Women Who Rock: Nordstrom Exec Anna Kaplan on the Importance of Staying Curious

Anna Kaplan, vice president and division merchandise manager of women's and kids' footwear at Nordstrom, emphasized the critical role of curiosity in professional development during a "Women Who Rock" event. Kaplan highlighted that maintaining a curious mindset is essential for navigating the evolving retail landscape and for fostering innovation within the company. She shared insights into how this curiosity drives her team to explore new trends, understand customer needs more deeply, and adapt to market shifts effectively. Kaplan's perspective underscores the value Nordstrom places on continuous learning and adaptability among its leadership. Her role involves overseeing significant merchandising decisions for a key product category, making her insights particularly relevant to the company's strategic direction. The discussion also touched upon the importance of mentorship and building supportive networks within the industry, with Kaplan advocating for an environment where curiosity is not only encouraged but actively cultivated.