This week was one of the most unforgettable moments of my internship and honestly, of my early career.

Coach welcomed over 10 team members from the corporate office in NYC to our store, including professionals from product development, visual merchandising, customer engagement, clienteling, and more. It was an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the people shaping the brand’s future. The visit was not only inspiring, but it also gave us a clearer understanding of how each area contributes to the bigger picture.

What truly stood out was the presence of President Leigh Manheim Levine and Vice President Richard Butler. On the first day of their visit, we walked them through our store’s performance, business analytics, product feedback, Gen Z trends, and overall results. They listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and made sure every intern in the room felt heard.

The next morning, we were invited to an intimate breakfast with them. As interns, we were encouraged to speak candidly about our experiences, what’s working, what we would do differently, how we perceive the brand as Gen Z consumers, and even our future career aspirations. That openness, curiosity, and trust left a lasting impression on me. I’ve never felt so valued in a professional setting.

Coach continues to prove that it is a brand built on people. That shows not only on the sales floor but across all levels, from store staff to the executive team. The fact that the President and Vice President flew in to sit down with interns speaks volumes. It is about connection, care, and shared growth.

This week we also participated in a training called SALES Coach, designed for leadership roles in retail. It focused on every aspect of the customer experience, from product knowledge to the in-store journey. What struck me was how much emphasis Coach places on human connection, not just selling a product, but making sure every guest feels welcomed and seen. I got a behind-the-scenes look at how leadership styles shape store culture and how customer obsession drives everything here.

As a Digital Arts major passionate about branding and consumer experience, this week gave me so much to think about. From the top-level leadership to the sales associate team, Coach continues to set a gold standard for what people-first leadership looks like in action.

Week 4 reminded me why I’m here, not just to learn, but to be inspired.