Editorial - July 13, 2023

StockX Team Member Spotlights

We’re all about creating the place to be as well as the place to grow here at StockX!

In this series, we are spotlighting and celebrating our employees who have moved in, up and around different roles and/or departments since joining the dream team. Join us in taking a little peek into their transitions and hearing about their experience, tips and highlights. Whether it’s that promotion you’ve been working towards or a new career avenue in a different function you’ve been thinking about, here’s your chance to hear directly from our awesome team members who have done it and proven that it is definitely within reach to learn new things and cultivate your dream career!

 

Emma Morales | Team Captain, Verification & Quality Assurance based in Tokyo, Japan

Having first joined StockX as a Quality Assurance Specialist, within 6 months Emma took the plunge to go for a leadership opportunity as Team Captain and has been crushing it!

Q: What inspired you to apply for a new role and what was the process like?
A: I have always found it inspiring to learn from others and help the team to make a better and comfortable space to work. After working with the team and improving the processes little by little I felt inspired for the next steps that StockX would be taking in Japan and decided to commit myself to help grow the company. I talked with my leaders at that time about my reasons and what moved me to take the next step. The process was really smooth and I believe the leadership in that moment were expecting me to step up for whatever is next.

Q: Can you share any memorable parts of your journey transitioning from your previous role to your current one?
A: My appreciation for the team is invaluable. To feel their confidence following my guidance and working together towards new solutions is the most memorable part of this journey. I usually make sample test when improving processes, even when we need an immediate solution in less than 15 minutes. So feeling the team relying on what’s next for our VC inspire my creativity to keeping helping to enhance the workflow in a safe and productive way.

Q: What advice or tips would you give someone who is looking to move into another role internally?
A: Trust in what you know and how you know to do it. But always hear all the feedback and ask for more. Growing is a continuous process that we can’t do alone.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at StockX?
A: As a multiple language speaker and fashion lover, I found so interesting the cultural diversity and the fashion seen inside the company. How each individual express on their way of clothing and the common or opposite tastes when talking about the products for and from our customers worldwide.

Q: Do you have a passion outside of work that you would like to share? We find many of our team members have hobbies that connect to current culture.
A: I am a photographer, and I can’t help to keep training my eye and feel amused with all new visuals – from normal condominium buildings to temples, Japanese parks, or the flow and the rhythm of the city. Living in Japan has helped me to explore beyond my cultural background and look forward to express myself with more art and visual content. Finding the similarities and the differences from each culture. And trusting on the image or as an open message/conversation for everyone.

Dionne Lewis | Integrated Marketing Specialist in London

Dionne joined StockX as a Verification Expert in our UK Verification Center. She was promoted into Retail Operations Manager where she managed our London retail store and established our retail team, before making another move into the marketing – Talk about a journey!

Q: What inspired you to apply for a new role and what was the process like?
A: My current role is seamless fusion of my previous career background in communications and marketing management, intertwined with a passion for sneakers. Beginning my StockX journey in verification gave me a deep appreciation for the dynamics of business, so this transition was not only a natural progression but also an invaluable opportunity to continuously learn and actively contribute to the company’s growth.

Q: Can you share any memorable parts of your journey transitioning from your previous role to your current one?
A: As Retail Operations Manager I had already been working in close collaboration with the Marketing team; assisting with installations, events and in-store brand messaging. The pre-existing relationship I had cultivated with the team proved instrumental in smoothing the integration process and enabling me to hit the ground running.

Q: What advice or tips would you give someone who is looking to move into another role internally?
A: Being proactive and embracing opportunities as they arise has been key to my personal and professional growth here at StockX. I think it’s important to actively seek out ways to improve yourself, whether through additional training, networking, or simply taking on new challenges in your current role. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and perspectives, even if they seem unconventional. In such a fast-paced environment, innovation often springs from ideas that may seem “silly”, and sharing them can lead to valuable insights and advancements.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at StockX?
A: Collaboration is a huge part of my role, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by some friendly and supportive colleagues. Everyone has a shared passion for the brand which contributes to a dynamic and motivating work environment. 

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Yasir Fayyaz | Technical Support Specialist based out of Detroit

Yasir joined StockX in 2019 as a Verification Expert in Sneakers. He worked his way up to being Team Captain of Operations within a year. In 2021, he made the transition over from Operations into IT.

Q: What inspired you to apply for a new role and what was the process like?
A: I always had a passion for Tech. We did not have an on-site Tech Specialist at the VC while I was still a Team Captain, so I would do some IT work for the team and became the main point of contact for the site. A couple months later a role opened up for an Associate Tech position on the team. I applied, was interviewed within a week and hired within the month. It was a very smooth and easy process. Thank you to Walter and Wes for the opportunity.

Q: Can you share any memorable parts of your journey transitioning from your previous role to your current one?
A: On my first day with the IT team, 4 of my team members came into the office and helped me with onboarding, gave me a tour of the office and we went to Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch. Never felt more welcomed on a team and they made the transition very easy for me.

Q: What advice or tips would you give someone who is looking to move into another role internally?
A: Don’t be afraid to reach out and network within the company! Especially the department you wanna work within. Making the transition from operations to any department requires a great deal of sacrifice. You have to wear multiple hats that may not be in your job description but that is what makes you stand out from anyone else if you are willing to make the sacrifice. Always put in 100% effort in any work you do here and it will be rewarded.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at StockX?
A: The People. Whether I am at HQ here in Detroit or the VC in Tempe, the people experience is my favorite thing at StockX. Every time I travel to a new site, team members make you feel at home and it feels like they have known you for years. Also my team! They have been instrumental in my career progression and make work fun everyday.

