Old Navy's Head of Creative Marketing Says Believing in Your Talent is Key to Success

We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate.  We call them Everyday Superheroes. In this new series, we talk to the people who are paying it forward, lifting others up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.

For Dana Marinovich, getting laid off was a fundamental part of her career arc, and a challenge that eventually led to her dream job as the Head of Creative Marketing for Old Navy.

After being let go, she took the summer off to reset and think about what she wanted next. “I gave myself permission to hold space for the change, to really evaluate what I wanted and recalibrate my intentions for the future,” Marinovich tells Create & Cultivate. “After a few months, I was reenergized, refocused and was able to set clear goals for myself that were true to who I am and what I want in my life, instead of being swept away with what was expected next.”

Now, as the Head of Creative Marketing at Old Navy, Marinovich leads a team of creative directors, writers, art directors, graphic designers, stylists, and photographers to help bring the brand’s vision to life through the creative in all channels. And with millions of people engaging with Old Navy each day, it’s safe to say that Marinovich’s work touches a lot of people.

Read on to hear how she went from agency world to in-house at Old Navy, how she finds the inspiration to create killer brand campaigns, and why believing in your talent is key to your success.

What did you study in school? And what did you want to be when you grew up?

I did not ever think that I would be in a creative industry when I was young. I grew up with a focus on math, science and literature. The closest thing to being creative that I could imagine, was to grow up to be an architect. So for a long time I thought that’s what I wanted to be. 

While in college, I majored in Art and Design, with a focus on graphic design. I also studied Painting and Photography at Chelsea College of Art and Design and Central St. Martin’s. Through those programs I fell in love with art, with critical thinking and this truly changed and solidified my focus.

What are some of the earlier jobs that helped to shape your career path?

After college, I moved to NYC and one of my first jobs was working for a (then) small agency, YARD. What I learned there was invaluable in how to approach a creative project for a brand. At that time, most of the agencies were either branding or advertising focused. But YARD was doing something different - they were a creative agency that bridged the two and built the work with a solid strategic ground. It was all the things, intertwined - and I was inspired by this approach. So early on in my career, I realized how much I loved to build brands holistically… and to build a thriving brand you need great creative strategy, a killer voice, and image and branding that elevates it. This period of time was like bootcamp in creative thinking, iterating and pushing limits. It was really really hard, and I will forever be grateful for it.

“Do one thing at a time. Put space between things. Develop Rituals. Think about what is necessary.”

What challenges have you faced along the way? What did you learn from them? How did they prepare you for your job now?

The biggest challenge I have ever faced is being laid off. I don’t think people talk about this enough transparently, like it should be a secret. Like there is stigma around losing your job. I have worked in retail or for retailers for a long time now, and the business is just volatile. There will be really high highs and really low lows. Some businesses can withstand the test and others are not so lucky. You have to ride the wave - and know that it will fluctuate.

When I was let go, I took the summer off to reset and think about what I wanted next. I travelled and spent a month abroad in Croatia with my family. I gave myself permission to hold space for the change, to really evaluate what I wanted and recalibrate my intentions for the future. It was honestly the hardest and best time for me in my career building. After a few months, I was reenergized, refocused and was able to set clear goals for myself that were true to who I am and what I want in my life instead of being swept away with what was expected next.  It was a relief, like I finally took back control of what my days were.

Tell us about your role. What does it entail? Did you work your way up? What were the positions along the way?

As the Head of Creative Marketing at Old Navy, I lead and get to work with a diverse creative team. My role is to develop a clear creative vision of the brand that people can relate to and want to connect with. Old Navy is a brand for everyone, for families, for your friend family, for your community. It’s inclusive by nature. And we bring the brand to life through a lens of fun, fashion and making the most of life together.

