Betty Marshall: The Woman on Fire

In the mid 1980’s, Betty Marshall became the first black woman appointed to a management position at Arby’s. During the 90s, she became the first black female in a management position at Shoney’s – where she would eventually be promoted to vice president. Another first.

Today, she’s the Regional Vice President of Sam’s Club – the woman on fire.

With 47 million members, over 100,000 employees and revenues of $56 billion in 2013, it’s safe to say she has a big job.

Overseeing the management and operations of clubs (with an average of 175 associates) in the South East United States, Marshall has a lot of responsibility. Of course, it’s nothing she can’t handle – but, others in the room aren’t always so confident.

“It was difficult to obtain information,” Marshall tells PINK of her early days in management, “It was tough holding a conversation.” Executives and managers would often pass by her office with little to no acknowledgement.

“I learned firsthand the true meaning of not judging a book by its cover, because I was being judged every day.”

In a revealing interview with PINK, Marshall discusses the struggles of being a “first,” losing her job and watching her marriage unravel on maternity leave and paying it forward.

LittlePINKBook: Where did you work when you were the first black woman in your job?

Betty Marshall: In the mid 80s I was the first African American in a management position at Arby’s. In the 90s I was the first African American female in a management position at Shoney’s, and the first to be promoted to vice president.

LPB: Were there challenges?

If you don’t know who you are, you will answer to anything.

BM: I wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. [In one role], not only was it difficult to obtain information, it was tough holding a conversation. My office was near the break room, so I watched as executives and managers refilled their coffee cups, passing my office with little to no acknowledgement, yet lingering in other offices along the corridor. I vividly remember the day our CFO hesitated at my door. You could see that he was contemplating whether to strike up a conversation.  With a smile, I cautioned him that if he crossed the threshold, he may be expelled from the “club.”  We talked for hours!  His friendship, guidance and mentorship, assisted greatly in building relationships throughout the company.

LPB: What has been your biggest challenge that helped drive you to achieve?

BM: Finding myself a divorced, unemployed single mother was my aha-moment.  I had been employed in the Human Resources Department of one of the three large U.S. automakers, making a good salary for a 20-something.  My marriage unraveled while I was on maternity leave caring for my newborn.  This was during the time of a recession, and I devastated to learn that my job had been eliminated. I ended up on welfare for around a year, struggling to make ends meet.

LPB: But something positive came out of this?

BM: While this was one of the most challenging periods I’ve faced in my lifetime, it helped shape me into who I am today.  It reinforced the importance of choosing your friends carefully, understanding that not everyone will be there for you when you’re at your lowest point. I learned firsthand the true meaning of not judging a book by its cover, because I was being judged everyday by society and potential employers.  It reinforced the values that my parents instilled in me of treating everyone with dignity and respect, no matter their position in life. I renewed my faith – and found my voice.

LPB: And you bounced back.

BM: In the end, I received three job offers within two days, with one of the offers being the opportunity to return to my previous position in the auto industry. I stepped out on faith and accepted a position in the fast food industry. While the pay was nowhere near my previous salary, I loved the challenge.  Promotions came.  Approximately three years later, the company relocated to Atlanta with positions being offered to just 12 of the 100+ home office employees.  I was one of the 12.  After facing adversity, to this day I wake up every morning thankful and excited to have the opportunity to give my best and make a difference.

LPB: How did you land that first big job?

BM: I almost passed on my first big opportunity.  It was with a company in the midst of a highly publicized racial discrimination lawsuit.  Although I had previously worked for the newly appointed CEO and believed in his vision, I was hesitant about being the “first” again. After discussing the pros and cons with my family, it was my daughter who convinced me to make the move by encouraging me to do my part in making a difference for her generation.

LPB: What was your role?

BM: It was fast and furious.  I joined as Director of Purchasing, responsible for increasing purchases with minority suppliers.  Within a year, I was promoted to Vice President of Community Relations; followed by a promotion to SVP of Public Relations & Media Relations.  I’m proud of the strides the company made in increasing minority franchises, purchases from minority and women-owned businesses and developing a diverse workforce.

LPB: What’s your success secret?

BM: Clearly understanding the definition of success in every job that I’ve had, and giving my all.  Providing your team with the tools to be successful and empowering them.

LPB: What’s your personal mantra?

BM: If you don’t know who you are, you will answer to anything.

LPB: How did you get your break in the retail industry?

I learned firsthand the true meaning of not judging a book by its cover, because I was being judged everyday by society and potential employers.

BM: I interviewed for a VP position in the People Division of Sam’s Club.  Confident that I would be offered the role, you can imagine my surprise when the EVP contacted me and told me he had good news and bad news.  The bad news was that they were not offering me the position I was seeking.  The good news, they were offering me a VP/Divisional Merchandise Manager position in Frozen and Refrigerated Foods; my first job with P&L responsibility.  I jumped at the opportunity.

I’ll admit, for a moment I wondered if I had made the right decision when the massive reports and P&Ls hit my desk the first week.  My husband and daughter were supportive, and I spent the first several months in Bentonville alone, giving me the ability to fully concentrate on learning the business. Two years later, I was promoted to my current role as VP/Regional General Manager of Operations.

LPB: What will it take to see more black women in positions of leadership?

BM: While we’ve made strides, with only two women of color at the helm of Fortune 500 companies, it’s clear there’s work to be done. I’m proud to be affiliated with Sam’s Club, a $56 billion division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where Rosalind Brewer, a woman of color, assumed the role of President and CEO in 2012.

LPB: What advice would you give to young women entering the business world?

BM: Be true to yourself and follow your passion.  If you’re not excited about the field you’re in, change it.  Life is too short to not love what you do everyday.  And don’t be alarmed if your passion evolves or changes, it’s just another opportunity for you to pursue.

LPB: Did you have a mentor early in your career?

BM: I was fortunate to have a sponsor.  She was willing to put her name next to my performance.  It wasn’t always peaches and cream. She challenged me, stretched me and, at times, pushed me.  She could have easily presented my projects herself, but she introduced me to the boardroom, provided access to senior executives.  While I didn’t always understand her toughness, it made me stronger.  I was determined to exceed her expectations, to anticipate the next project.

The best advice she gave me:  Pay it forward.

By Cynthia Good