5 Key Lessons from a Woman Leader’s Journey for Emerging Female Executives

For professional women, what does it take to get from the base to the summit and carve a trailblazer’s path? Dive into the journey of Nicole Tan, President and APAC CEO of Shiseido, to find out–as narrated on the Rewrite The Rules podcast.

Women make up only 23% of high-potential pools groomed for higher-level roles in top-performing organisations. (DDI Global Leadership Forecast, 2023).

With such a stark gender gap prevailing in the corporate world globally, how can women make it to the top and stay there? What are the key steps to take to drive your path to success as a female executive? Nicole Tan tells us.

In a compelling conversation on the #Rewrite the Rules podcast, Nicole Tan, President and CEO (APAC) of Japanese beauty brand Shiseido, shared invaluable insights into her journey through the ranks of the beauty industry and to leadership.?

Based on our conversation, we take a deep dive into her leadership principles to inspire and guide aspiring female executives across industries and regions.

5 Lessons from Nicole Tan’s Leadership Playbook

From her initial steps at Gillette to her groundbreaking role at one of the world's most prestigious beauty brands, Nicole’s career has been a masterclass in navigating the complexities of leadership, especially as a woman in a highly competitive sector.

The first woman regional CEO of Shiseido–a 150-year-old brand–Nicole has taken a unique approach to leadership, one that bridges the often-tricky gap between personal ambitions and professional responsibilities. In our conversation, she delved into the importance of passion as a driving force, the strategic nuances of career development, the indispensable value of a robust support system, and the art of effective networking.

These were the takeaways for empowering women in business:

1. Passion Doubles as the Foundation of Success

“I’ve always been passionate about beauty, since when I was young."

Nicole's dedication to the beauty industry started long before her professional journey. Reminiscing about her growing-up years, she shares that her allowance would invariably go toward consuming the latest beauty magazines and products.?

For Nicole, the fascination with the world of beauty went beyond skin-deep—it was about understanding the intricacies of beauty products, the stories behind brands, and the impact of beauty on culture and individual expression.Her interests were thus deeply rooted from a young age, laying the groundwork for her future career and guiding her through various roles in the industry–from her foundational days at Gillette to her pivotal leadership position at Shiseido. It has also enabled her to shape the evolving landscapes of beauty and business. Nicole’s journey underscores a vital lesson: passion is not just an initial spark but a well-tended flame that can help navigate the challenges and complexities of any industry.?

The Takeaway: Pause and ponder what truly captivates you, whichever career stage you’re in. This is even more important if you have garnered some experience and are trying to find your way ahead to senior roles. What aspects of your work ignite that spark within you? Is it the innovation in product development, the thrill of decoding market trends, or perhaps the art of crafting compelling brand narratives? Engage actively with your areas of interest, seek out conversations with industry peers, and embrace opportunities, however small, to explore these passions. This can’t be a one-off endeavour and must be a continuous path to enriching roles and success.

2. Mastering the Moves for a Strategic Career

Nicole's ascent through the ranks of the beauty industry highlights a strategic approach to career advancement. Her professional path has been marked by deliberate moves, ones that are completely thought out. Starting at Gillette and navigating her way to a leadership role at Shiseido amid the global upheaval of the pandemic, Nicole’s steps to advance her career were anything but random. It wasn't just about a job change but a calculated risk taken with a clear vision of the future.

"It's about knowing when to make your move and having the foresight to think several steps ahead."?

The Takeaway: Consider your career trajectory with analysis, foresight, and precision. Each move should be made with intention, understanding the potential outcomes and how they align with your ultimate career objectives. Reflect on your next move: Is it a leap into a new industry? A step up to a more challenging role? Or perhaps a lateral move that broadens your skillset? Ever wanted to embrace those calculated risks? The time is always now. Those daunting transitions often open doors to unprecedented opportunities and personal growth. Remember, the boldest moves can lead to the most rewarding pay-offs in your professional journey.

3. Success is Rarely a Solo Achievement It truly takes a village to make it at the top.

Nicole’s story vividly illustrates that behind every successful leader is a robust support system. A solid network becomes particularly crucial when faced with pivotal career decisions or when navigating the delicate balance between professional ambitions and personal commitments. Reflecting on her experiences, Nicole highlights the indispensable role her family, mentors, and colleagues have played in her success. “With family support, I was able to work through my options,” she acknowledges. This is a powerful reminder of the collaborative nature of personal and professional growth, particularly for women leaders who typically juggle more responsibilities. As Nicole stresses, it’s the strength we draw from those around us that fortifies our resolve, sharpens our focus, and guides us through the complexities of career and life.

