Spotlight – Emily Johnson’s Path to Her Dream Role at lululemon

Starting with a Vision

Do you have a “dream job” that lives on your vision board? Emily Johnson did—and she made it happen.

Emily’s journey with lululemon began in college, working part-time as an Educator in store. “I was a gymnast and then a gymnastics coach, and I honestly just loved the innovation of the clothing,” she recalls. “Once I got onboard, I stayed because I felt it was a truly special place to work.”

She was drawn in by the product but continued on with the company because of the people and culture. “Our employees care so deeply about each other and our guests. I grew as a human being and was supported by benefits like Sweaty Pursuits, our monthly stipend for fitness, that helped me get active and connect with the community.”

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can be honest with people and still be kind to them."

Taking the Leap into People & Culture

After college, Emily stepped away from lululemon to gain experience in Human Resources. But when she moved to Boston, she returned as a part-time Educator in store. “I missed the fun of retail,” she says. Not long after, the opportunity she had been dreaming of appeared—a posting for a Senior People & Culture Advisor at lululemon’s corporate office.

“I applied, interviewed, and in October of 2024, I officially started. I paired what I love to do with the place I love to work.”

Leaning on lululemon’s Development Offerings and Community Support

Emily didn’t navigate this transition alone. She credits lululemon’s personal and professional development offerings and the support of her community for helping her get there.

“Our Purpose, Vision and Goals program is great because it gets us all thinking about what we actually want to accomplish. I’m very goal- and task-oriented. Once I add something to the list, it’s not a matter of if it will happen, it’s a matter of when.”

She also leaned into mentorship and peer support. “I was fortunate enough to connect with someone who held this role prior, who helped me understand what being a Senior P&C Advisor would really be like.”

And her local team had her back every step of the way: “My manager and leadership team at the Boston Seaport store gave me encouragement during the interview process and continued to hype me up. It reaffirmed that I’m working at the right place.”

Now in her new role, Emily has learned a lot—not just about the role itself, but about herself. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can be honest with people and still be kind to them. Feedback at other companies doesn’t look the way it does here. People at lululemon welcome feedback and accountability with open arms—and it’s one of the things I value most.”

Looking Ahead and Loving the Now

Eight months into the role, Emily feels right at home. When asked where she sees herself in five years, her response is evidence she is in the right role: “is it crazy if I say I see myself in this role five years from now? I love almost every aspect—coaching business leaders, working within frameworks, and connecting with employees one-on-one. It’s the perfect mix of being in the details and zooming out to see the big picture.”

Advice for Future lululemon Talent

So, what would she tell someone looking to grow their career at lululemon?

“Get clear on what you want, name it, and go after it. It’s incredibly difficult to crush a goal in private without support or guidance from others,” Emily says. “If you’re passionate about something, tell as many people as you can. You might be surprised at who can give you advice or who might have an opportunity that’s right in your wheelhouse.”

Inspired by Emily’s story? Check out https://careers.lululemon.com to discover open opportunities.