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Kurumi Riley | Learning Experience Facilitator based in Tokyo, Japan

Kurumi joined StockX as a Customer Service Specialist in 2020 and made a name for herself as a CS subject matter expert by 2021. She is now part of our People Development team as a Learning Experience Facilitator. This month we’re also celebrating her 3rd StockX anniversary – We’re so lucky to have her on the dream team!

Q: What inspired you to apply for a new role and what was the process like?
A: I was inspired to apply for this new role because it’s something I have been passionate about for a long time, and I was eager to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. The process involved two interviews. The first was with my previous manager, where we discussed my aspirations and the role’s suitability. The second was a mock training session, which I found enjoyable and helped me realize my enthusiasm for the position! Throughout the process, the PX partner provided excellent support by answering any questions I had and making the process smoother.

Q: Can you share any memorable parts of your journey transitioning from your previous role to your current one?
A: One memorable part of my transition was the initial meeting with my new team(People Development Team) even though it was conducted online. I was genuinely delighted to find that everyone was not only welcoming but also very fun and engaging to work with. This positive team dynamic has made the transition into my current role all the more enjoyable.

Q: What advice or tips would you give someone who is looking to move into another role internally?
A: Embrace opportunities as they emerge. Initially, I hesitated to apply to the role because it was completely new for my region, and I came close to letting this opportunity slip through my grasp. However, I ultimately chose to apply, driven by the belief that it aligned with my interests. It became the best professional decision I’ve ever made. I’d also advise connecting with those already in the position you’re eyeing if you can. Their insights can be invaluable.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at StockX?
A: My favorite thing about working at StockX is the people. Collaboration is a big part of my role, and I’m fortunate to work with friendly and supportive colleagues. I also greatly value my team! My leader is very supportive and consistently provides guidance for my professional growth, and every team member brings unique insights and passions that motivate and inspire me.

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Dennis Keyner | Team Captain, Operations & Supply Chain based out of Eindhoven, Netherlands:

Dennis started working with StockX initially as a temporary worker 3 years ago. He did such an amazing job that the team decided to hire him permanently as an Operations Specialist after half a year. He was actively engaged in making an impact and joined the Safety Committee, Street Team, became ‘Box Champion’ as well as the ‘Safety Champion’.By 2022, he had made a name for himself and when the leadership team were identifying who could step up, they selected him to try out as an Acting Team Captain and after proving himself, was officially promoted into the role.

Q: What inspired you to apply for a new role and what was the process like?
A: It’s the team that inspired me. Those around me saw my potential before I could and made sure to always tell me. This inspired me to give the best of myself and keep a constant growth mindset.For me, it’s a little different as I didn’t ‘apply’ for the role of Team Captain. I’ve been working super hard, taking initiatives and trying to improve both myself and the company. With the help of those who believed in me and my own perseverance, the job was eventually offered to me.

Q: Can you share any memorable parts of your journey transitioning from your previous role to your current one?
A: How fast everything went. I had a conversation with my Team Leader at the time, Lloyd, where he told me I’d get the acting role at the time. Of course, it’s always a bit heart-throbbing whenever your leader calls you up for a sudden conversation. Imagine my surprise when I actually received a promotion! And this actually happened twice, since we also had a conversation where the role was set in stone. Also a big shout-out to Lloyd Kusters who helped me out with so much in this journey. He was actually promoted to ‘Operations Manager’ on the same day I got my promotion!

Q: What advice or tips would you give someone who is looking to move into another role internally?
A: Always give your best. Look for ways to improve yourself, the operations, your team or anything else in the company and don’t be afraid to take the initiative as well. Frequently ask feedback from your peers, since they know you best and act upon the given feedback. Step out of your comfort zone.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at StockX?
A: The complete freedom to be yourself. At StockX there’s no need to put on a mask or facade, everyone will respect and accept you just for being you. Ethnicity, clothing styles, sexuality, gender, religion or anything else don’t matter since we’re all equals here regardless of anything. This shows not just in culture but in the workplace as well. All ideas and initiatives from anyone in the company are carefully considered and respected. This freedom in culture and work is what allowed me to get where I am now, and I believe anyone can achieve the same at StockX.

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Sarah Rivera | People Experience Manager based out of Detroit:

Sarah joined in 2018 working in our Verification Center as a Quality Assurance Specialist. In 2019, she moved into the HR world starting off as a Recruiting Coordinator and being promoted in 2021 to a Senior PX (HR) Specialist. In 2022, she was promoted again to her current role as our PX Manager. What a ride!

Q: What inspired you to apply for a new role and what was the process like?
A: Completing my Bachelor & Masters degree is what inspired me to apply for a new role in HR outside of my QA role I was originally hired for. The process of applying and interviewing was very smooth as well as the transition into my role outside of operations. The interviewers during the process made me feel comfortable and welcomed!

Q: Can you share any memorable parts of your journey transitioning from your previous role to your current one?
A: During my transition, on my first day of my new role, the PX team had a welcome card and flowers waiting for me on my new desk which made me feel so welcomed and happy that I made the transition!

Q: What advice or tips would you give someone who is looking to move into another role internally?
A: Network within the company especially with other team members who are in departments that you are interested in joining! If you see an opening you are interested in, always apply! You never know what could happen. I would also say to talk to your PX Partner and ask questions about the role.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at StockX?
A: My favorite thing about working at StockX is being able to work so closely with the team members here due to my role and responsibilities in PX. My Detroit Operations team is amazing. My career here at StockX has been so amazing and being able to work with the team and help people makes me feel like I am genuinely making a difference!