“Surrounding yourself with a diverse group of supporters not only provides a safety net during challenging times but also enriches your perspective, opening your eyes to possibilities you might not have considered,” Nicole advises.?

The Takeaway: Consciously cultivate a network of support. Seek out mentors who resonate with your values and can offer guidance based on their own journeys. Lean on your family and friends not just for emotional support but as sounding boards for your ideas and decisions. Collaborate with colleagues who can offer insights from within the industry and foster a sense of community and shared purpose. Remember, building this support system is an ongoing process; it requires openness, reciprocity, and a willingness to both give and receive advice, encouragement, and, sometimes, constructive criticism.

4. The Art of Networking

The leadership journey can often get lonely. But it’s important to recognize this and forge chains of trust and connections, especially when stepping into new territories. With her entry into Shiseido, Nicole faced the formidable task of making her mark in an already established company culture. Establishing trust within a new environment or team requires transparency, consistency, and support—qualities that transform mere contacts into allies, advisors, and confidantes.

"I had to reestablish myself all over again. I tapped into a network of colleagues that's been here for 10, 15, and 20 years to help connect me to the right people."

Nicole’s conscious choice wasn't just about expanding her professional network; it was about integrating her personal brand with that of the company through genuine connections and earned trust.

Her approach underscores a fundamental truth about networking: it’s not merely a tactical game of collecting business cards but a strategic process of cultivating deep, meaningful relationships. Nicole’s story also illuminates the power of trust as the cornerstone of not just networking but leadership itself, so you can work with and lead your team better.

The Takeaway: Dedicate yourself to networking with intention and integrity. Attend industry events, join professional forums, and engage in discussions not with the goal of immediate gain but with the mindset of mutual growth and learning. When you connect with someone, follow up with a thoughtful gesture: a useful article, a word of encouragement, or an offer of support. Trust is most often built over time through actions that demonstrate your reliability, competence, and genuine interest in the welfare of others. Make trust-building part of your leadership style so you not only enhance your professional journey but also contribute positively to your industry’s collective success.

5. Navigating Leadership and Personal Growth in Tandem?

As Nicole shares, her ascent to leadership in the beauty industry offers a hard-hitting perspective on a crucial and delicate balancing act: advancing in one's career while also nurturing personal growth and fulfillment.

For Nicole, the challenge wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about doing so without compromising her personal goals and family life. She recounts a pivotal moment when she had to make a tough decision to leave a high-flying role for the sake of her newborn child, illustrating the profound interplay between professional ambition and personal responsibility.

Nicole's strategy for navigating these career transitions has been both thoughtful and proactive. She underscores the importance of having a support system and setting boundaries as essential practices that have enabled her to thrive. For example, Nicole has been intentional about carving out time for self-reflection and ensuring that her work does not encroach upon precious moments with family. This deliberate approach to work-life integration has not only sustained her career but has also enriched her personal life, providing a solid foundation to reach greater professional heights.

The Takeaway: Draw inspiration from Nicole’s home truths and take stock of your own work-life balance in leadership roles. Start by identifying what matters most to you outside of work—be it family, hobbies, or personal development goals. Make these non-negotiables in your weekly schedule, just as you would with important business meetings. Additionally, learn to delegate and trust your team, a practice Nicole found crucial in freeing up her time and mental space for personal pursuits. Embrace technology for efficiency but also set firm boundaries around your availability to prevent burnout. Remember, your ability to lead others effectively is intrinsically linked to how well you care for yourself. By prioritising your well-being and personal growth, you're not just aspiring to be a successful leader but a well-rounded and fulfilled individual.

As you navigate your path to leadership, pay heed to Nicole’s words: "Don’t be too risk-averse. Take a calculated risk and have faith in yourself."

We hope her narrative serves as more than a story of success in beauty industry leadership. It’s a roadmap for all emerging and aspiring female executives everywhere. Her journey highlights

• The importance of passion
• The strategies behind career advancement
• Why one should rely on a robust support system
• The art of effective networking
• How to strike a balance between leadership and personal growth

Let these lessons guide you toward becoming an impactful leader in your field!

Looking to learn more from Nicole Tan’s leadership journey? You can listen to the full episode on Spotify and YouTube .

If you want to hear and share inspiring stories of women across Asia, reach out to me by [email protected] or on LinkedIn .