Theme Q&As

Question 1

CREDO

Give me an example that shows your commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and compliance in your work.

Answer 1

• Strong/ Urgent request to ship items still in QA testing
• MPL updates
• GS1 Canada - verify data

Question 2

CREDO

How do you determine when a rule, policy, or guideline is critical and when you have room to be more flexible?

Answer 2

• Rule follower – check Credo – Check with manager – Credo Hotline

Question 3

CREDO
Give me an example of a time when you made a work-related decision that you felt best served the needs and interests of everyone involved. How did you communicate the consequences and benefits of the decision to others?

Answer 3

• Sales kits – cover up option – lessons learned

Question 4

CREDO
What have you done to ensure that you and those you work with support and maintain an ethical and fair work environment? Can you give an example?

Answer 4

• Removing inclusions on bonus to reflect customer UFR – Cust first – opposed, pushed, won

Question 5

CREDO
Our Credo plays a guiding role in how we do business at Johnson & Johnson. What aspects of our Credo most inspired or motivated you to seek a position at Johnson & Johnson?

Answer 5

Work - 1 - Customer 1st

Personal - 3 - community impact. volunteer, clean beaches and streets

Question 6

CREDO
What have you done to ensure that customer, or other stakeholder, needs are considered and prioritized when making decisions?

Answer 6

• Allocations ensure when vulnerable we provide FS to all cust who order

Question 7

CREDO
Give me an example of a time when you faced an ethical dilemma that did not have a clear right or wrong answer. What was the dilemma and what did you do?

Answer 7

• Strong/ Urgent request to ship items still in QA testing

Question 8

CONNECT
Give me an example of a situation that required you to build a working relationship with an internal or external partner to be successful. What steps did you take to understand and include their perspective or area expertise?

Answer 8

• Sales kits – engaged 3P for expertise. Brought back feedback how we could improve for them – packing slips for components

Question 9

CONNECT
Give me an example of a time when you were working with multiple people whose needs or perspectives differed, and you all needed to reach alignment as a group. How did you incorporate different points of view and what was the outcome?

Answer 9

• Sales Kits – different needs/asks from sales, creative design, cost savings. Saved YOY, incorporated popular fdbk. Better kits every year

Question 10

CONNECT

What have you done to build a network of relationships to accomplish work or further your career goals?

Answer 10

• Connected with internal teams. Reach out for help and vice versa all the time. EX reach out to sales ops re allocations

Question 11

CONNECT
Tell me about a time when someone challenged you to think differently about a problem or project. How did you respond? What was the outcome?

Answer 11

• intrinsically. Reinventing allocations all the time. great success and reduction in stress/ time
• Liquidation order prompted me to hunt down a report that could help with short-dating/ SLOB

Question 12

CONNECT
What steps have you taken to create a collaborative work environment in which diverse backgrounds, talents, and ideas are listened to, respected, and included? How have you encouraged others to do the same? Please give an example.

Answer 12

• Sales kit feedback from all

* Big bold letters no blaming, constructive convo only

Question 13

CONNECT
Tell me about a time when you developed a strong collaborative relationship with a colleague outside of your team to accomplish a goal. What process did you take to seek their perspective or expertise? How did you incorporate their feedback or insights to accomplish the goal?

Answer 13

• Bonus inclusions for a time. Partnered w/ MD to get best practices and expertise. Also taking on allocations – FI and Sales Ops input

Question 14

CONNECT
Sometimes it can be difficult to work across internal boundaries. Tell me about a situation in which you had challenges working with an internal partner. What did you do to overcome these challenges?

Answer 14

• CA sample needs for GS1, not always able to get the samples. Went around and ordered thru sample portal but plan in place this year

Question 15

SHAPE
How do you go about challenging yourself or stepping outside your comfort zone to contribute as an innovator? Please provide an example.

Answer 15

• Totally revamped MPL, created CA LE report

Question 16

SHAPE
What have you done to contribute to a work environment that supports creativity and idea sharing? How have you encouraged the creativity and ideas of others? Please provide an example.

Answer 16

• Sales kits!

* Bi-weekly meetings with Sales Support for creativity and idea sharing

Question 17

SHAPE
Give an example of a time when you were able to contribute an idea or solution to a problem at work that led to a positive outcome.

Answer 17

• Liquidation Short-Date report

* Took over allocations process – faster, more efficient, accuracy

Question 18

SHAPE
Give an example of when your ability to adapt to change produced improved results over sticking with the status quo or resisting change.

Answer 18

• Took over allocations process – faster, more efficient, accuracy

Question 19

SHAPE
Tell me about a time when you used a mistake or failure as an opportunity to learn and adapt. How did you share your learnings with others?

