Celebrating Inclusion this International Women’s Day

I recall hearing this quote from Jacinda Ardern, former New Zealand Prime Minister.?

“One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”?

I vividly remember how powerful this quote was based on conversations with women in both my personal and professional life. It still resonates with me as I think about some of the most inspirational, powerful, and successful women I know who successfully balance these two characteristics of strength and empathy.

As a man working in a women-dominated industry (retail and beauty), I feel a sense of responsibility to continue celebrating and championing women in business and leadership roles. I take great pride in being an Ally, fostering equity and safeguarding women’s rights.

This is nothing new for me, having come from a family of women. I have two older sisters who helped shape my values as a young person - grounded in respect, chivalry, and advocacy for all women. My eldest sister played a maternal role early in my life, but to this day has shown me the incredible balance between being strong, determined, and compassionate. I continue to admire her as a loving wife, mother and, even more recently, a grandmother. I have been lucky to play the "fun" uncle role with her three daughters and now great uncle to their children (3 of 4 who are girls).

I credit my sister for instilling qualities such as empathy and compassion in me. While she didn’t teach me these things per se, I saw them come to life through her actions and how she led with her head and heart, directly impacting my internal programming. She’s shown me how important it is to listen, understand and be open. Seeking to understand different perspectives while helping others bring out their best. She has done this with her children, all while co-leading a successful business with her husband.

Throughout my professional life women have been at the core of my working life over the last three decades. I’ve had more women leaders than men. I owe my 酩悦·轩尼诗-路易·威登集团 experience to Lanessa Elrod for recruiting me and believing in me while also encouraging me to be a strong leader for my teams. I was fortunate to work with incredible peers at Louis Vuitton - Laurie Adorno , Catherine Berdugo , Anne Laure Ferrie , Shona Pinnock Beth Stewart , Kelly Koyama-Garcia , Marilyn Webber Muffs , Avril Noone and Kristine Westerby , who showed me the power of collaboration. ?I’ve also been privileged to mentor, develop and coach amazing women who I've proudly watched move successfully through their careers. More recently, I’m grateful for Gena Smith and Corey Yribarren , who helped advocate my mobility to my current role at Sephora Canada.?

I joined Sephora Canada in late 2022. Working in beauty and for a brand where 87% of the employee population and 87% of our store leaders are women means it's table stakes to continue amplifying women's voices – whether clients, employees, or brand partners. With 83% of our executive leadership team identifying as women, I have partners sitting around the table with me to hold ourselves and our organization accountable.?Together with Allison Litzinger , Rosie Pouzar , Jane Nugent , Terri Lee and Magda Szwedowicz , I proudly share that 89.5% of promotions in 2023 were represented by women (from corporate and retail teams).??

This extends beyond our stores and offices and is purposefully woven through our commitment to our charitable partners. We strategically choose our partnerships to maximize impact in the communities where we operate, aligning with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments. Over the past three years, we've participated in discussions with the Native Women's Association of Canada to challenge beauty standards and uplift Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals in the beauty industry. We've also supported numerous women through our signature Classes for Confidence program, collaborating with partners like Pink Pearl Canada , Black Business & Professional Association (BBPA) , and Rainbow Railroad . Additionally, we proudly sponsor Look Good Feel Better Canada , applauding their remarkable efforts to support women battling cancer.?

This International Women’s Day – I’m reflecting most on what is to come for my nieces…. what will shape their lived experience as women as they head into the workforce? I hope that they get to work for great companies like I did that put gender equity at the forefront, making it all I know and expect as I have grown my career.??