Neiman Marcus President and Chief Merchandising Officer Jim Gold Speaks to Greenhill Business Society

Jim Gold, President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Dallas-based Neiman Marcus Group, shared his perspective on the skills required for career success with Greenhill School’s Business Society.Speaking to more than 100 students, Gold opened the session by sharing what employers look for in employees. He shared that employers typically seek versatility, since in many professions, surgeons and space engineers aside, specialization is not required. Employers also look for curiosity, as well as demonstrated interest in a particular field. Being able to show a desire to gain deeper knowledge in industry-specific activities, like clubs or summer jobs, helps college graduates differentiate themselves.Gold also shared his views on managing. Great managers are first great observers of the human condition, he offered. Each person is different, requiring managers to adapt and adjust in order to motivate a wide variety of people.To advance in any industry Gold told students that they need to a) work hard b) know how to work with people and c) look for ‘superstars’ and try to work with them and d) sometimes be willing to do jobs other people are not willing to do. He shared his experience running the discount wing of Neiman’s and while it was not the most glamorous part of the company, he learned skills that help him today. People also recognized that he was willing to do what it takes to be successful and to move up in the company.Gold ended his talk by encouraging students to cultivate the team building skills that they learn in group projects today because they will carry with them in the business world. He also encouraged students to take advantage of the many opportunities at Greenhill and in the Dallas area.Students left the talk feeling inspired and motivated. Thank you, Mr. Gold, for coming to talk with our Greenhill Upper School students.