Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Laetitia Joly, Marketing and Communication Consultant @Luxe & Meta
How could you describe your career path in few words?
At the start of my career, I only held a high school diploma. However, with a combination of hard work, daring initiatives, and an unparallel team spirit, I was able to rise to the position of Marketing Manager at Van Cleef & Arpels in Hong Kong, a high jewelry house under the prestigious Richemont group, gaining 9 years of experience in marketing.
When my husband secured a new professional opportunity, I chose to resign and follow him to Croatia and then to Madagascar focusing on my two babies and my education. This move presented me with the unique opportunity to study the latest luxury, digital, and technological trends, something that may have been unattainable while being consumed by the daily corporate work and demands. I obtain a Master's degree in Luxury Management from Sup de Luxe in Paris, and, given the constant advancements in technology, I also became certified as a Metaverse Specialist from the Blockchain Council.
I am currently pursuing advanced social media strategy certification as well, as the widespread adoption of web3 cannot be achieved without a strong foundation in the constantly evolving web2.
Combining my professional experience and educational knowledge, I founded my own consulting firm, Luxe & Meta. The company aims to offer marketing strategy and implementation support in the physical, web 2.0, and web 3.0 worlds. Currently, I am working with clients located in both Madagascar and Europe.
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
The most challenging experience for me was starting my own business. It was a test of having enough confidence in myself to make decisions and trust my abilities without the support of an existing structure. I had to confront my concerns about the future, my doubts about my abilities, and the fatigue from being a mother of young children.
However, this experience also allowed me to grow and develop my self-confidence. I learned to trust my judgment and abilities and realized that I was capable of facing the challenges that came my way. This gave me a new perspective on my own strength and what I could accomplish. Additionally, I discovered that I was not alone in this process as I met other entrepreneurial women who shared similar challenges and victories. In the end, starting my own business brought me a sense of pride and personal accomplishment that I could never have achieved being carried by a big corporate machine.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain context, what do you think?
When faced with an unusual or uncertain context, I am even more motivated than ever. I see this as an opportunity to learn new things, find innovative ideas, and measure the effectiveness of each initiative. This is what I experienced when I worked in Hong Kong, where economic and political crises were succeeding one another, it was during this period that I learned the most. I
nstead of being carried by a favorable economic growth and relying on what have always been successful, it was necessary to use our brains together, to retrieve positive sales figures for the long run. I see this type of situation as an opportunity to grow, adapt and make a significant difference on the market. Ultimately, it is this type of uncertain context that can really push us to give our best and achieve our full potential.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female entrepreneur in an intercultural context?
As a female leader/manager operating in a multicultural context, I have found that there are several key factors that contribute to success.
First and foremost, it is important to take the time to observe your surroundings before making any major initiatives. It is essential to remember that you are in a foreign environment, and it is important to approach things with a sense of humility and openness.
Another key factor for success in a multicultural context is being able to adapt to different perspectives and ways of thinking. This means being open-minded and willing to learn from others, even if their ideas and beliefs are different from your own. By approaching these situations with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you increase the chances of being understood and building strong relationships with others.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female leader / manager?
As a female leader/manager, I have found that several key factors contribute to success. Firstly, it is important to demonstrate confidence and assurance to inspire others and encourage them to follow your vision.
Secondly, the ability to listen and understand the opinions and ideas of others is also crucial for building strong relationships and working effectively as a team.
Additionally, being able to make quick and effective decisions in uncertain situations is an important skill for leaders. This shows your subordinates that you are capable of navigating difficult situations with assurance and determination.
Finally, it is important to demonstrate flexibility and open-mindedness in leadership. This means being willing to change tactics if necessary and to consider different points of view and alternative approaches. Ultimately, success as a leader depends on the ability to adapt to changes, work as a team, and inspire others to achieve common goals.
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