Are You A “Professional Baby”?

In a recent interview, published at Bustle.com, Jenna Lyons, former creative director and president at J. Crew from 2008 to 2010, opened up about her early days at the fashion powerhouse. In her candid conversation, she touched on an issue that I think can resonate with many. At the age of 21, Jenna Lyons graduated from Parson Design School and landed her first job at J. Crew. She quickly advanced in the company and by 2003 she was Vice President of J. Crew’s Women’s Design. When talking about her ascension of the executive suite at J. Crew, Lyons stated the following in her Bustle interview: “I was a professional baby. I didn’t have the experience I needed. We learn so much in school and we’re taught this and that, but leadership and management skills are what make you successful. Because you can be the smartest person in the room, but if you can’t communicate to and motivate your team, you’re dead in the water.” At The District of Creatives, we are committed to creating content and opportunities that help you advance your skills to avoid feeling like a “professional baby.”