From Fortune · Preston Fore · · 1m 50s
23-year-old Walmart manager earning six figures
Kiley Pulley dropped out of college to climb Walmart's ranks and became the youngest U.S. store manager at 23, already earning over six figures.
In brief
Kiley Pulley dropped out of college to climb Walmart's ranks and became the youngest U.S. store manager at 23, already earning over six figures. Kiley Pulley, 23, is Walmart's youngest U.S. store manager, earning six figures after dropping out of college and rising through the ranks since age 16. Originally reported…
From cashier to six figures
Kiley Pulley joined Walmart at 16 as a part-time cashier. Now 23, she earns more than six figures, has bought her first home, and is Walmart's youngest U.S. store manager.
The promotion that changed everything
Pulley started at Grand Canyon University but accepted a promotion to Team Lead two years after joining Walmart. That role made her see Walmart as a real career path.
“When I got Team Lead, it really stuck with me that Walmart is something I can make a career out of”
Rising through the ranks
By 19, Pulley became an operations manager. Two years later, at 21, she became store manager, leading a Neighborhood Market outside Phoenix and holding the distinction still at 23.
Her strategy for advancement
Pulley showed up ready to learn, made herself available for opportunities beyond her job description, and volunteered to cover for store managers on their days off to gain experience.
“Don't wait for someone to hand you an opportunity. Go after it.”
Building relationships with leaders
Pulley regularly participated in calls with Walmart leaders, including monthly discussions with her market manager, and became involved in succession planning across her market.
“Kiley has embodied ambition, dedication and perseverance since I first met her six years ago as an hourly associate”
Back to school with Walmart's help
Pulley is now back in school using Walmart's tuition-assistance program. She hopes to be promoted to market manager by 27 or 28, and eventually a regional executive vice president.
Following a path to the top
Walmart CEO John Furner started as a part-time hourly associate in the garden center in 1993. Predecessor Doug McMillon started as a warehouse associate unloading trucks before becoming CEO.
The secret to climbing the ladder
McMillon said he got opportunities by raising his hand when his boss was out of town.
“I then put myself in an environment where I became a low-risk promotion because people had already seen me do the job”
The essence
Kiley Pulley, 23, is Walmart's youngest U.S. store manager, earning six figures after dropping out of college and rising through the ranks since age 16.
