average," she explains, referencing the idea that we're the average of the five people closest to us.
This philosophy extends to her leadership style.
"I want to give my team a non-toxic, positive work experience where they can be creative, innovative and have fun while working hard!"
This underlies Tiffany’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment that builds confidence and encourages growth.
Tiffany's journey from regional banks to the C-suite is a testament to the power of confidence, continuous learning, and surrounding oneself with the right people.