Journey from Humble Beginnings to Sky's the Limit with Angela Cretu, CEO of AVON
About Journey from Humble Beginnings to Sky's the Limit with Angela Cretu, CEO of AVON
As the CEO of AVON, one of the world's leading direct selling beauty companies and a career spanning over 24 years at the now British-led cosmetics multinational, the Romanian industry leader took the top leadership spot since January 2020, after joining as a self-described 'shy' junior sales manager in the late 1990s and subsequently promoted to a country manager.
"I felt completely intimidated by my new peers. They were mostly seasoned male executives, that were confident and comfortable with each other, and with every subject" she tells Cosmetics Business. "I felt sure that my promotion was a mistake, I would never talk like them, walk like them or be like them".
Tune in to this unique conversation as we embark on her personal journey as to how she developed the confidence to further her career and land one of the most coveted jobs in the industry, as well as learn what her personal drives and values are in becoming a true leader.
Themes explored:
- Getting to know Angela and lifelong career with AVON
- Is beauty truly compatible with intelligence?
- Leaders don't wait for titles, ever!
- Are you an Engager, Connector, Multiplier in a leadership environment?
- Breaking her own walls in hierarchical perception of gender, nationality and age
- Turning your doubts into your value and asset
- Partnership in behaviour and culture - everyone needs to own the game!
- Scaling globally with an army of leaders
- Prioritizing healthy diversity with 'equality of chance' at the core of business
- Alignment of AVON and Angela's values in women empowerment
- Letting the compass of company's values and purpose lead your direction and decision