Answer 19

• Created report for manager didn’t clarify first. Always get clarification!

Question 20

SHAPE
Give me an example of a time when you took a risk by trying an innovative idea or approach. How have you encouraged others to do the same?

Answer 20

• Proponent of Teams. Moved meeting notes/ files here. Encourage everyone to utilize functionality

Question 21

SHAPE
Can you give me an example of when you were able to help a co-worker weigh the risks of a potential decision? What was the outcome?

Answer 21

• certain items sales wants to promote – suggest other items.
• Allocations – must bump military by same %

Question 22

GROW
What were the developmental turning points that have contributed most to your success as a Professional? How have you shared your learnings and successes with others?

Answer 22

• Learn from mistakes. Keep healthy business relationships. Don’t get too personal

Question 23

GROW
How do you ensure that you are developing and growing in a way that will maximize your potential to contribute to the success of the business? How have you helped others to do the same?

Answer 23

• 100% on time training completion. Assign myself ad hoc training. Google Alerts
• Always asking questions, interest in everything. Help others through example

Question 24

GROW

What actions have you taken to support the professional development of others? Give an example.

Answer 24

• During layoffs supported coworkers – resume writing, linked in updating, networking, job postings
• Bi-weekly meetings with Sales Support for creativity and idea sharing

Question 25

GROW
Describe a time when you addressed a difficult work issue or concern with a team member and built a trusting relationship as a result.

Answer 25

• Bi-weekly meetings with Sales Support – encourage, learn, trust, transparency

Question 26

GROW
What steps have you taken to contribute to a work environment of trust and transparency in which people feel comfortable discussing issues openly? Please provide a specific example.

Answer 26

• Bi-weekly meetings with Sales Support – encourage, learn, trust, transparency

Question 27

GROW
Please provide an example of when you took ownership of the outcomes of a decision and made improvements without direction or guidance from your manager.

Answer 27

• Sales kits – cover up option – lessons learned

* Took over allocations and made the process my own

Question 28

GROW

Describe a stretch goal you have set for yourself to enhance your skills and further your professional development.

Answer 28

• Sales Samples

* Shadow Gaby

Question 29

STAKEHOLDER INSIGHTS
Tell me about a time when you identified an unmet internal and/or external stakeholder need and used this understanding to support a project or develop a strategy.

Answer 29

• Short date report, packing slips in component boxes

Question 30

STAKEHOLDER INSIGHTS
Describe a time when your understanding of the needs and perspectives of stakeholders helped to support a project or develop a strategy.

Answer 30

• Short date report, packing slips in component boxes

Question 31

BRAND STRATEGY
Describe a time when you suggested changes to a project plan or strategy in response to changes in the external environment.

Answer 31

• Suggested we create SOP around team members in sales NPD presentations. Buyers want to see the customer represented.
• min 5 participants. Include mix from sales, marketing, PC and eComm - active and passive audience.

Question 32

BRAND STRATEGY

Describe a time when you executed a project plan or strategy that was aligned with an organizational or external need.

Answer 32

• Leaned into virtual sales kit requirements – price, communication

Question 33

Why THIS Role?

Answer 33

• Working through career development
• connected with many individuals to discuss shopper insights, eComm and marketing.
• articles on general and global marketing, Google Alerts set up. and have taken courses on Marketing Fundamentals and Engaging Today’s Shippers.
• Marketing is where I will be able to add the most value to Vogue and on my personal career journey, and I would be ecstatic to be able to contribute on a global scale.
• passionate about contributing to a global mission - I have a deep appreciation for the different values, traditions, cultures, and of course love to travel and experience these distinctions first hand.
• I thrive in immersive conditions, for example as an exchange student arriving in Germany with only one year of into-to-German under my belt, it took me only three months to become fluent in the language and be able to communicate seamlessly with my peers.

Question 34

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Answer 34

I’m going to start by saying I LOVE VOGUE. I would love to be here in 5 years continuing to grow the brands I love so much with the people I respect with no end. I would love to start expanding my horizons right now as an ABM for Global Marketing. Then in 5-years, I see myself continuing to grow within the department. Perhaps this means moving abroad to assist a growing market - Vogue Germany? Vogue Milan? Or maybe I’ll discover another passion through a few years in this role and pivot my focus. But today - I see myself as a viable candidate for this role, and once I have the opportunity to dive in, hold the position for a few years and soak in a breadth of new knowledge and expertise, I’d love to begin exploring the next chapter.

