What Type Of Person Thrives In The Outdoor Industry According To A Senior Planning Manager At Patagonia
To thrive in the outdoor industry, a passion for the outdoors— "daydreaming about your next backpacking trip"— is essential, connecting with consumers on a shared level. Success in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector specifically requires collaboration, innovation, understanding consumer trends ("catching the ebbs and flows of a tide of the market"), and a persistent curiosity about new products and market responses.
Passion for the Outdoors, Collaboration Skills, Innovation, Understanding Consumer Trends, Curiosity
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Jenny Tang
Senior Manager, Long Range Planning
Patagonia
University of California, Berkeley
MBA & M.S. Business Analytics at Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Environmental & Related Sciences
Apparel, Beauty, Retail & Fashion, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Finance
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Passion for the outdoors is a great asset in this industry, as it fosters connections with colleagues and customers who share similar interests.
2. Collaboration, innovation, and understanding consumer trends are crucial for success in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector of the outdoor industry.
3. Curiosity and a keen interest in market changes are essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of the CPG industry, whether in outdoor apparel or other sectors like wine or electronics.
Transcript
Q8: Who thrives in industry?
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
Most people who work in the outdoor industry are passionate about the outdoors. If you find yourself daydreaming about your next backpacking trip or hike, or if you notice trees instead of storefronts when you walk around, I think those are great qualities that make you successful.
People in the outdoor industry are looking for representation and connection, a peer to relate to. The industry has many different roles: retail, finance, or being a guide. It's a very broad world.
My tips for those hoping to work in the outdoor apparel industry, or CPG, would be that collaboration is always important. CPGs constantly have new products, emphasizing innovation.
Innovation, design, and product development require collaboration with supply chain and an understanding of how to adapt. It's also about tapping into the current consumer pulse. This can feel great when a product is growing but elusive when it's not.
It's important to understand how to catch the ebbs and flows of the market. A fundamental aspect is always having a sense of curiosity. Whether you're in wine, outdoor industries, or electronics, always be curious about new products and how people are responding. This keeps you alert to changes.
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