Kathy Ireland, featured on the cover of the September/October 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine, has mastered the art of assembling a solid, cohesive team. At kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW), a multi-billion-dollar brand, many core team members have stayed with her for nearly 30 years.
Ireland identifies top performers early and ensures they align perfectly. Here are her expert tips for creating your ideal team:
1. Prioritize people who share your common goals.
“Our company vision is to teach, inspire, empower and make our world a better place,” Ireland explains. She only partners with those committed to giving back. “Some effort, attention, and resources should be devoted to nonprofits.”
Everyone at kiWW supports missions like eradicating hunger and poverty, combating human trafficking, and aiding veterans.
“Occasionally, we encounter people who say, 'No, I'm not interested in any of them.' There's something everyone can support, but if not, we're not the right partners,” she notes.
2. Embrace diverse views and opinions.
Hiring a diverse core team has been key to kiWW's success. “I love people from different backgrounds uniting for a common goal,” Ireland says. The company has earned awards for its diversity.
“We have varied personalities and approaches to life. Surrounding yourself only with like-minded people is like preaching to the choir—it's boring. I thrive with those who challenge my thinking and make me reflect on my beliefs.”
3. Put people first, not profit.
“We value others above ourselves,” Ireland states. “When considering partnerships, we ask: 'How can we elevate this person or company? They're already great—how can we help them grow further?'
Some view this as counterintuitive, but Ireland knows better. “When we act for the right reasons, with focus on self and others, success and money follow. The right people are paramount.”
4. Don't rush hires, especially key ones.
Critics say kiWW grows too slowly, but Ireland prioritizes fit. “We've expanded at a pace that allows thorough vetting of partners to ensure they honor our mission.”
5. Ensure fair treatment at every level.
Influenced by her father's labor relations work with Cesar Chavez, Ireland upholds high standards. kiWW hosts focus groups and conducts unannounced factory inspections.
“For every product, we ask: How was it made? What impact does it have? These answers define our partnerships and integrity.”
6. Learn from past missteps.
kiWW has faced dishonest partners, but Ireland turns setbacks into growth. “Sometimes people aren't who they claim. It hurts, but we learn, persevere, and move forward with tenacity.”
7. Treat your team like a championship sports squad.
A sports enthusiast, Ireland values healthy competition. “I have the most amazing team. They're family—competitive yet fair. Cheating doesn't win, and that's what I love about them.”
Related: Kathy Ireland: Her Universe Is Ever Expanding
