Ask For What You Want, Stay Dedicated to the Dream and Map Out How to Get There: Tips From a Manager

Viviana Narvaez, senior manager of Interactive Development at Tapestry, tells Fairygodboss that positive encouragement — focusing on someone’s strengths to help them become even better and eager to continue to grow — is critical in management. 

After all, she’s now at Tapestry because of a former workplace connection who recognized her strengths. She transitioned from being a web engineer to being a manager, and 10 months ago settled into her current role as a senior manager. Through these roles she was able to learn and absorb many facets of the global house of brands — Coach, Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weitzman.

Narvaez went from creating and maintaining applications to creating roadmaps and recruiting for her team. She has learned how to be the best manager she can be by relying on her team to keep applications running and providing them with the resources they need to be successful. This success is aided by the positive and supportive culture at Tapestry.

In our organization, “We’re always on a journey to becoming our best, but you can count on this: Here, your voice is valued, your ambitions are supported, and your work is recognized. We believe that difference sparks brilliance, so we welcome people and ideas from everywhere to join us in stretching what’s possible.”  

At Tapestry, people of diverse backgrounds are afforded opportunities to spread their wings and climb in their careers. 79% of women make up the workforce at Tapestry, 63% hold senior management positions, and the board is composed of 50% women as well.   

Narvaez represents one of the many leaders at Tapestry who is committed to furthering the inclusivity of the company. That’s why she’s always seen herself as an individual, a professional — regardless of her gender.

“I started out as a developer and worked my way up to a manager position, and I’ve always found that being a professional (or a leader) has nothing to do with gender, so I avoided thinking that way,” she explains. “I am a professional who happens to be a woman.”

Narvaez strives to make sure that her team thinks (and avoids thinking) similarly, advising them not to be afraid to ask for what they want, dream big or map out how they think they can get there. She encourages them to ask for help, discuss their career aspirations and make their goals known — whether that means pining for a promotion, a raise, more training, or something else entirely.

“If you get it, you’ll be so glad you asked; if you don’t get it, make sure you ask for feedback on what you need to do and start working on it,” she says. “There are two possible outcomes. You will either get it because you’re ready, or you will get the feedback you need to get there. Either way, you will have a next step for your plan.”

So, why not reach for an open role at Tapestry yourself? Put yourself out there, and maybe someone else will recognize your strengths. Viviana is hiring for a Lead Engineer, Front- End Development. Check out this role and others at Tapestry here. 

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