Gabrielle Hase ─ Digital transformation leader delivering chartbusting profits…
September 30, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated September 15, 2022
Gabrielle Hase
Chief Executive Officer
Soleberry Advisory
Are you looking for a digital transformation leader embracing multi-channel opportunities while delivering chartbusting profitability? We know the person – Gabrielle Hase!
Gabrielle Hase is the founder and CEO of Soleberry Advisory – a London-based digital commerce strategy and advisory firm – and a digital Non-Executive Director and advisor for venture capital and private equity-backed Boards such as Planks Clothing, K3 Business Technologies, Ultra Commerce and Tate Enterprises. Her two decades of experience as a business owner and in all aspects of eCommerce, direct marketing and strategic brand development have given Gabrielle a deep understanding of the way in which retailers, technology and high-achieving teams function in the digital world. She leverages this insight and her creativity to help leading consumer brands build their online presence, increase market share and drive transformation.Gabrielle also mentors start-ups and regularly speaks at a number of conferences.
Please mee this IT Wondrous Woman™, Gabrielle Hase!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
When I was little, I was a competitive show jumper with my pony Rainbeau. I also ran a virtual half marathon recently.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Not sure, but went back and forth to Iceland for business about 5x a year, and to the States about 3x a year… so not a true road warrior, but certainly racked up some miles.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Probably the most exotic thing I’ve eaten is venison, which is hardly adventurous, and I’m trying to eat much less meat now anyway.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
One experience that shaped me was starting my own ecommerce business in 2004. While it did grow, I didn’t put the effort into building a proper team around me, which meant the business had no chance of long-term success. While it was a commercial ‘failure’, I am proud that I had the courage to do it in the first place, and I understand the importance of surrounding yourself with brilliant people.
Another formative experience occurred early in my professional life when I failed to comprehend the political (and toxic) landscape of the company I was working for. It had a pretty detrimental effect on my confidence. I learned to be much more diligent about understanding the culture of a company as a result.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
I’ve been very, very lucky to interact with some wonderful people who have all been generous with their time and advice. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten was to be proactive about getting the most out of every position I hold, and to constantly ask for more opportunities to learn and improve my skills.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Be more patient. I was always incredibly impatient to get to the next level, and failed to appreciate that sometimes the best way to get noticed is simply to do your job really bloody well.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
It’s just about time and connections – I try to always take some time to talk to people who reach out to me. I work with a variety of startups on an informal basis, so I feel connected with entrepreneurs at the start of their journey.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
I am lucky to be involved in a variety of projects at any one time. One that is close to my heart is one I’m currently working on called PetRescue, which is building a platform to help pet owners rehome their pets in a more ethical, protected way that ensures the best pet welfare.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I’m trying to cultivate more resilience in myself. This means not getting worried about projects or Board seats that I go for but don’t get, as things usually work out for the best even if the big picture isn’t immediately visible!
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Remaining current, relevant and valuable to the businesses I work for.
