Over the past eight years at Wayfair, Alexandra Murray has worn many hats—each one building on her deep curiosity, versatility and drive to improve how teams work together. From Sales to Supplier Services to her current role in Finance, she’s become known for her ability to lead with clarity and care.
“Alexandra has an exceptional ability not only to execute and deliver results but also to lead and manage teams effectively,” said Joanne Szyfer-Demianiuk, Senior Associate, Finops Transactional. “She stands out as a true role model and one of the qualities I admire most in Alexandra is her ability to consistently build and lead high-performing teams that drive results.”
Read on to learn more about Alexandra, the career moves that shaped her, what excites her most about her work today and the leadership mindset that helps her stay grounded.
Tell us about your journey at Wayfair. How did each experience help you learn and grow?
I started at Wayfair eight and a half years ago on the Sales team, supporting Canadian calls thanks to my French background. I then moved into Operations, joining the Supplier Service team, where I spent six years in a range of roles that supported my personal and professional growth.
I began as an Account Manager, then moved into a Quality Assurance and Training Specialist role, which strengthened my skills in process improvement and team development. From there, I became an Assistant Manager, leading multiple teams. In 2023, I transitioned into a Project Management role, gaining strategic experience that I continued to build on. Since September 2024, I’ve been bringing that diverse experience into a new role within Finance.
Each role has taught me something different—whether it was supplier relationship management, process improvement or cross-functional collaboration. These experiences have shaped me into a versatile professional who is capable of adapting to various challenges and contributing to different teams across the organization.
What excites you most about your current role on the Finance team?
As Global Vendor Financial Operations Manager, it’s exciting to reconnect with the day-to-day operations and directly support the teams while working to improve their processes. While I enjoyed my previous role, I realized how much I missed hands-on interaction and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on daily workflows.
Now, I get to do exactly that, and I genuinely enjoy it. My teams are fantastic—all of my direct reports are hardworking, knowledgeable and passionate about their areas of expertise. Their support has been invaluable since I joined, and I truly would have been lost without them. Being part of such a collaborative and dedicated team makes coming to work every day something I look forward to.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received, and how has it impacted you?
It took me a while to develop a thicker skin, and I’m still working on it. But the best piece of advice I received came from my friend and colleague, Nicola Glynn. What she said has stuck with me through every role I've had since, and I’ve realized how true it really is. She told me, “You can never please everyone.”
Acknowledging this has made it much easier to navigate situations like rolling out new policies or updates, where differing opinions are inevitable. It’s helped me focus on making decisions that are fair and effective, rather than trying to satisfy everyone, which isn’t always possible. This mindset has not only reduced stress but also made me more confident in my leadership and decision-making.
Who is someone who inspires you every day?
I’m inspired by my colleagues who consistently bring creativity and dedication to their work. Despite constant changes and challenges, they continue to adapt and bring their best to the table every day. Seeing how they tackle obstacles and support each other motivates me to do the same.
What does “home” mean to you?
Home will always be where my parents are. It makes me think of the house I grew up in, in France—the same place where my parents still live to this day. I feel like I can truly relax there and be myself. It’s cozy and warms my heart, and the house always smells amazing from my mom’s incredible cooking.
What’s your favorite Wayfair product that you’ve purchased?
Sadly, I’m not as good a cook as my mum or my husband—I just don’t have the patience! But getting a Kenmore Air Fryer has been a game-changer. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and inspired me to get more creative in the kitchen. It makes cooking quick, easy and surprisingly fun!