CAREER PROFILE: GEORGIA CATES
Welcome to our August edition of our journal series ‘Career Profile.’ We sit down with inspiring people doing inspiring things in their careers to discuss what inspires them. Join us for this month’s career musing with Georgia Cates, the NSW State Manager at Assembly Label.
Explore Georgia’s career path, advice and day-in-the-life-of musings.
SAY HELLO TO OUR AUGUST MUSE: GEORGIA CATES.
First things first, can you tell us what lead you to pursue a career in retail leadership?
I have always had a passion for fashion and customer service, which has led me to a retail career from day one. I have been in retail for about twelve years now, which has allowed me to step into more leadership roles, not only because of my love for fashion but also my passion for training others and watching them grow in a business from the ground up. I feel lucky and find it extremely rewarding to be a part of someone’s personal career journey. I grew up in a family run business, so from day dot I learned that the customer service aspect of a business, no matter what the product is, will be a huge contributor to the business being successful. This is exactly why I pride myself on customer service and being able to train others, to provide the best possible service in-store.
You have led an inspiring career journey, tell us about your biggest career highlight to date?
My biggest career highlight would have to be being offered the opportunity to move across the world to work for Lorna Jane. The brand is of course Australian owned and founded, but they eventually expanded to Los Angeles, where I am from, to open a head office in Santa Monica. I was shopping in one of their stores on its opening day and started chatting to the team, who happened to be the Heads of the US office. Through conversation and shopping at the store, they ended up offering me a casual role with the brand. I worked my way up in their stores and built loyalty within the team over several years, which eventually led to them moving me across the world to Sydney, Australia. It was a huge, but exciting risk that I just knew was meant to be. Visas are a lot of work and I honestly felt really proud that I worked really hard and was then rewarded with such a rare opportunity, which has resulted in me living in Australia for over seven years and am now as a dual citizen. I really do owe a lot to my journey at Lorna, and am so glad that I took a chance on myself.
On the flip side, what have you found most challenging?
As a State Manager I deal with different challenges day in and day out, but the biggest challenge overall in this business I would say is finding a candidate with the right cultural fit, where both parties fully value each other equally. From a recruitment standpoint especially, it is a daily struggle for candidates to find a company that they align with. Since recruitment is such an important part of my role, I really pride myself on finding a candidate with the right cultural fit for Assembly that will align with the company’s values and create brand loyalty and stability long-term.
What advice would you give someone looking to progress on the shop floor and beyond?
Be a yes man (or woman)! Stand out, step up and go for every opportunity put forward, as you have no idea what that may lead to. Speaking from personal experience and thinking back to that first moment when I was shopping at Lorna Jane in LA, I didn’t know that the people in-store were brand executives, but my positive energy and open mind led to an opportunity to eventually move across the world. You just never know where saying yes could take you.
Build your network. Get to know people within the company by popping into other stores whenever you get the chance, especially as someone working on the shop floor. If other store managers or superiors know who you are, they are not only great relationships to have, but if other opportunities arise, you’ll be within their network of people to consider for the role. Putting yourself out there and maintaining solid relationship speaks volumes, so always show genuine interest at every opportunity you can whether it be during a store visit or at a product training day.
Have a positive mindset. Let your positivity shine amongst the team. You want to be the person that lifts everyone’s spirit and be a joy to work with. You never know who is around and watching and having a great attitude is such a simple way to take your career to the next level.
Georgia in her favourite Assembly Label Ena Silk Set
Here at RÈLIER we believe in building a strong and inspiring network of people. Do you have a mentor or close network that you look up to and lean on for advice?
I have built such amazing friendships during my time working in retail and I truly know that one day my bridesmaids will be my retail girls. I do think you can create great friendships with your colleagues if you respect each other’s professional boundaries. One person comes to mind who I worked with throughout my journey at Lorna. I know, even to this day, I can always lean on her for advice as we have developed not only a professional relationship but a personal friendship that will last a lifetime. This means so much to me especially since I don’t have my family here with me in Sydney, building a strong network of friends is what has allowed me to keep going with my career in Australia for so long.
What do you love most about working for Assembly Label?
The culture. I really feel like I align with Assembly’s culture; everyone around me is so likeminded, it blows my mind! We are all on the same page, so there is no stress and pressure; it’s let’s get our jobs done because we are all here to work and we have fun while doing it. Everyone really breathes the culture as well, embodying the key behaviours that they instil in us, which is to be hungry, be smart, be humble and make sure that you are practising that ethos every single day throughout your decision making and problem solving. The amazing start I had to my journey with the brand really reflects on their positive work culture as well. The team made me feel so welcome and have really shown that no matter your role in the team you are valued, and we are all integral to the success of the business.
What does a day in your work life typically look like?
Other than filling out weekly reporting, I would say majority of my time is spent in store on the shop floor supporting my team. I focus a lot on organising and training the teams, coaching and developing, completing performance reviews as well as troubleshooting any operational or customer service problems that my team needs. Being present on the shop floor allows me to see for myself where my team may need the most support or even how they’re exceeding expectations and going above and beyond in their roles. Recruitment is also a huge part of my role, ensuring we act fast on any amazing candidates that come our way to continue building a solid and successful team.
What are your goals for the next 12 months and what are you most looking forward to?
I am so excited to see what’s to come in my role at Assembly Label, as it is still such a fresh role and experience for me. I am looking forward to finding my feet and finding my purpose within this brand and driving that as much as I can. I would of course also love to see New South Wales as the top state in the nation!
What does workplace culture mean to you and why is it so important to champion?
Staying humble, hungry and smart; the three behaviours that Assembly Label stands by.
Just for fun, we would love to know what you are currently watching, reading, and listening to.
I absolutely love the show Survivor! US, Australia, anywhere I just love the different aspects of that show. I also love listening to podcasts… anything to do with crime or solving a mystery especially. I really do love to solve a problem.
Finally, what is your absolute favourite piece from Assembly’s current collection that you’ll definitely be taking home with you??
This is such a fun question! I would for sure have to say the Ena Silk Pant and the matching Ena Silk Shirt. It comes in a bunch of different colours; I have the black and cocoa and I feel like it is just such a versatile outfit that you can wear casually with sneakers or dressed up for a formal event with some nice heels.