I recently went one-on-one with Marcy Syms. Marcy is the former CEO of Syms Corp. and was the youngest female president of an NYSE-listed company. Marcy is also the author of Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Marcy: I have confronted many setbacks, starting with a life-threatening illness as a teenager and most recently leading and strategizing through the reorganization of a public company that bore my name. All during the onslaught of activist shareholders who used the NY Post as their public relations arm. My best lesson learned comes from my Dad, who had this posted behind his desk chair: “Don’t let the bad guys win.”
Adam: What do you hope readers take away from your new book?
Marcy: I hope readers come away understanding that leadership rooted in respect isn’t soft, it’s strategic. True influence comes from listening, empowering others, and making decisions that reflect both courage and care.
Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?
Marcy: Scaling starts with clarity on your mission, your customer, and your values. Then it’s about building the right team, creating repeatable systems, and never losing sight of the trust you’ve earned.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Marcy: An effective leader leads with integrity, empathy, and clarity. They communicate a compelling vision and then create space for others to rise to it.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Marcy: Stay curious. Make time for reflection and feedback, and seek mentors who challenge your blind spots and help you grow beyond what you think is possible.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Marcy:
- Lead with respect, always.
- Make values-based decisions, even when it’s hard.
- Don’t just build businesses. Build lives.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Marcy: Great teams thrive when trust, accountability, and mutual respect are non-negotiables. Invest in people, recognize their contributions, and create a culture where every voice matters.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?
Marcy: Be authentic and consistent. Your brand is a promise. Know your audience deeply, and speak to their aspirations, not just their needs.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Marcy: My father told me, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ That’s been my compass ever since.
