COT! sits down with the “Chief People Officer” at National Vision, Inc. to get his take on chain retailing + corporate optometry today

Bill Clark has joined National Vision, Inc. as its first-ever “Chief People Officer.” In that newly created position, he is responsible for leading, integrating, and enhancing the human resources, training, and organizational development functions to ensure that National Vision continues to provide a strong company culture and experience in which associates and optometrists can thrive.

Here, Clark answers COT!’s big questions about culture, people, enhancing the corporate optometry environment, and more.

DEVELOPING TALENT

Q: You come from a strong retail background. What do you bring to this position?

A. I have spent my entire career helping companies attract and develop talent and creating innovative HR solutions that drive people-focused environments. National Vision has a rich history and a unique culture that I am excited to not only be part of, but to help continue to evolve as the organization grows.

CAREER BUILDING

Q: How will you help enhance the environment to make sure people want to build their careers at National Vision?

A. The mission and vision of an organization—and how that comes through in helping patients and customers—as well as a culture reflective of those values are key to creating a place where people want to build a career. People gravitate to organizations where they feel valued, respected, and inspired...and they want opportunities for development. I look forward to working with the leadership team and colleagues to build on that strong foundation.

WHY “PEOPLE”?

Q: What does the title “Chief People Officer” signal in terms of the direction many savvy businesses are moving?

A. A business is only as good as its people. The “people” functions in an organization have the ability to influence all aspects of work, either directly or indirectly. Businesses today must create cultures that differentiate them from others.

They must be transparent...people have to see the path to success and understand how to get there.

Organizations must also establish an environment of trust and authenticity where people see opportunity for development.

CULTURE + EXPERIENCE

Q. Tell us about the emphasis on culture and experience, plus any steps you can discuss.

A. I’ve spent time in many of our retail locations and with our support teams to understand the associate experience. I am also excited to collaborate with our Professional Services team to understand the experience of optometrists who are part of the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network, including independent doctors who work at offices inside our locations.

All of this learning will help inform the path forward, ultimately working to align all the “people” parts of the business around the same goal of making National Vision and its locations the best place to work.

TODAY’S CONSUMER

Q. How does all this reflect what is important to today’s consumer?

A. It goes back to a business being only as good as its people. If employees don’t feel valued, respected, or inspired, that comes through in every interaction. Today’s consumer has so many options at their fingertips, and if they have a negative interaction with someone, it could easily lead them to get their needs met elsewhere. COT!