To get to this position, I both worked my way up and worked sideways. As I mentioned, I started my career in advertising in NY, but when I moved to CA , I came in-house at Gap. This was years ago, and I moved my way up at that brand - starting as a Global Art Director (which meant I would translate the North America creative for Europe, Japan and franchise partners), but quickly after starting, some of the leadership team left, and I was promoted to lead the internal creative team. I worked on many things during this time - and wound up pitching against our agencies and took back in-house the kids, baby and body advertising work. It was fun, we even pitched against agency work for the Diane von Furstenburg x GapKids campaign work - and won the pitch. At the time, it felt like a big deal, the internal team was so motivated and we were so happy to be doing the work that we were doing. We had a lot of fun.

After a few years I moved on to be the Vice President of Creative at a small kids and baby clothing company called Tea Collection. I was there for about five years and helped solidify the creative look/feel and voice for the brand. And then I came back to Old Navy and was just promoted this past Spring to the Head of Creative Marketing role. 

What do you love most about your job and why? Does the reality of your career match up to your expectations? Why/why not?

I love the people I work with, the team is very talented. As the Head of Creative Marketing, I get to work closely with a lot of different voices and I am energized by people’s unique point of views and helping the team grow and the work to push forward. 

I love working in-house and getting to actually craft and dream and think about how this brand shows up to the world. The reach of Old Navy is quite breathtaking - millions of people get an email from us everyday, millions hear and see and feel and touch the work that my team puts out there. I love getting to work for a brand that touches so many people. With that comes a big responsibility, and I take that very seriously. 

I honestly never would have thought when I started my career that I would get to the place that I am now. Of course, I had drive but where I am today truly came out of determination to always grow as a human. I wanted to do more, and I set my sights on the next and the next and the next. At the level I am at now, more of my responsibilities are in building talent, protecting the creative and pushing to the next. It’s a dream job honestly. Is it exactly what I would have expected in every moment? No -- it’s a hard job! But it is all worth it.

What can you tell us about the company culture? What has encouraged you to stay? 

I love working for an organization that champions inclusivity, diversity and fashion for everyone. This year we are pushing this even more. At the end of the summer, there is a big moment for the brand, and women in particular. It’s incredibly rewarding and impactful.

The people and the team at Old Navy is also what keeps me excited every day. I truly care for each of the individuals I work with and together we champion the work we do.

Talk us through your daily tasks and what a day in the office looks like for you. What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

Most of my day is spent discussing creative strategy, reviewing work and concepts and connecting with the creative team. The most rewarding part of the creative process is when the work is hard, when you’ve hit a wall over and over again, but you keep pushing – and then all of a sudden, the light goes on. That breakthrough moment is what it’s all about. It’s so rewarding to personally go through that process, but to also help a team through it – that’s what gets me.

What does your morning pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?

Well, each day is a bit different. Two days a week, I wake early and work out - this clears my head of stress. I find clarity and a good personal space is so necessary in this line of work. And the other three days, I focus on my other big role - I’m a mom of two small kids. And I love spending the mornings giving them my attention, sitting and having breakfast with them, talking Legos and unicorns, getting them ready and doing school drop off. It’s important for our connection that I show up at school, see and greet other parents and their teachers. It’s a balance and is so important. 

For work, I also like to take one morning a week for an hour and plan my priorities. This helps me keep on track and not get swept away with the work. 

Your role requires you to be across so many facets of the business—how do you manage your time effectively? What is your greatest productivity hack? How do you get it done?

I’ve recently read an article about the 12 Essential Rules to Live more like a Zen Monk, and found this very inspirational. A few of the rules are: Do one thing at a time. Put space between things. Develop Rituals. Think about what is necessary. 

These are things to remind myself, to practice and get better at. Again, I’m always learning and growing. I’m very thoughtful and deliberate in my approach to projects.

Do you ever reach inbox zero? Do you believe in that? What is your inbox philosophy?

I had a dream once I got my inbox to zero. I believe in the power of search.

What is one of the biggest misconceptions about your job?