Question 35

Greatest Strengths/ Weaknesses

Answer 35

Strengths -
*quick learner.
*Just recently I began shadowing and assisting Gaby by running a few tests in a new technology for JNJ. I put together 10+ test shelves for Project Shine POGs utilizing a new tool with no training in a single day.
*Knowledge of the products, processes and people
*I am also always willing - and wanting - to help,
*sharing knowledge, running reports, analyzing marketing sample needs - I just truly love helping people. I even maxed out my inspire awards back in April!
Weaknesses -
*desire to be helpful can impede upon my personal tasks. I tend to prioritize the work that helps other departments, which can add undue stress to my projects. I have never missed a due date or been behind on a deliverable, but I am making up for it using personal time.
*I can also see my value of truth and honesty a weakness. I am accountable, admit to mistakes and correct them. I crave knowledge and understanding, and think all information is important - but this can lead to difficulty summarizing concise, key-points. I work more confidently when I have written a script.

Question 36

What are the strongest skills you are bringing to role how will they help you be successful.

Answer 36

My knowledge of the inner-workings of the different departments here at Vogue are a top strength. As a legacy Vogue employee, I have learned from and worked with all different departments including Product Development, Supply Chain, Marketing, eComm, Sales, and regulatory. I know a lot about my specific role, but I know a little about the other departments as well, so if I am not the correct contact for something and can’t provide a resolution myself, I can point people in the right direction.

I have experience working with all levels in cross functional teams including internal colleagues as well as third parties. An example is my work on the sales samples team - aligning tasks and activities and contributing to holding team members accountable. In the 2020-2021 sample cycle for 2022 innovation, all meetings were held in a virtual environment.

I also have the propensity to balance multiple priorities. I juggle quite a few responsibilities in my role and because of my organizational skills am able to ensure all urgent requests are actioned timely, all important tasks are completed thoroughly and have never turned anything in late or asked for an extension.

Question 37

2020 has shown how we need to be agile and work/ think differently. What NWOW have you implemented?

Answer 37

Pre-Covid I would arrive at the office and basically be glued to my desk all day apart from “meeting breaks”. In the beginning of the transition to remote working, I hadn’t changed my situation, and it actually only further compounded - often working into the night - just because the work was there and I could! Unfortunately, I eventually began feeling the effects of burnout and knew I had to take action against it.
I started blocking out time to take a lunch, walk or snuggle the dogs, or fit in a quick workout. I changed my way of thinking - with a deeper understanding that there will always be work to do but it doesn’t all need to be done today. I also met with my manager to disclose how I was feeling, and together we were able to eliminate a few tasks (or frequency of occurrences) from my workload.
As a result, I am able to stress less during the day and truly focus on the business objectives with enough space for my health and well-being, I prioritize the urgent and important tasks, and try to minimize working more than 8 hours a day (9 during Summer Hours) to critical times only.

Question 38

Tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict with a customer or teammate.

Answer 38

There was a situation that occurred where we had released codes to liquidation and a very large order was placed for a future date. In the interim, multiple lots and products ended up short-dating and was no longer saleable. The liquidators were furious - with good reason. The stores pay for their POs in advance to the buyer, so when items cut they end up losing the money.
I worked with Kimberly to implement very deep discounts on a number f items to make up for the money that was lost. I now share a short-date report along with my liquidation item availability report so there is transparency around how long the items, including specific lot quantities) will remain in the DCs. All stakeholders have the visibility to determine how urgently come items need to be ordered, and ensure the right-sized orders are being placed.

Question 39

How did you handle a situation that did not have a favorable outcome?

Answer 39

Due to last minute “No-Go’s” on our 2022 innovation, our sales kits displayed images of items which were no longer launching. I needed to figure out how to get this corrected - and quickly! I presented a few options to my manager and we decided to over-label the images and copy around products not launching. I looked at different .com sites and ordered and shipped 3 different colored sticker-labels to the NA sales reps. I created and shared a step-by-step guide and size chart, how the team should cut and apply the labels. I also presented these changes during the Q1 sales meeting.
The result was not expert-level, expensive reprints of the kits. It was a COVID-possible, agile solution which got the job done and in just a week we were able to ensure we were only presenting “Go’s” in the retailer buyer meetings. Going forward as a solution, sales kits will no longer be created specific to items, but instead we will focus on the ingredient stories and range benefits.

Question 40

Tell me about a time you failed. What did you do?

