"There have been times in all of our careers where we've been passed up, or we didn't get that next role when we felt like we were ready for it. And I said that the one thing that's really true to me is, I think that you can either choose to be bitter or you can be better."
"I learned as much as I could to prepare myself for the next role, and I think that actually allowed me to hit the ground running. If I would have been bitter, I could have left and taken a CEO job someplace else. I had plenty of opportunities, but this is the company that I wanted to be with, and I took that opportunity to be better instead of being bitter."
Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty, emphasizes that professional rejection is a common experience requiring grace and resilience. When passed over for advancement, individuals can choose bitterness or self-improvement. Steelman spent 11 years at Ulta, including time as COO, learning and preparing under former CEO Dave Kimball before assuming the top role in January 2025. Rather than leaving for opportunities elsewhere, she remained committed to the company and used the waiting period to develop skills. This approach enabled her to lead effectively upon promotion, with Ulta's stock rising 50% year-over-year and successful partnerships including Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour. Steelman's career began at Target in 1993, progressing through senior roles at Home Depot and Family Dollar before joining Ulta.
Read at Fortune
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