Five Questions with Sarah Bloch

Sarah Bloch, Senior Vice President, Footwear and Accessories, Circana, has built her career on the data side of the footwear industry. She currently serves as the chair of the WIFI Advisory Board and was instrumental in reimagining WIFI after a period of change during the pandemic. She is also a member of the Two Ten Board’s Strategy Committee.  

 She sat down with Two Ten to discuss mentorship, her journey with WIFI, and to share advice for women entering the industry. 

1. What's the best career advice you've ever received? 

The best career advice I’ve received actually came from my grandfather. He used to say, “If you can’t get in the front door, try the back door. If the back door is locked, climb through the window.” It’s a simple reminder to stay persistent and resourceful (or as I often say, scrappy). Throughout my career, it has encouraged me to pivot, think differently, and find alternative paths when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes success isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about getting creative and finding another way forward. 

2. Who has been an important mentor in your journey and what's a lesson from them you still carry today? 

I’ve been fortunate to learn from many mentors, mentees, and peers throughout my career. One piece of advice that has stayed with me is: “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.” That lesson taught me that the way you handle challenges often leaves a bigger impression than the task itself. 

I remember presenting to a room of more than 100 people that had accidentally been set up in the round (which is not conducive to a data presentation). Rather than stopping everything to reconfigure the room, I adjusted, engaged the audience, and stayed calm. Years later, the client still talks about how I handled that situation. No one remembers what I presented, but they remember how I showed up.  

3. What has been a meaningful moment for you related to Two Ten's WIFI community? 

One of the most meaningful experiences has been helping revive and reimagine WIFI after the pandemic. During that time, Two Ten needed to focus on the urgent economic challenges facing our industry, and many community programs understandably took a pause. 

As the industry recovered, it became clear how much women were seeking connection, support, and a sense of community. Seeing WIFI come back stronger and hearing women share how meaningful those connections have been, has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved being a small part of this space where women can learn, grow, and support one another. 

4. What advice would you give to women earlier in their careers in footwear today? 

Lean into your strengths. For years, I looked at others and wished I had some of their qualities, instead of focusing on what made me unique. I eventually realized that our greatest opportunities often come from amplifying our own strengths, not trying to be someone else. If you’re not sure what your strengths are, ask the people you work with. Sometimes others can see our gifts more clearly than we can. By leaning into my strengths, particularly authenticity and empathy, I’ve been able to build trust-based relationships that create meaningful collaboration and value for both clients and teams. 

Also: network. Every meeting, event, or introduction is an opportunity to build a relationship. Take notes, follow up, and stay connected. Relationships open doors, create opportunities, and often become one of the most valuable assets in your career.  

5. What's one way you try to actively support women in your organization or industry? 

I make time. No matter how busy I am, I rarely turn down a conversation with someone looking for advice, guidance, or a sounding board. I’m a natural connector and genuinely enjoy meeting women at all stages of their careers. 

Supporting women doesn’t always require a formal mentorship program. Sometimes it’s as simple as making an introduction, sharing an experience, or listening. The best part is that I always learn something from those conversations, too. Supporting and enabling others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my own career journey.