Being a leader of a creative team is not actually being creative or creating all the time. Often I am researching, reading, reviewing, discussing; I’m thinking strategically, I’m analyzing, editing and then I’m creating.

If someone wanted your role specifically, what advice would you give them on how to land their dream job/your current job? 

Stay hungry. Love what you do. Be a team player. Understand you are only as good as the sum of your parts. Learn from your failures. 

“Stay hungry. Love what you do. Be a team player. Understand you are only as good as the sum of your parts. Learn from your failures. ”

Have you seen a consistent standout quality or personality trait of successful people in your industry?

Confidence, transparency, honesty, and straightforward in nature, and people who like to have fun.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Best: “Believe in your talent.” 

Worst: “You need to diversify. So, let’s have you work on this pitch for a fast food account.” 

If there was one person you admire that you could power brunch with, who would it be?

Dolly Parton!

"Getting the Job I Wanted (and Felt I Deserved) Took Patience and Persistence" With Megan Dunn of Califia Farms

We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate. We call them everyday superheroes. In this new series, we talk to the people who are paying it forward, lifting others up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.

Have you ever had a professional mentor help advance your career or business? If you answered “no” to this question, then you’re not alone. You’re one of the 31% of women (compared to just 18% of men) who haven’t but it’s time to change those stats. And Megan Dunn, Senior Manager Commercialization at Califia Farms—an independently-owned plant-based food and beverage company—is on a mission to make it happen. After being recently promoted by her female mentor at Califia Farms, Dunn is paying it forward by uplifting her fellow female employee within the company to join her team. But elevating female voices started early for Dunn.

As one of six, her home was centered around the kitchen where Dunn’s mom worked around the clock to feed and nourish the family. It was at the kitchen breakfast bar where Megan finished her homework, called out Jeopardy answers, and, unknowingly, started her journey in community and in food.

So, when she set off to Georgetown University, Dunn was originally set on becoming a doctor but after two summer abroad programs in Argentina and Spain, she pivoted to study Spanish and Environmental Policy. While her work in food doesn’t align directly with her major, her Jesuit education gave her a valuable understanding of the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and a passion for learning from experience and applying new concepts and perspectives.

After a few years working in Government Affairs and Technology PR, Megan took time out to reflect on her true passions—cooking in the kitchen, traveling, and sharing meals with friends. Soon thereafter, Megan found her home at Califia Farms where she was able to quickly understand the business, grow personally and professionally, and bring her passions into her work.

And now, she is helping others realize their passion too. Read on to learn more about Dunn’s career path, the hurdles along the way, and her advice for other career go-getters to achieve success, too.

On the career steps she took to land her dream job… 

In moving to Los Angeles, I took the time to search out companies that aligned with my personal values and made products that I enjoyed using. While searching for my dream job, I worked part-time doing things that I loved—working at a bakery, selling sourdough and baked goods at the Laguna Beach Farmer’s Market, getting my 200-hour yoga certification and teaching yoga at cross-fit and yoga studios.

Over nine months, I applied to several companies and to Califia Farms three times before I got an interview. I remember the hiring manager telling me that the starting role may not fulfill me, but I knew there was growth in the role, and I was confident I could be a value-add to Califia. In the first two years, I raised my hand at every opportunity and was vocal about my abilities so that when a position opened in the Product Launch Department, I was first in line.

I know it can be difficult to take a time out when forging your career path, to reflect on your goals, and make the decisions that set you up for personal success, but it was this time that got me to where I am today.

On what she studied at school…

I went to Georgetown University to study Biology of Global Health and Medicine, but in my third year, I pivoted to study Spanish and Government with a focus on Environmental Policy. My father is a doctor and growing up I would spend a lot of time in his office, hanging out in the doctor’s lounge at the hospital and traveling on medical missions to provide health care in under-served communities. I wanted to be a doctor, too.

