For our Ladies Who Lead series, female leaders in luxury and fashion share their journeys to the top and their learnings along the way. Here, Sabine Brunner, president & global brand and commercial officer, MCM, discusses fashion brand success factors, applying advice and the industry today.
What led you to join MCM?
During my 15 years in Hong Kong, I became familiar with MCM and its tremendous success in the market. When I started looking more deeply into its history and DNA and discovered all the incredible heritage of the brand, it convinced me to join. I feel that now more than ever, possessing heritage and values are the most important success factors for a brand. I was also very-much attracted to MCM by the advanced digital approach that the brand has created, so I felt it had the perfect combination of a strong heritage and a modern approach.
Were there any specific challenges you faced as a woman along your journey?
In Asia during the early years of working there, the business was very male driven, but despite this focus on male leadership, I strategically carved out a distinctive form of my own approach to leadership and business, using my instincts to challenge these set frameworks. One of the most memorable comments I remember receiving from a business partner, which was intended as a compliment, was that I acted like a man. It was a true reflection of the ‘machismo’ environment at that time.
See also: Citizens of Humanity's Amy Williams on finding a career you love, and the constant quest for balance