Women in Business: Latriece Watkins

Residence: Centerton

Education: B.A., political science, Spelman College; J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law

Professional background: Watkins joined Walmart’s real estate division as an intern in 1997 and transitioned to a divisional merchandising role at Sam’s Club in 2008. She served two terms as Chair of UNITY, Walmart’s affinity group for African-American associates, and she’s served on the boards for the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and Ozark Natural Science Center.

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I began my career with Walmart in my second year of law school. I had applied for two part-time jobs — one at Walmart and another at a firm in Fayetteville — and interviewed for both. I took both jobs and worked for them for six months before ultimately deciding to stay with Walmart working in the real estate department where I learned about property rights. I received a full-time offer the day after taking the bar exam.

I did not chart the path that I’ve taken, but what I have done is be intentional about results and relationships. I do my part to deliver the business. I include others, and when needed I ask for help. That has been rewarded by leadership.

I also believe you have to make yourself an obvious choice for opportunities. Work in a way that people can imagine you doing a job before you ever do it.

I am proud of my career, and I share my successes with the leaders I’ve worked with and my peers, my mentors and my mentees.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? After 20 years, it’s hard to narrow it to one. I think the first thing I remember being fulfilling was understanding the direct impact I could make when I managed our portfolio of vacant stores and worked on Hurricane Katrina relief. There was clearly no playbook, and decisions needed to be made quickly.

I remember using an atlas to look at how close cities were to try to figure out where we could make buildings available for FEMA, Red Cross, dialysis clinics, whatever was needed. It was an incredible time. It felt like we worked day and night, and we wanted to. We could make a difference, and we did.

How do you spend your time away from work — if there is such a thing? What are your hobbies? I like to play tennis with my husband and daughter, but I don’t do it as often as I’d like to. I love to be outdoors, planting a garden with my daughter or a few quiet moments with wine.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? Over the past 20 years, I have been surrounded by many strong leaders. In the first few years, some helped me develop a strong foundation of courage and self-confidence by pouring into me, challenging me and reminding me of my strengths. Both Kim Saylors and Susan Chambers have been strong supporters and advocates from the day they met me until now.

What’s the last good book you read? I am currently reading “The Path Made Clear” [by Oprah Winfrey], and I love it!

What’s your biggest passion and why? People are my passion. I have long believed that my success is multiplied by the people I touch, whether formally or informally. I love to see people succeed, to grow and to build careers with Walmart that help them reach dreams they may not have known they had. From hourly store associates, interns, peers and leaders, each relationship gives you another opportunity to be great. They propel you and lift you up.

Development and mentoring are also a huge focus. I’ve always understood that the collective success of those I help to develop and mentor fundamentally increases my odds and the sweetness of success. Each and every encounter is a new opportunity to add to personal and professional successes. I love that I get to celebrate with those I’m able to help and learn from them at the same time.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Do the work: Be the best at the job you do. Tell the truth: Be authentic and let people see who you are. Spread joy: As a leader, you don’t get to have a bad day. Be sure you bring your best when being the best.