While at Georgetown, I studied abroad in Argentina on a research program studying health care and vaccine development. I loved experiencing a new city, meeting new people, and, frankly, being out of my comfort zone. The next year, I went to Barcelona to study Spanish linguistics and history. It was these experiences that helped me understand that what I liked about medicine was the connection with people and the fulfillment of helping people. 

Switching my major was my first step in giving myself the time-out I needed to think about what I wanted and how I wanted my future to look.

“ In the first two years, I raised my hand at every opportunity and was vocal about my abilities so that when a position opened in the Product Launch Department, I was first in line.”

On the earlier jobs that helped to shape her path… 

Out of college, I worked at a yoga studio in Georgetown, Washington, DC (you may start to see a theme here!) The owner was a boss. She was tough, her classes were rigorous, and she held her employees and teachers to a higher standard. This type of behavior may seem out of place for a yoga studio but what she showed me was how to challenge myself on and off the mat. I met incredible people at this studio, and it was a woman who practiced that got me my first job at a government relations firm.

My first job was as a Legislative Manager at Monument Policy Group. The group specialized in advising on complex policy issues, offering strategic, bipartisan advice with an understanding of national and global trends and culture. Our clients were from all industries, including finance, technology, and aerospace. Ultimately, working in government affairs wasn’t for me but in working across these industries, I stretched my critical thinking skills and left with a better understanding of the complex relationship between business, government, and people. 

On the challenges she faced along the way…

In starting your career, there is real pressure around whether you’ve made the right choices, the expectations of where you should be by a certain age, and stress around how much money you should be making. Whether this is internal or external pressure, the challenges are real.

In the same vein that I like to travel and get outside my comfort zone, I learned that a challenge in your career can be greatly beneficial. You aren’t expected to be perfect. Talk to your manager when you’ve hit a roadblock and explore your options. Many companies are willing to invest in training programs to grow the skill sets of their employees, too. 

There have been moments when I’ve felt like my challenges are unique—I’m the only one who’s felt this way—but you can put money on someone you know experiencing something similar. So, I learned to ask for help. I talked to my friends, I sought advice from mental health professionals and, eventually, I found a strong mentor in the workplace.

On her role at Califia Farms…

As Senior Manager of Commercialization, I work cross-functionally to launch new innovations from Califia. I interact daily with the other leaders at Califia in manufacturing, quality, R&D and product development, sales, marketing, and finance. My job is heavy on project management, critical problem solving, and creative strategy. 

I started at Califia Farms in Customer Operations and Services which included order processing, customer service, data syndication, and various sales support responsibilities. The team was still small and there was lots of work to be done. I raised my hand when help was needed and demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and execute effectively. These two skills are what helped me work my way up the ladder.

I did this with the support of an incredible mentor, one of the founding employees of Califia, she was the hiring manager that believed in me from the first interview. When the position opened in Product Launch, I was promoted to Product Launch Specialist and have since been promoted numerous times, now to Senior Manager.

“There have been moments when I’ve felt like my challenges are unique—I’m the only one who’s felt this way—but you can put money on someone you know experiencing something similar. ”

On what she loves most about her job …

I love working with our innovation team because we are a diverse group of people with varying disciplines, experiences, and knowledge. The things I like to do in my time outside of work like traveling, cooking, and eating support me in my role in launching new products. Traveling and social media help me know what people are cooking in their homes and going outside their homes to experience.

It’s exciting to have your finger on the pulse of what’s trending but I also like to say I work in the future. While products are launching in 2020, we are already working on the products for the next three to five years. The reality of my work challenges me to be flexible and let go of expectations. I find this very fulfilling but if you like a more rigid work structure, the constant variables could pose great challenges.

On the culture at Califia Farms… 

We still have very much a start-up culture at Califia. Our job titles relate to our core responsibilities, but you’ll find that many of us are contributing in other ways. Califia has hired some of the brightest, hard-working people I've ever met. We work hard and we’re proud of the work that we do. Second, we launch best-in-class products that not only taste great and nourish our bodies but contribute to protecting our planet for future generations to come.

