After starting with Loop Capital (loopcapital.com) as an intern, what was that moment like when you were named president of the company in 2016?
It was quite literally the most overwhelming moment of my life (and I have three daughters and a husband, so that’s a big statement). I was in my mid-30s. For a great majority of my teenage and adult years, I’d worked so incredibly hard and it was all coming together and paying off in a way I couldn’t even imagine. … I was a young, Black female and I was president of a financial institution— every aspect of my appointment was, and still is, an anomaly.
Indeed, the financial industry isn’t known for being the most diverse. What advice do you have for other women, especially Black women, who want to pursue a career in that field?
To that young woman I’d say never stop working and never stop advocating for yourself. Let the work you produce back up, support and reiterate the messages you convey to your higher-ups—that you deserve a seat at the table and you won’t stop until you get it.
What excites you most about becoming part of Lululemon’s growth and journey?
Lululemon is a fantastic company. … I truly believe that the possibilities are endless. To be in a position to represent a company that focuses on not just selling apparel but that truly strives to empower people to reach their full potential through providing the right tools and resources, and encouraging a culture of leadership, goal setting and personal responsibility—I’m truly humbled.
Your Twitter profile (@kourtneykgibson) says you’re a “lover of real hip-hop.” Who are your favorite Atlanta artists?
The Atlanta music scene has such an amazing history. I remember growing up in Wisconsin listening to everyone from Goodie Mob, YoungBloodZ and Outkast to TLC, Monica, Usher and Xscape. Let’s not forget some of the best producers that were also artists like Jermaine Dupri and Jazze Pha. I mean, there’s just so many! Luda, T.I., Jeezy… the list goes on and on.
Who or what has inspired you lately?
As Drake once so eloquently said, ‘What a time to be alive.’ We are living in some of the most trying and inspiring times. Over the past year or so, I’ve felt incredibly inspired by my network of associates, both professional and personal. I feel so grounded by my family and friends, and at the same time feel boundless thanks to the doors that are beginning to crack open even more for people of color—particularly Black people. I see so many of us winning while at the same time advocating for the dismantling of an extremely complicated system and that really inspires me to be the best I can be.
What’s next for you?
Given my love for giving back and my personal mission to leave this world better than I found it, my sister, husband and I recently launched a platform called MyVoluntier (myvoluntier.com) with a goal to help make service easier, so stay tuned!
Photography by: photo by Victor Powell, Powell Photography INC.