Answer 40

When I worked for Vogue around acquisition time, I was in the role of Sales Support. The role was deemed obsolete because JNJ already has a support team in place. At the time we learned about the layoffs, I had just moved into my new home a month or two prior, so I was unable to relocate and therefore did not apply for any CPFR positions.
Four positions became available at Vogue during that time, and I applied for all of them. Two were in the sales department, and two were in different areas of the business. The two sales roles were removed and did not mov forward. The other two positions were already slated for different colleagues. My time at JNJ had come to an end, and although it was situational, it felt like I had failed at holding onto my dream.
I spent time applying to other organizations, reading, and learning during my “break”. I accepted a role with another company as a financial analyst, and was there for almost a year when my current manager contacted me to ask if I would consider applying for a role on her team. I was able to prove my worth to other departments prior to being let go, and am beyond grateful that I am HERE! And especially now, knowing I am ready to try something new.

Question 41

Were you ever challenged to do something unethical & how did you respond

Answer 41

Shortly after the acquisition a customer requested, very strongly, that we ship product that had not yet completed its routine product quality testing. It didn’t feel right - it was the “old Vogue way” but I had (and still have) a framed copy of the credo at my desk. I looked it over and headed to Edward’s office who was my manager at the time. I explained the situation to him, and confirmed my gut feeling that it did not align with our core values of keeping our customers healthy and safe. I explained to the customer that we would not ship the product prior to testing concluding.

Question 42

Tell me about time you faced adversity. What did you do to overcome it?

Answer 42

In 2020 I took on a stretch/ grow assignment to lead the samples team through the 2022 sales sample kit and mockup process. I basically took on the role of project manager, however it was really an end-to-end effort from collecting sales requirements and requests to hosting all meetings through the post-mortem held this past April.
As the single point-of-contact between the internal teams and our 3rd party packer, I realized it was impossible to keep track of components being ordered, sent and received into to the 3P facility who builds the sample kits and mockups for us.
I decided to create a list of all components we had currently at the 3P warehouse and all the components we needed for 2022 samples. I created item numbers and descriptions for everything to go into the 3P warehousing system and began adding internal descriptions and part numbers so the components could easily be tracked by all stakeholders.
This was created during the cycle, so for 2023 samples which has just kicked off, this file will be used by the teams to track all components and quantities being ordered and received so we do not have to place any last minute orders or run the risk of delaying sample production.

Question 43

What is something you wish you would have done differently in your career?

Answer 43

Although I graduated college cum laude and the world was my oyster, I did not take advantage of any internships or corporate learnings while I was in school. My degree could get me in any door, however my experience was all over the place. I always just accepted the jobs I was offered, and shied away from applying for roles that really interested me due to lack of confidence and experience.
I often say I only ever had jobs until I landed here at Vogue and began my career. If it weren’t for the choices I has made, there is a good chance I wouldn’t be here today - so it’s hard for me to say I “regret” not being more proactive in my career journey, but if I could go back I would have taken advantage of internship opportunities.

Question 44

Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult employee or an employee that was living into expectations - what did you do?

Answer 44

In a previous position, I had a coworker who often told me she was only working to retire, and she would only do what she could do in her 40 hours, was not fully grasping the mission and would not give anything additional to the company. I am an extremely loyal employee, and had to figure out how to deal with the information she was giving me without confrontation - I had seniority based on time at the company only - we held the exact same title.
There were three of us on the team, so I added bi-weekly meeting to our calendars - Team Huddles with a purpose. We discussed how each of us were performing our tasks and compiled SOPs, taking the best parts of each of our strategies and defining processes. We learned new skills together, discovered our personality types/ strengths and weaknesses. The purpose was to make her feel included and important, so it would show in her work and attitude. I could tell she was coming to the office more engaged in her work after we started the sessions.

Question 45

What is your favorite book or podcast?

Answer 45

I just finished reading “That Will Never Work” for the Vogue Book Club which sticks out in my mind. It is an informative and inspirational journey about the story of Netflix. I was able to take some key insight and learning from it. Trust your gut but also test it before you do anything concrete - the data has to agree.
I just got into Podcasts a few weeks ago - but have been listening to “A Beautiful Mess” - sisters who are bloggers, DIY enthusiasts and talk all things home, décor, family, enneagram, and business building.
I am also listening to “The Mindset Mentor” and “An Oral History of the Office”

Question 46

What would your colleagues say about you?

Answer 46

Accountable, Creative, Honest, Positive attitude, willing to learn and take on new challenges
hard worker, kind, helpful, motivated, smart

Question 47

What is your current development plan? What is your current role and how are you growing?

Answer 47

I currently work on the sales operations/sales strategy team here at Vogue. I have evolved the position over the last two years, eliminating tasks that were adding less value but taking precious time and replacing those undertakings with charges more in-line with growing the business with a heightened focus on Samples and Allocations. In Q2 we actually shipped 11% more inventory than Q1, in part due to adjustments and improvements I made to the allocation process.