In addition to feeling motivated by our core values, I stay because I’ve been able to grow with Califia. I’ve had many friends bounce from company to company to further their career and while that has brought them success, it wasn’t the right path for me. We benefit greatly in our company culture and morale when we lift each other up and celebrate the success of our colleagues. I look forward to passing this forward as I continue my role as a leader at Califia.

“Getting the job I wanted and felt I deserved, took patience and persistence. My mentor helped me navigate through the rewarding, and the tough, times.”

—Megan Dunn

On what her day-to-day looks like… 

Every day is different, but it generally starts with a cup of coffee and emails. I spend a lot of time on the phone discussing project timelines, managing deliverables, and keeping our teams updated with the latest in what’s in the pipeline at Califia.

My most notable task is my weekly product launch call which includes 30 to 40 people tuned in for one hour. If that sounds wild, it’s because it is! Like I’ve said, each person has a lot of responsibilities and it’s important we manage our time wisely, so while launches aren’t always moving smoothly, we get the job done with respect and teamwork. It’s this attitude that helps us get the job done!  

Another part of the day that I really enjoy includes working with our Director of Design and CEO on the packaging because it presents a creative and collaborative outlet that ultimately becomes one of the most tangible deliverables of the product launch cycle—the final package!

On her morning routine…

Giving myself the time and the space to do the things that make me happy is so important in maintaining work/life balance. No matter how busy I am I make sure to set time aside to do the things that are important to me like working out, cooking food, and spending time with my family. Sometimes that means waking up at 5:30 am to get it in before work but it’s always worth it—it’s how I rest and reset.

On her greatest productivity hack…

In this job, deadlines and dates eventually become second nature but that took roughly 6 months to a year of practice before it became innate, so list-making and notes helped me get up to speed! I’m still looking for the perfect system, but I organize tasks by the week using an old-fashioned pen and paper. I am guilty of having too many windows open on my computer screen so tracking tasks on my screen can be tough.

For long term tasks and reminders, I use OneNote to keep track of topics I need to bring up in my weekly meetings which I check off as I go. I also use Wrike, workflow automation, and project management tool, to keep track of important milestones and manage deliverables.  

Time blocking on my calendar has been one of my better productivity hacks.

If I really need to focus on a task or remind myself to check in with a vendor or partner, I’ll schedule time on my calendar to ensure it happens.

“No matter how busy I am I make sure to set time aside to do the things that are important to me like working out, cooking food, and spending time with my family. ”

On reaching inbox zero… 

My inbox philosophy is to scan all incoming emails for the level of importance. I break up inbox time to roughly five sessions during the day that way I'm not always distracted by my email since there’s other work to be done. I find that if I haven’t responded on an important matter, I generally receive a phone call or chat asking for my attention.

About once a month, I do set aside time to go through unread emails, responding to those of importance or archive those that no longer require action. 

On the biggest misconceptions about her job…

I’m an open book and make myself available for calls when it comes to questions about my role.  It’s my responsibility to take the time to make everyone a “product expert” and help them understand the new product pipeline. For this reason, I don’t think there are many misconceptions about my job but I’m open to anyone who thinks otherwise!

On her advice for landing your dream job…

My job can be named many things and may sit in varying departments dependent on the company. If you want to launch products at your company or somewhere else, take the time to research the department structure and hierarchy. This can help you understand the path forward. 

Second, talk to someone that has the role you want. If they are in product launch, they likely have lots of extra work and may need help so don’t be afraid to vocalize what you want and raise your hand. If you are in a different department, ask that person to be your mentor. When the opportunity arises, you’ll be ready and positioned to throw your hat in the ring.  

“I break up inbox time to roughly five sessions during the day that way I’m not always distracted by my email since there’s other work to be done. I find that if I haven’t responded on an important matter, I generally receive a phone call or chat asking for my attention.”

