Wolverine Active Group President Susie Kuhn on Why Connections Are Her Most Valuable Asset: Women Who Rock
With nearly 30 years of footwear, apparel and retail leadership experience, Susie Kuhn has developed relationships with the industry’s most powerful and respected women — and employs those to ensure the future remains female.
“I prioritize engaging with my female colleagues and the industry connections I’ve built over the years,” said Kuhn, who was named president of Wolverine Worldwide’s Active Group in October 2024. “I believe my connections are my most valuable asset and I’m always willing to leverage my connections to help my female colleagues.”
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This is especially helpful to cultivate future talent. “To empower the next generation of female leaders in Gen Z, Gen Alpha and beyond, we need to focus our leaders and managers on providing real-time job feedback and coaching opportunities,” she said. “This, when added to the employee resources and mentorship programs available in our industry, is empowering.”
Kuhn — whose resume also includes stints at Nike and Foot Locker — believes mentorship should remain a priority to ensure the future of leadership is fair and equitable. “Today, we have the ability to always be learning and staying connected,” she said. “Whether it be attending industry events, joining webinars or subscribing to podcasts, we are constantly given opportunities to be better, and I encourage young professionals to partake in as many opportunities as possible in order to navigate the new world of business.”
A version of this article appeared in the Feb. 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On Feb. 4, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.
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