Q: Briefly, tell us about your business
A: MO Luxury is what I like to think, a dynamic, resourced-based consultancy specialising in luxury goods and services. In addition to consulting on brand and retail management we offer investigative insights into consumer behavior through our research arm. And finally, we offer our clients access to a fresh and inspired network of individuals through our bespoke recruitment service, which is fast becoming our growth division. Particularly as international luxury brands have been expanding on this market and we are growing our business to China with the growth of luxury on this market.
Q: Where did you begin your career?
A: Foreign Affairs actually for a few years, then the pull of luxury was too great, I commenced a wonderful career at Yves Saint Laurent where I was for seven years before joining Chanel.
Q: Has there been a significant business mentor in your career?
A: My father has been a wonderful mentor (still is), an intelligent yet extremely down-to-earth and practical retired lawyer. He is a believer in “the closed mouth catches no flies” and “look before you leap”; he has many wise words to provide … Early in my career at Yves Saint Laurent the President of the Asian region was an incredibly intelligent and wise man and he provided a lot of ‘air time’ to me when he was in Australia on his several business visits. I learnt an enormous amount by observing his management style. The power of the pregnant pause and the art of listening which he was a genius at. He really enhanced my structure and assisted my learning in more subjective and non-emotional decision making issues. Finally I would say there were two unofficial female mentors who I have worked for and with over the years and have admired how they conduct themselves and have achieved respect and success in their careers.
Q: What is the single best piece of business advice you have received?
A: Listen then act, not the other way around.
Q: What is the one most important piece of advice you would give to someone beginning their career?
A: Be clear about your end game. You will make the best and most strategic decisions to get there.
Q: Who do you most admire in business?
A: I would say Heather Ridout Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group because she is intelligent and fair in her dealings representing business in a broad range of sectors; she has a deep interest in public policy and is a trusted professional and a voice of reason in her field and always appears to manage the process in a calm and collegial manner. As I am in the luxury space, Angela Ahrendts, the CEO of Burberry Group based in London is quite an exceptional leader, she is gracious, clear, innovative and not a ‘show pony’, she understands business ethics, opportunities and believes growth of the brand is a totally collaborative effort.
Q: Do you have a strategy in place for your business in tough economic times?
A: Yes, I believe so. The business was launched with three clear divisions to ensure not all eggs were in the one basket and as the business was launched right at the beginning of the GFC, it was about being clear to the business vision yet flexible and relevant. We are a resource based consultancy for the luxury market and we keep abreast of the ‘mood’ of what is happening on the market. We have to be adaptable and pre-emptive, not reactive.
Q: How do you maintain your motivation?
A: Easily, I love what I do. I am keenly interested in people; I am also motivated by success through our clients, which becomes our success. We operate in a great space, who wouldn’t be motivated by some of the luxury brands we work with!
Q: What is your definition of success?
A: Success is subjective yet to me it is about ‘happiness’, a sense of achievement which brings fulfilment. I am very happy with my career-to-date and I genuinely love what I have done and now do. All experiences, good bad or indifferent have not been a waste of time. Character building!
A strong vision, persistence, being brave and getting out of your comfort zone, instilling confidence in yourself that you ‘can do’ whatever it is you are thinking. I know a lot of people say this and it can seem rhetorical, however it really is true. As long as you are committed, determined, always positive and open to learning you really will achieve success – that is my definition anyway.
Q: What is the best thing that’s happened to you in business – career highlight?
A: Being asked by the then President of Chanel, Asia Pacific to come on board to a newly created position of General Manager of the Fashion division. This was a critical step in my career and the catalyst for where I am today.
Q: What brings you the most happiness?
A: Family and friends (oh and yes a good martini!)