On the traits you need to be successful… 

I find that to be successful in this industry, it’s important to be collaborative, lead with empathy, and be comfortable with change.  

On the best (and worst) advice she’s been given… 

The best advice I’ve received is to react less and create space to think before responding. The workplace is full of different personalities and opinions so it can be hard to check your emotions when faced with a challenging situation. If you feel misrepresented or unheard, take a moment to collect the facts and present what you know to be true. 

The worst piece of advice is harder to remember because I probably let it go in one ear and out the other. I can say that some of the worst behaviors I’ve seen are ones where the individual is put before the group. No one wins when this happens. 

“React less and create space to think before responding.”

On the one person she’d like to power brunch with…

My “power lunch” is one where I can sit and learn from a person who’s work I admire. In talking with someone who truly loves what they do, there is an undeniable passion that comes through which is inspiring and contagious. 

On my birthday turned engagement trip to Italy, my fiancé and I spent a day driving through the hills of Umbria, harvesting grapes, and learning about natural winemaking with one of my favorite producers, Danilo Marcucci. 

It was “power day” of getting our hands dirty, drinking wine, eating incredible food, and conversing with a visionary about his decades of experience in viticulture and cellar work. The work he does with his vineyards and those of his partners come from a true love for the earth and what grapes can do, along with knowledge garnered through years of practice and experience. It was a magical day and I was lucky enough to leave with a rare bottle of wine, one that I am saving for my wedding night!

On the perfect power interview outfit…

I think it’s important to be yourself and represent your personal brand, but you also must respect the type of workplace and industry to which you’re applying. For food and beverage, in Los Angeles, my perfect interview outfit is a pair of well-tailored dress pants or jeans from Reformation or Everlane with a white button-down shirt and an oversized blazer. I’d pair with vegan leather boots and tasteful jewelry. 

On the everyday Superhero who has helped to guide her career journey… 

Marne Evans was my mentor at Califia and while she recently moved on from the company, she continues to be my Superhero. As one of the founding employees of Califia, she is a great example of doing what it takes to get the work done and leaving your ego at the door. She imparted an incredible amount of knowledge onto me and showed me it’s possible to have a fulfilling career while fostering a rich personal life.

On her proudest moment at Califia…

One of my favorite launches was our drinkable Probiotic Yogurts line, made from our cultured Almondmilk and coconut cream with billions of probiotic CFUS. We use a powerhouse probiotic strain called BB-12(R) which is the world’s most documented Bifidobacterium, shown to have beneficial effects on our digestive and immune systems. The R&D team developed this product rapidly and we installed a new production line at our facility in little over a year. This was a huge cross-functional effort and we pulled it off, launching an incredible product. I’ve actually used the Probiotic Unsweetened Yogurt every day since we launched it over two years ago—the only time I don’t have it is when I travel abroad...

In terms of what’s in store, we are always looking to launch products that make it easy for people to go plant-based and bring food back to its original nourishing process. In the end, we care about our futures and that of the planet. In the coming years, you’ll find more personalized and nutritious offerings from Califia that will nourish the whole body and make it easy to take your favorite Califia products with you anywhere.

On the power of mentorship…

My experience showed me how important it is to really listen to the goals and experiences of the person you’re mentoring. It’s one thing to manage and help someone succeed in the day-to-day of their job but it’s another to lead and nurture someone's professional goals. Getting the job I wanted and felt I deserved, took patience and persistence.

My mentor helped me navigate through the rewarding, and the tough, times. In my current position, I am a resource for others that want to grow in the company and can be a champion for their projects and initiatives. You are your best advocate so if you feel like you’re going unnoticed or aren’t feeling fulfilled, seek out a mentor, and make a plan.

