While artificial intelligence has spooked many, Molly Hartney is embracing responsible tech innovation at Rack Room Shoes, especially given her newly created role of chief digital officer, a title she added in July 2025 after previously serving as chief marketing officer.
“I am deeply invested in building AI literacy, particularly in how artificial intelligence can be applied responsibility to marketing, inventory optimization online, personalization and internal productivity,” said Hartney, who stressed the importance of digital knowledge in today’s complex environment. “I do not believe leaders need to be technologists, but I do believe we must be fluent enough to ask the right questions, understand risks and make thoughtful decisions around data, cybersecurity and long-term scalability.”
And when incorporating new innovations, she’s careful to anchor it in purpose — in this case, the retailer’s core tenets of accessibility, value and family-centered experiences. “Technology should enhance who we are as a brand, not distract from it,” Hartney explained.
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Prior to joining Rack Room Shoes in 2021, Hartney held executive roles in marketing and digital at companies including Funko and Lowe’s.
She recalled that early in her career, success was generally measured by “delivering high-visibility projects on tight deadlines and profitably.” However, today, her viewpoint has evolved and expanded beyond one single initiative. “It means building capabilities that scale, developing leaders who grow into greater roles, creating resilient and ethical systems and ensuring the work we do meaningfully improves both customer experiences and employee engagement,” said Hartney.
That also aligns with the way her leadership style has evolved, from trying to be the person who has all the answers to being a conduit for others to do their best work. “I now spend far more time listening, asking questions and connecting teams across disciplines,” Hartney said. She also strives to build trust and enable collective problem-solving, “which is especially critical in digital roles where change is constant.”
When it comes to fostering the next generation of female executives, Hartney believes women’s skills and perspectives are increasingly vital in business. “The industries evolving most-rapidly right now need leaders who can navigate complexity, connect people and lead with empathy, and those strengths are more essential than ever,” she said.
A version of this article appeared in the June 1 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 3, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.
