Carly White’s Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Success

Breaking Free from Corporate Comfort

In a candid interview with Zelman Ainsworth, Carly White shares her journey from corporate retail executive to successful entrepreneur. After an impressive career with major retailers like Kohl’s, Just Group, Telstra, and Munro Group, Carly took the bold step of launching her own consulting business.

Carly White Consulting offers virtual general management services for retail property functions, covering network planning, leasing, legal design, store development and portfolio management. Carly serves as a trusted advisor to retailers, managing a network of specialists to deliver comprehensive solutions.

The transition wasn’t without challenges. Carly admits to battling imposter syndrome and the fear of leaving a stable salary. However, support from industry peers, including Zelman of Ainsworth Property (A-P), gave her the confidence to take the leap. Eight months in, Carly’s enthusiasm is palpable. She describes feeling happier and more energised despite the increased workload.

Overcoming Personal History and Balancing Responsibilities

One of the most rewarding aspects of her new venture is the opportunity to work with passionate entrepreneurs. Carly finds herself constantly learning from founders who have built products and businesses from the ground up.

Overcoming personal history added another layer of complexity to Carly’s decision. Growing up, she witnessed her family’s business fail, which instilled a deep-seated fear of entrepreneurship. Breaking this generational chain required courage and a shift in perspective.

Balancing her new business with family life and ongoing education presents its own set of challenges. As a mother of two boys and a university student, Carly credits strict scheduling and prioritisation for her ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

Navigating the Intricacies of Melbourne’s Retail Landscape 

Discussing the current retail landscape, Carly emphasises the importance of product quality, customer understanding and entrepreneurial energy. She notes the significant cost pressures facing retailers with every line item in profit and loss statements increasing while sales struggle to keep pace.

Looking ahead, Carly sees retailers focusing on “cleaning up the backyard” – refining systems, governance and processes to prepare for future growth. She stresses the importance of making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes.

When evaluating shopping centres, Carly takes a holistic approach. She observes customer behaviour, assesses retailer mix, and analyses product offerings to gain comprehensive insights for her clients.

Carly identifies interest rates as the most significant challenge in the current retail market. She also highlights the evolving role of online retail, noting that customers now expect a seamless omnichannel experience. This shift has introduced new costs and complexities for retailers balancing physical and digital presence.

For aspiring retail consultants, Carly offers valuable advice on presenting opportunities. She encourages thinking from the retailer’s perspective, providing context, and clearly articulating the value proposition of potential locations.

Carly’s journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of reinvention in the retail industry. Her success demonstrates the value of expertise, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges in an ever-changing market.