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OLD NAVY's Kim Brennecke Doesn't Believe in Inbox Zero—Here's Why

We often look to the iconic leaders of our time for motivation and wisdom, but for many of us, this is purely inspirational and not as applicable to our everyday lives. We truly believe there is more benefit in looking to your left and seeking out a peer-to-peer mentorship with a colleague or friend you admire. Why? Firstly, they will likely have the time to be your mentor, and secondly, their advice will be relatable and allow you to see your path clearly while keeping your mind open to new ideas, identifying new opportunities, and helping you self-advocate. We call them everyday superwomen. In this new C&C series, we talk to the women who are paying it forward, lifting other women up and paving a smoother path for the next generation to come.

Photo: Courtesy of Old Navy.

It might seem from the outside looking in that the career paths of people you admire are linear, but when you take a magnifying glass to their trajectory, you quickly realize that it’s not straight at all. In fact, it’s full of false starts, sharp turns, and winding roads—some even have turn-back signposts. Knowing that can provide a sense of relief to all of us who are still navigating a particularly challenging fork in the road. When you’re unsure which direction to take, take comfort in the fact that even the most successful people have all been there too, and that it’s all part of the journey.

Kim Brennecke’s path hasn’t been straight and narrow, either. She might hold the esteemed position of Senior Director Design of OLD NAVY Active now, but she actually started her studies in drawing and painting before moving into a fine arts degree in fashion and working her way up—but growing up she wanted to be an architect or an archeologist!

So, read on to learn more about her non-traditional career path, how to get out of “being stuck,” and why inbox zero is a myth.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: What did you study in school and what did you want to be when you grew up?

KIM BRENNECKE: I sort of went to college twice. My first degree was in fine arts with an emphasis in drawing and painting, then I decided I wanted to study fashion so I returned for another fine arts degree in fashion design. All-in, it was seven and a half years of a college education. Growing up I wanted to be either an architect or an archeologist. 

What are some of the earlier jobs that helped to shape your career/path?

In between my degrees I took a job working retail at Urban Outfitters. I’d always loved clothes and fashion, but this was my first exposure to thinking about trends, the commerciality of product, and visual merchandising as it relates to the consumer. I was completely fascinated by how placement and adjacencies in-store impacted the sales. It was really around this time that I began to understand that a career in fashion was a thing, and I began researching and applying to design schools.

What challenges have you faced along the way? What did you learn from them? How did they prepare you for your job now?

I think one of the biggest challenges I faced, that I didn’t realize until I was out of it, was being stuck. Sometimes when you are in the same position for a long time, you start to build up a lot of walls that you don’t realize are there. I remember making a position move that I wasn’t initially excited about, but what I found was moving into a new role that I knew nothing about, re-energized me and engaged me in a way I hadn’t realized I had stopped being in my previous role. That experience opened me up to trying new positions when they presented themselves and being self-aware of when I feel stuck and may need to make a change.

Tell us about your role at Old Navy? What does it entail? Did you work your way up? What were the positions along the way?

My current role is the Senior Director of Old Navy Active, which essentially means I lead the Active Design Team for all active product for the family. In this role, I identify the active design strategies by division and work with my team to bring them to life through the lens of seasonal trends. I have been with Old Navy for nearly 13 years, and have worked my way up from Designer, Women’s Woven Bottoms and Outerwear. I have held many different positions during my time with the brand, including Senior Designer of Old Navy Outlet and Design Director of women’s knits, sweaters, and fleece. I also briefly led the Athleta Girl’s design team, before returning to Old Navy for my current role. 

“I haven’t had inbox zero since 2007.
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What do you love most about your job and why? Does the reality of your career match up to your expectations?

I love the collaboration, problem solving, and building something with a team. It’s always a great feeling to have an idea, see it through production, setting in stores, to then seeing people react to it, whether wearing it on the streets or posting on social media #oldnavyactive! The reality of my career looks much different from what I thought a career in fashion would be when I was in school, but I get so much satisfaction from what I do, that I can’t imagine it any other way.

What can you tell us about the culture at Old Navy? What has encouraged you to stay? 

