Clarins’ general manager, appointed in February last year, is also responsible for the group’s CSR. He reveals to us his journey between the taste of others and caring for the planet.
Miss Figaro.– At the time of waking up?
Virginia Curtin. – Shortly before 7 o’clock. I believe in female management (fewer 8:30am meetings, more 9am meetings), spending time with your kids before arriving at the office, and being very productive.
Five unbeatable rules on video to never be late for work again
The height of your position.
Providing the vision, inspiring and continuing to grow Clarins while respecting people and the planet.
The results should be given here and now.
8500 employees. Presence in 150 countries. We are the first in Europe and the French market in the field of prestige skin care. 100% of our products are produced in France in one factory (soon to be two) and 95% are exported.
If we have to go back to the roots.
Childhood in Paris, a few years in the south. And a family business that is very present in the landscape.
An important step?
An appointment in my current position where all the experience I have (entrepreneurial and otherwise) serves and materializes.
Mentors:
My grandfather, who founded Clarins in 1954 after wanting to become a doctor. He was a visionary, a lover of nature, science and beauty. He remains the ultimate mentor, but Jonathan Zrihen, CEO of Clarins, is another. He started as a trainee in the group more than thirty years ago and was identified early on as having great potential. I grew up with the idea that one day he would lead Clarins, and I followed his career, his management style. Today we work hand in hand.
Obstacles on the way.
At 18, I already wanted to work for Clarins, but first I had to find my legitimacy. Business school with preparation, the competition brought me. Then having superiors who judged me for the factor that I was too.
Who trusted you?
I am a headhunter in 2012. I was a buyer at Printemps, responsible for the women’s fashion market, and as a family shareholder in Clarins. Mugler’s ownership group wanted to change the brand’s designer and commissioned it. I helped him define the desired profile. One day he told me: “The muggle communications department is vacant, you should go there.” I would never have thought of it on my own.
Defining your influence.
Pull without forcing.
A thought that sets you free.
A utopia of making the world better than we found it.
In the video, a quarter of French people are in a state of hyperstress at work
What would you like to convey?
My grandfather’s values (like respect, listening, boldness, and common sense). Getting to it when it’s gone is a real challenge. He lived his work as a passion, not sharing the problems and moreover, he said: “I have never worked in my life.”
Lunch?
In my office. This is the only part of the day where it is possible to communicate with America and Asia at the same time. The idea is also to optimize my time. when I’m here I work and I don’t run away.
Escape?
A farm in the middle of the forest in Haute-Savoie. I go there regardless of the season and even on weekends. I found my refuge.
Digital addiction?
Klassly app where school teachers feed kids photos and news. Removed all notifications from my phone except this one.
Source: Le Figaro
