To Lorri Kelley, leadership is about credibility.
“It goes back to establishing credibility for yourself by doing whatever you need to do to build your skills to be a highly effective leader,” she told HFA recently.
She would know, having gained her first management position more than a quarter-century ago, when few women were found in such roles in the furniture industry.
“I had to work twice as hard and be three times more prepared. It created a lot of stress and pressure,” she said.
The effort paid off as she rose through executive offices for a series of notable companies, such as Pennsylvania House, Thomasville, Bernhardt, Home Elements, Rowe, Schnadig, Wynwood and Palliser. She was president of BDi Furniture from 2016 until June 2018, when she left to found Lorri Kelley Advisors Inc., a strategic consulting firm.
Kelley, who finds her new endeavor “wonderful,” also provides volunteer leadership to professional organizations, including WithIt, which promotes opportunities for women in the home furnishings industry.
Kelley will lead a seminar titled “Essential Steps to Becoming an Effective Leader” in the HFA’s Retailer Resources Center at the Las Vegas Market. Hosted by Next Generation Now, HFA’s program for young retail furniture professionals, Kelley’s presentation is 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, in Building B, Showroom B1050.
Participants can count on this from Lorri Kelley: credibility. For more information on Las Vegas Market Seminars, click here.
