Beyond the Label: Women, Leadership & Success on Our Own Terms | Maureen Chiquet | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Maureen Chiquet, former CEO of Chanel, shares her personal and professional growth, from her early career in marketing to her transformative experiences leading prestigious fashion brands.

Transcript

ELISE BIRKHOFER: Hi, everyone. My name is Elise Birkhofer, and I'm one of the Global Program Managers for Women at Google. We are very excited today for a Special Talks at Google hosted by Eileen Naughton, VP of People Operations at Google and Maureen Chiquet. Maureen Chiquet began her career in marketing at L'Oreal Paris in 1985. She has worked at... Read More

Key Insights

• ⚖️ Authentic leadership requires a balance of masculine and feminine qualities.
• 🥺 Taking risks and embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth.
• 🪡 The luxury industry is evolving to meet the changing needs and values of consumers.
• 🪛 Cultivating sponsors and champions within an organization can help drive professional success.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Maureen Chiquet transition from her role as CEO of Chanel to focus on writing and leadership initiatives?

After leaving Chanel, Chiquet took some time to reflect and explore new ventures. She felt a sense of freedom but also experienced a period of uncertainty as she rediscovered her identity beyond her previous title. This led her to focus on writing, speaking engagements, and developing new leadership initiatives.

Q: What challenges did Chiquet face as a female CEO in the luxury industry?

Chiquet faced challenges related to gender and the patriarchal nature of the luxury industry. She had to navigate a male-dominated industry and find her voice as a leader. However, she also credits the industry for the opportunities it provided her and the growth she experienced.

Q: How did Chiquet approach leadership differently during her time at Chanel?

Chiquet transitioned from a more traditional "take charge" leadership style to a more collaborative and inclusive approach. She learned the importance of asking questions, listening, and fostering a sense of co-creation with her team. She also recognized the need to adapt to a changing digital landscape and global market.

Q: What motivated Chiquet throughout her career?

Chiquet was motivated by various factors throughout her career, including a love for beauty, creativity, and the opportunity to create something new. She was also driven by the desire to make a positive impact and inspire others through her leadership.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Maureen Chiquet embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she left her position as CEO of Chanel. She went through a period of uncertainty and exploration as she rediscovered herself beyond the label of her previous position.

• Chiquet's journey led her to question traditional leadership practices and develop new leadership initiatives, including the Active and Conscious Leadership Journey, which focused on integrating feminine qualities into leadership practices.

• Through her experiences, Chiquet discovered the importance of embracing change, tapping into creativity, and staying open to new perspectives and ideas.