As for development outside of my current role - I have been focusing on researching and learning about other areas of the business where I feel I can add value and continue contributing to the success of our brands. I definitely would like to take a more hands-on approach and grow my voice within the organization. I have met with individuals from shopper insights, ecomm, and marketing, and feel the correct next step in my journey is a role in marketing. Transitioning to marketing on a global scale would be a dream come true.

Question 48

What have you done to prepare for this position?

Answer 48

I have been increasingly excited for the potential opening of the ABM Global Marketing over the past weeks - I honestly feel like sitting here today is a dream come true! I have met with many individuals, including yourself (if Guy) and Ant to get a deeper understanding of the role, responsibilities and initiatives and how I can use my current skillset to excel in the position. I have also taken courses in Summit, LinkedIn Learning, and have watched YouTube videos as well. I even tried watching a Summit video on global marketing, but it ended up being in a foreign language!
I have also added Google alerts for “global marketing” and “marketing” to my pre-existing alerts around hair care and the beauty industry. With these new additions I am receiving reports and articles that are tremendously helpful to improving my understanding of the sector as well as getting me thinking outside the box.

Question 49

How do you determine if a rule needs to be followed or if it is flexible

Answer 49

• I love rules - rule follower.
• First glance to my left and see if the request is in-line with credo
• Go to manager

Question 50

A time I created a new way to solve an existing problem.

Answer 50

*Liquidation report sent at least once/month
*noticed items were being ordered but short dating prior to shipment
*reached out to Supply for potential batch# report
*Now report is sent along w/ inventory list to provide full transparency - how long the retailers have to ship product
Reduce SLOB because timing is known

Question 51

Specific example of coaching a team member to build performance

Answer 51

Can use Lori Story or Qi story

Question 52

Decision you made didn’t turn out as planned - lessons. How applied elsewhere

Answer 52

Sales team requested kits showcasing innv. Some innv not going
Build agility and flexibility into process - focusing on ingredients go fwd.
understanding fast paced environment, have to be able to pivot quickly which I’ve also done with embracing digital ways of working like creating multiple MS Teams sites for various projects and cross-functional teams

Question 53

Embraced D&I - steps to encourage multiple POVs driving bus growth/ create new opps.

Answer 53

Past-present-future

• I was excited to get samples to Target for pride. Great opp to showcase jnj caring about community as human beings.
• Present signed up for ADA erg with a focus on MHD
• in the future I will bring forth learnings from the group. I can see where social postings could highlight diversity or other learnings to bring them forth.
• If still in current role will connect with Gaby - how can we bring DEI into shopper insights? Ensure test group covers diverse groups, with both mental and physical differences

Question 54

Had to find data and work to build a strategy

Answer 54

Liquidation - quantify - move x product, reduce SLOB

Strategy to move items before expiration

Question 55

CREDO
Provide an example of a time when you had to address the conflicting needs of customers and stakeholders? What steps did you take to create shared value and ensure needs were considered and prioritized when making your decision?

Answer 55

Bonus - interval vs cust UFR. Should be true to cust. Best practice. Fought and won

Question 56

CONNECT
How do you encourage team members to connect with peers or others outside of their immediate group to resolve differences or work through adversity? How has this encouragement been received? Provide a specific example.

Answer 56

Type 9 enneagram great middle man. describe both perceptions to guide proactive conversation. Team usually very thankful for my input.
Understand ask is for specific example, but to save face I am going to make it more vague.
Colleague complaining about someone on different team not giving them what they need. Provided insight that they prob don’t understand that need since it sounds like you are asking them to do more. Colleague went back and was granted access to team’s SP folder to pull info herself

Question 57

CONNECT
As a leader, what behaviors have you modeled that encourage collaboration within and outside of your team? Provide a specific example.

Answer 57

Sales Support team meetings. Were working with DC closely. Two of us even visited DC to discover ways of working, provide insight and were able to communicate more effectively

Question 58

SHAPE
Tell me about a time you created an environment that encourages trying new things and learning from potential mistakes? How did you share and communicate a vision to support this behavior in team members?

Answer 58

Sales Support team meetings

Question 59

GROW
Please provide an example of how you have created an environment with your team to achieve business results without close supervision.

Answer 59

sales kits

Question 60

Tell me about a time when you had a task on hand and had to find data and work on building the strategy

Answer 60

liquidation short-date

Question 61

Tell me about a time you used data to formulate, justify, and communicate a business case

Answer 61

member of disco decision team. pull sales numbers, customer names. how often, how much, POM Box (Portfolio Optimization model). Work with Supply and Marketing to optimize assortment offerings and reduce SLOB