Have you ever looked at another woman's success and felt that uncomfortable little voice whispering, Wow, she’s really impressive. Maybe she's landed the promotion you wanted, built a thriving business, or seems to have everything figured out while you're still finding your way. It's a feeling many of us experience, but one we don't often talk about because professional jealousy can bring up shame, insecurity, and the fear that we're somehow not doing enough.

In this episode of The Joy CEO Podcast, my dear friend Andrea Leigh, Amazon alum, retail media expert, executive, and founder of her own company, joins me for an honest conversation about what professional jealousy is really trying to teach us. AAndrea shares two moments from her own career when that feeling showed up, the relationship it nearly cost her, and the questions she asks herself now instead of closing the door. We talk about why comparison gets loudest when we are unclear on our own goals, what changes when the person stirring up the feeling reports to you, and a simple phrase I use to cheer another woman on while trusting my own timing. 

Then we switch gears completely. Andrea takes us inside what is happening in retail media right now, from AI shopping assistants to an ever expanding digital shelf, and why brands need to show up long before a shopper reaches a retailer's site. 

3 Key Takeaways

1.   Jealousy can be information, not a character flaw.

Professional jealousy is a natural human emotion, even for accomplished women. Instead of shaming yourself for feeling it, get curious about what it's bringing up. Is it pointing toward something you genuinely want? Does it reveal an insecurity or an area where you feel stuck? Understanding the feeling gives you a chance to learn from it rather than allowing it to dictate your behavior.

2.  Comparison gets loudest when your own goals are fuzzy. When you are clear on your values and priorities, you can ask a better question: is what she has something I am willing to work for? 
3.  Curiosity keeps doors open. Shutting out the person who makes you uncomfortable can cost you learning, allies and opportunity. Ask questions instead. If she reports to you, you are in the best possible position to learn from her. 

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode

• Professional Jealousy and Envy – The uncomfortable emotions that can reveal our insecurities, values, ambitions, and unfulfilled goals.
• Andrea Leigh's Experience at Amazon – Andrea reflects on her career at Amazon and how leaving her role prompted a period of identity reevaluation.
• The Power of Curiosity – Asking questions and learning from people whose success triggers comparison, rather than avoiding them.
• “It's Her Turn” – Lori's perspective on celebrating someone else's moment while trusting that your own journey is unfolding in its own time.
• Long-Term Professional Relationships – Why supporting colleagues, developing people on your team, and maintaining meaningful connections can contribute to long-term success.
• Retail Media and the Changing Digital Shelf – Andrea discusses how social media, AI-powered discovery, and large language models are changing how shoppers discover and choose products.
• Social Listening and Customer Value – Why brands need to understand what customers care about by listening to online conversations, communities, and product reviews.

✨ Reflection Prompts

• When have you felt jealous of another woman's professional success, and what did that feeling reveal about you?
• Is the thing you are envying something you want, or is it someone else's priority?
• Have you ever distanced yourself from someone because she made you feel insecure? What might that have cost you?
• If you were completely clear about your own goals, what would you stop comparing yourself to?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For

• Corporate women who quietly measure their progress against peers and former colleagues
• Leaders who want to champion the rising stars on their teams, even when it stings
• Women who feel behind and need a reminder that their path is their own
• Brand, sales and marketing leaders who want a sharp read on where retail media is heading

📩 Want to Go Deeper?

Follow Lori on LinkedIn or Instagram at @loripine to continue the conversation.

Visit loripine.com to learn more about Lori's coaching, retreats, and ways to work together.

Find Andrea Leigh on LinkedIn or visit illumegroup.com to learn more about her retail media and commerce consulting work.

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