Holly Briedis ─ Digital growth leader with a passion for consumer-centric transformations…
December 7, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Holly Briedis
Executive Vice President,
Chief Digital & Marketing Officer
Fossil Group
Are you looking for a digital growth leader with a passion for leading consumer-centric transformations? We know the person—Holly Briedis!
Holly is the Executive Vice President and Chief Digital & Marketing officer for Fossil Group. She is the leader of Fossil Group’s digital transformation, and is directly responsible for digital strategy, global eCommerce, marketplaces, consumer data, insights and analytics. She is known for her ability to drive sustainable change, mobilize and energize teams, build lasting relationships, and develop world class teams. Outside of work, Holly is a wife, mom of 2, early stage investor, world explorer, and enthusiast of golf, fitness, wine and education.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Holly Briedis!
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?
I am a certified skydiver. At least, I was prior to COVID-19!
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I just looked at my AA account... my last full year was about 150K miles.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
This is a toss up between goat blood, which I tried in Masai Mara, Kenya, or cuy (guinea pig), enjoyed on the Salcantay trail in Peru.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
I've learned more from my failures than successes. When I moved to Kenya and assumed responsibility for an Acumen portfolio company, leading sales & marketing, my entire sales team quit my first day. That experience taught me the importance of building trust and understanding local market dynamics.
The second was during my first Board meeting; they were short a couple of chairs, and I automatically went and sat in the back of the room to make space for others. A Board member gave me feedback after that meeting, "You need to make sure you sit at the table". That experience taught me to be assertive and not relegate my seat.
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?
Two early ones stand out. My first boss, Sue, took a bet on me that wasn't merited yet, and put me in a leadership position. One of the main things she taught me was "focus on delivering results" -- and the rest would follow. The second was the founder of the first venture capital company I worked at, Eric. He taught me that you can "do well while doing good". I witnessed him turn down compelling investment opportunities because he didn't share the values system of the management team, and I have built his mantra into my own code of conduct.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Feedback is a gift, but don't listen to all of it. When you're doing things differently, it is going to make people uncomfortable at times. Filter the feedback based on the motivation for that feedback, versus trying to absorb all of it and make everyone around you happy.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I have an open door policy at all levels. I truly believe that business is a people business, no matter what product or service you produce. As leaders, we have to show up for our people, listen to them, and do what we can to make a difference when they need our help.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
At McKinsey, I was doing digital takeovers for my clients to accelerate profitable digital growth. That type of hands-on operating experience made me want to lead this type of work firsthand for a company, and in turn helped me make the decision to join Fossil Group.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
How to better communicate digital dynamics with others who didn't grow up in a digital-first world.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Harnessing data -- across all aspects -- to make better business decisions. There is so much of it, and we need to continue to sharpen what really matters and what doesn't.
