Macy’s Exec Anddria Clack-Rogers Varnado Is Owning Her Bold Ambitions

Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is Macy’s Chief Strategy Officer Anddria Clack-Rogers Varnado.

Anddria Clack-Rogers Varnado

Chief Strategy Officer, Macy’s

Nickname Andy

My first job was babysitter.

My big break came when I pivoted my career to lead a consumer business, and I loved it.

I’ve had to work hardest at learning how to swim late in life.

I never imagined I would lead the largest acquisition in the history of a company.

I wish I’d learned to own my bold ambitions sooner.

The risk I regret not taking is sharing my true professional opinion when asked, which could have changed the trajectory of a business … or not.

If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent laughing on a beach with my family.

Missed opportunities keep me up at night.

When I’m struggling, I sing to myself “sometimes you have to encourage yourself.” [Donald Lawrence, “Encourage Yourself”]

I am unapologetically caring.

Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.