Let’s rip the seams open of another addition to our popular mini-series, let’s dive in. PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s get started with, “Turning Lemons into Leadership: Patricia J. Royak Shares Her Secrets to Success”.
Meet Patricia J. Royak
Patricia J. Royak is a prominent board member and CEO with extensive experience as an Omnichannel Executive in public, private, and ESOP businesses managing P&L with responsibilities from $25 million to $300 million with earnings of $4 million to $65 million while leading at Levi Strauss & Co. US & Asia Pacific, and serving as President Liz Claiborne Europe, President of Calvin Klein Jeans US, and Maidenform, among Fortune 500 companies. Royak serves as a board member with the unique Atlanta-based workforce development nonprofit The Tommy Nobis Center. She also serves as Co-President of the Private Directors Association – Atlanta chapter – where she has rebuilt the volunteer leadership team, increasing membership by 40 percent and quadrupling training opportunities. She is a member of the advisory board of Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business and Judge of a Shark Tank-inspired entrepreneurial competition.
Can you briefly share the story behind starting your business and what inspired you to take the leap?
After more than 25 years leading global brands across the apparel and health & wellness industries, I recognized a common challenge: companies were struggling to adapt to rapid shifts in consumer behavior and digital transformation. The pandemic accelerated those shifts, and I saw an opportunity to help businesses reimagine how they connect with customers and compete authentically. That’s why I launched Royak Consulting – to leverage my international experience and board service to guide companies through growth, transformation, and resilience.
What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know?
The most valuable lesson is that “authenticity is non-negotiable.” Whether leading a global apparel brand or a health and wellness company, consumers and employees alike can sense when a vision is genuine. Staying true to your values while adapting to change is the key to sustainable growth.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self before starting this journey?
I would tell my younger self: *trust your instincts sooner.” Early in my career, sometimes I hesitated to challenge the status quo. One example: I was once discouraged from joining a nonprofit board because I was told a president of a public company “didn’t have time.” Looking back, I wish I had pushed back. Board service has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, and it has strengthened my leadership in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Can you describe a moment when you felt like giving up and how you pushed through?
When I was leading Maidenform’s international division, we faced a $7 million loss in a licensed business despite strong U.S. sales and deep talent. It was a defining moment. Instead of retreating, I led the team to build global partnerships, merge operations strategically, and ultimately turn that loss into $65 million in profitable growth across two divisions. That transformation made us a more attractive acquisition, and in 2013 Maidenform sold to Hanes at a market premium. That experience taught me that resilience and collaboration can turn lemons into lemonade.
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have particularly impacted your business?
Partnerships have been central to my career. At Marena, collaborating with medical professionals and global distributors allowed us to expand compression garments into new health markets. In consulting, working with a billion-dollar retailer to design automated customer engagement strategies—drawing on my retail and healthcare experience—was equally impactful. It showed me how technology, when paired with human insight, can transform customer loyalty.
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
In both the apparel and health & wellness sectors, there’s a misconception that success is purely about chasing trends. In reality, it’s about building trust and delivering consistent value. Trends may spark attention, but trust sustains a brand.
In a world full of trends, how do you keep your business authentic and true to your vision?
By grounding every decision in purpose. For me, that means aligning with brands and organizations that improve lives—whether through fashion that empowers self-expression or wellness products that support recovery and health. Serving on the board of the Atlanta-based nonprofit, the Tommy Nobis Center, has been especially rewarding. Despite challenges, the organization has flourished, breaking fundraising records and opening an academy. Purpose-driven leadership ensures authenticity even in turbulent times!
How do you stay motivated and innovative in your business?
I stay motivated by surrounding myself with diverse thinkers and by serving on nonprofit boards. Working with organizations like the American Heart Association and TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation reminds me that business has the power to change lives. Innovation often comes from these intersections where mission, community, and commerce all meet.
If you could have dinner with any entrepreneur (alive or dead), who would it be, and what would be the first question you’d ask them?
I would choose the visionary businesswoman Estée Lauder. She built an iconic brand at a time when women in business faced extraordinary barriers. My first question would be: “How did you maintain conviction in your vision when so many doubted you?”
If your business were a fashion trend, what would it be and why?
It would be the timeless tailored vest. Classic, versatile, and always relevant—able to adapt to any season or setting while maintaining its integrity. It also fits me personally: I’m known as someone who will roll up my sleeves when needed, so a vest is the perfect symbol.
Closing Reflection
Looking back, my career has been about more than leading companies—it’s been about building bridges between industries, people, and ideas. Whether in the boardroom, the C-suite, or through nonprofit service, my goal has always been to create environments where both businesses and communities can thrive.
Contact Information – Pat Royak is CEO of Royak Consulting, Patriciajroyak@gmail.com
Thank you for reading, “Turning Lemons into Leadership: Patricia J. Royak Shares Her Secrets to Success” part of our mini-series. To read more amazing Q & A’s click here or check back next month.
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