ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH CATHERINE
February 27, 2025
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across our Company who are shaping our community and who embody our Centric Brands philosophy every day.
Meet Catherine Powell, Assistant Sales Manager, Accessories at Centric Brands Europe. Catherine focuses on building strong client relationships and working with cross-functional teams to meet market needs and deliver quality customer experiences. She is dedicated to fostering partnerships, refining her skills, staying informed on industry trends, and exploring opportunities in sustainability and new markets.
Can you share insights about your role and responsibilities?
As an Assistant Sales Manager for COACH and Kate Spade New York Accessories, my main focus is on building and nurturing strong relationships with a diverse group of customers. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including Product Development, Logistics, and Finance— to make sure we meet market needs and keep our clients happy and confident in us.
What aspect of your day-to-day responsibilities do you find most rewarding?
The most fulfilling part of my role is collaborating with brands and products I’m genuinely passionate about. I take pride in fostering successful partnerships and playing a part in broadening the reach and impact of these brands.
In what ways do you actively seek opportunities for personal and professional growth?
In fashion sales, I focus on staying ahead by keeping up with industry trends, attending events, and gaining insights from colleagues and mentors. I actively work on enhancing my communication and negotiation skills while exploring opportunities in sustainability and new markets to support clients better and contribute to the success of the brands I represent.
How do you handle experiences when dealing with ambiguity and navigating uncertainty?
For me, communication is key. I prioritize staying aligned with my team and clients and never hesitate to ask questions. I view uncertainty as an opportunity to learn and grow, which helps me maintain confidence and continue moving forward.
What strategies do you use to handle the situation and deliver quality work successfully?
To handle situations effectively and deliver quality work, I rely on three key strategies:
- Prioritization: I break down tasks by urgency and importance, ensuring high-impact tasks are addressed first.
- Clear Communication: I maintain open and consistent communication with all teams, keeping everyone informed and aligned on progress.
- Time Management: I set realistic deadlines to maintain the quality of work, avoiding both overloading and underdelivering.
What are your hobbies?
As a foodie, I love exploring new restaurants, trying different cuisines, and cooking up my own recipes at home. Traveling is another big passion of mine—I enjoy discovering new places, learning about different cultures, and sampling local dishes wherever I go. Combining both hobbies, I often plan my trips around food experiences.