I think Old Navy has a really unique position amongst apparel brands as being a place of true collaboration. I really think it is fundamental to how we work. I continue to stay because I feel I am a valued member of the team and my contributions are welcomed and accepted, and as a team, we are constantly evolving and improving.

Talk us through your daily tasks and what a day in the office looks like for you? What’s the most rewarding part of your day?

Really no two days are alike, which I love. Some days are spent researching or building color palettes or putting together a trend point of view to inspire the team and sell ideas to our cross-functional team. Some days are spent reviewing sketches with my team or reviewing proto samples or troubleshooting a production issue. There are some days that I never see my desk. But the most rewarding part is always the time I spend brainstorming and building ideas together with my team.

What does your morning, pre-work routine look like? What rituals set you up for success?

My morning routine generally revolves around food! I try to eat pretty clean, and in order to do that I usually try to fix my breakfast and coffee at home, as well as pack snacks and a water bottle (with mint and lemon) to get me through the day. And if I’m really on top of things, I’ll pack my lunch too! I also dedicate a few minutes to checking my schedule for the day and scanning my email to see if anything urgent has come up since the previous day. It’s nice to be prepared for what the day will bring before arriving in the office.

Your role requires you to be across so many facets of the business—how do you manage your time effectively? What is your greatest productivity hack? How do you get it done?

I really couldn’t do my job without my Outlook calendar and the means to access it from my phone. I have to stay on top of my calendar, especially because I oversee active for all divisions and there are times that milestone meetings are happening simultaneously. I am constantly trying new ways to stay on top of everything, some stick, some don’t, but my phone continues to keep me on track.

Do you ever reach inbox zero? Do you believe in that? What is your inbox philosophy?

I haven’t had inbox zero since 2007. But I generally try to read every email by the end of the day and respond if needed, in as timely a manner as possible. My inbox philosophy is to save everything that I might need someday. 

“You really have to remember that everyone’s opinion is valid, including your own.”

What is one of the biggest misconceptions about your job?

That all I do is create and draw clothes all day long. I haven’t actually physically designed anything in years! Most of my job is strategizing and problem solving. It’s kind of like doing puzzles all day long, which is hugely creative, but in a different way than pen to paper sketching.

If someone wanted your role specifically, what advice would you give them on how to land their dream job/your current job? 

I would suggest getting as much design experience, in as many different areas as possible. What is unique about designing active product is that it covers a wide range of products, from knits to wovens, outerwear to baselayer, and true performance to lifestyle. And this role specifically covers mens, womens, girls and boys. 

Have you seen a consistent standout quality or personality trait of successful people in this industry?

I think flexibility is really important in this industry. This is one of the most dynamic businesses you can be in, and you have to be able to change course as needed. This doesn’t mean that you should be a pushover with no point of view, but in the long run, there is strength in flexibility and weakness in rigidity. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

I think the best piece of advice I’ve been given is to trust myself and trust my instinct. The beauty of this business is that it's subjective and there is no wrong answer. The challenge with this business is that it’s subjective and everyone has their own opinion. You really have to remember that everyone’s opinion is valid, including your own. Luckily, I don’t think I’ve been given bad advice. 

“The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to trust myself and trust my instinct.”

If there was one person you admire that you could power brunch with, who would it be? 

I’ve always admired Richard Branson, and how he has built his brand through failures and successes. He is incredibly supportive of entrepreneurship and mentoring, so I see him as someone that could offer a unique perspective from an innovation point of view, as well as how to be an effective leader. I also love that he prioritizes his family and living life to its fullest.

In your mind, what’s a perfect interview outfit? Why? Explain?

The perfect interview outfit is anything that you feel comfortable in that also looks like you’ve done your research into the brand/company you are interviewing with. This is the first impression for your interviewer to see you in the role, and as much as you can look like you belong there, the better off you will be. And there’s no better time to be comfortable in your clothes than in an interview, as you want to be focused on your conversation, and not distracted by an outfit that feels forced or contrived.