Nearly two decades ago, Lawrence began her career in sales at Stanley Black & Decker. Over the years, she climbed the corporate ladder, holding several executive positions, including Business President, Vice President, Chief of Staff to the CEO, and various commercialization roles.
As the President of the company’s global eCommerce division, Lawrence now oversees the expansion of its brands online worldwide. She leads strategic initiatives in online sales, direct-to-consumer marketing, digital media, and merchandising for the global leader in tools and outdoor products.
Lawrence holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is also an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively participating in organizations such as the Executive Leadership Council and serving on the boards of A Better Chance and Hartford Hospital.
Here are four tips from Allison Lawrence to supercharge your career:
1. Be Resilient
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“To be resilient in the face of pressure, adversity, and change in the workplace, we need to stay true to who we are and not deviate from our values,” Lawrence says.
Throughout her nearly 20-year rise from sales to the executive suite, Lawrence faced numerous challenges, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She never gave up, instead relying on her character, curiosity, and community to propel her forward.
2. Engage with the Business
Active participation in the business is essential for becoming a better leader and gaining recognition. When Lawrence joined Stanley Black & Decker, she was focused on selling BLACK+DECKER products through national retail partners. Later, she became part of the inaugural team launching the brand on Amazon. This initiative helped transform the company from a traditional DIY and appliance brand to a lifestyle brand. Lawrence now oversees Stanley Black & Decker’s global eCommerce operations.
3. Create Impact
Lawrence has consistently led initiatives that optimize returns and deliver value for the company, its brands, and its employees. As Stanley Black & Decker’s first Chief of Staff to the CEO, she played a critical role in helping the company navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. She co-led the company’s Vaccine Task Force, ensuring that employees worldwide had access to vaccines and essential information.
4. Be the Change
When Lawrence first joined Stanley Black & Decker, she stood out in an industry where both colleagues and customers often came from different backgrounds. She has since become a powerful agent of change, helping the company foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lawrence is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and serves on the national board for A Better Chance, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of well-educated young leaders of color. She also serves on the board of Hartford Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in New England.
“It’s hard, but adversity makes us stronger. Don’t give up and don’t look back, because there are people looking to you to blaze a trail for them. You can learn something from every role you take and every experience you have. Tough times pass, but they leave us stronger,” Lawrence advises for those aspiring to be trailblazers in their own right.
