MEET THE TEAM: MARIO SIMUNOVIC, GLOBAL RETAIL DIRECTOR

Mario Simunovic didn’t think much about fashion when he was growing up. “I actually wanted to be a vet and save all the animals that I could, but then I realised I wasn’t great with blood…” he recalls, laughing. How things have changed. With almost 20 years in retail, and various globe-trotting roles spanning the Middle East, Europe and the US, Mario is now Global Retail Director of CAMILLA. He manages its property portfolio (which currently includes 23 stores in Australia and three in the US), refurbishments, store designs and layout. He also oversees the brand’s international expansion, alongside the Channels Director, provides leadership to the company’s frontline teams, and ensures the legion of CAMILLA VIPs feel loved and engaged. It’s not surprising considering Mario is delightfully engaging, instantly likeable and utterly charming. Here he shares some working wisdom and life advice.

?YOU’RE ONLY AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOUR TEAM: “As a leader, it’s so important to bring your team around the table and create a platform where they are all heard and their ideas are considered. Workshop strategies together, then empower them to go out and achieve the collective goal. I often say to myself ‘a general doesn’t go out without his army’: everyone needs to align in order to feel passionate about wanting to achieve the common objective. It’s very much about making sure that the team feels as though it’s part of the process and the decision making, making sure that we’re all on the journey together.”

?FIND YOUR RESONANCE: “What I love most about CAMILLA is the gift it gives you when you wear it. That sense of warrior spirit, adventure, confidence – that ‘I’m invincible and I can conquer the world’ feeling. The brand champions diversity and is inclusive, giving everyone who steps out in CAMILLA a powerful voice and statement. I have always resonated with the brand.”

IT’S OKAY TO MAKE MISTAKES: “One bit of advice I would give my younger self starting off in my retail career is to be kind to yourself – it’s not a race, it’s about taking each day as it comes. And it’s okay to make mistakes. We’re selling clothing, we’re not saving lives, so if you’ve got a gut feeling about something, go with it. The worst thing that can happen is you fail and that’s okay, you’ll learn from it and you’ll move on. The best-case scenario is it becomes a game-changer and you disrupt the fashion industry.”

LOOK FOR A PLACE TO FLOURISH: “I’m a firm believer that ‘your vibe attracts your tribe’ and what’s most important in a role is surrounding yourself with inspirational leadership and a culture that promotes authenticity and the ability to be yourself. One of the main reasons I wanted to be part of the CAMILLA family is very much because of Jane McNally, its CEO. From the moment I met her, I knew she had a kind, loving and nurturing way, and a witty sense of humour. She’s also an extraordinary visionary and it all resonated with me. When I walked through the front doors of CAMILLA on my first day, Jane, Camilla Franks, the executive team and the rest of the CAMILLA family made me feel at home and instantly at ease – I could be myself. Jane’s approach, even on the gloomiest of days, is to embrace positivity and create a space where you feel valued and safe, even as a senior leader. The business has so many talented individuals who inspire me daily, and who I’m constantly learning from, which makes it a pleasure to be a part of.”

THE WAY TO GREAT LEADERSHIP: “Holding the customer at the heart of everything is fundamental to success. Giving your team a voice, whether that be through sharing ideas or opinions or how we can further elevate the brand, is also so important. What I’ve seen in all the businesses I’ve been in, is that there are so many talented individuals, from casuals through to senior leaders, and it’s about giving everyone a seat at the table to have a voice. This encourages innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets which, in turn, leads to game-changing initiatives. Finally, it’s about being confident in who you are as a brand and what you stand for. Have the courage to stay in your lane and do it with conviction.”

?EMPATHY IS KEY: “I’m a people-first leader, always encouraging camaraderie and collaboration. I genuinely care for my team because there’s no bigger success than seeing them succeed. That’s what inspires me and gets me out of bed in the morning. More so recently, particularly with the pandemic and remote working, people are dealing with their own battles and challenges, whether that be managing kids at home or financial woes – everyone’s been impacted. I think what’s important as a leader now is to wrap your arms around your team and keep them close to ensure they feel protected; that they’re feeling warmth and kindness. It’s never been more important.”

?HAVE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK: “I motivate my team by taking the time to listen. This fuels innovative ideas and allows them to think outside the box when it comes to driving the business further. I also find positive leadership really works. By having a positive outlook, even in the darkest of days, and allowing them to make mistakes, it really gets them motivated and keeps them engaged. And finally, allowing them to be the best versions of themselves. Really leveraging their strengths but at the same time identifying their blind spots. It’s just about them being their true authentic selves.”

?LET’S STAY PHYSICAL: “I believe there will always be a place for bricks and mortar stores because we still need disruptive spaces that encourage curiosity and intrigue. This allows consumers to get up close and personal, to feel the heartbeat or the engine room of the brand. We’ve all seen the acceleration of digital since living through lockdowns which means stores have become endless aisles. Our stores will be showroom spaces alongside hubs to connect with and feel part of the brand’s community.”

?IT’S ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE: “Having lived through having COVID-19 last year, being in and out of hospital, I asked the doctor whether I’d recover and his response was, ‘All I can do is flip a coin and hope it lands on the right side.’ When you’re staring at your own mortality, it really puts things into perspective. Being away from home for six years, doing a stint in the Middle East and one in Europe, it makes you realise what’s important. You could have a million bucks in the bank but if you don’t have your health, or you don't feel grounded with your family and friends – the people who underpin you as an individual – then it all means nothing. So that was the main catalyst for me to move back home to Australia. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, with Sydney not a bad backdrop to call home. There’s really nothing like being back in Oz – it’s the best decision I’ve made in a very long time. I’m much more of a board shorts and a tank kind of guy as opposed to boots and a jacket living in London.”

Take Five

?Favourite quote/mantra?

If you look after your people, they will look after the rest.

Who do you turn to for advice?

Definitely my parents. They’re not only great role models, but also pivotal in keeping me grounded and focused. And when there’s a challenging time in my life, be that personal or professional, their advice always comes from a place of love. They always put things into perspective for me.

How do you unwind/destress?

By being mindful. I’ll go for a walk around the harbour or along the beach and physically challenge myself to see things I haven’t noticed before. It might be what someone is wearing, a certain flower that’s blossomed, a dog that’s playing in the park or a boat in the Bay. I’m fully immersed in that moment.

Do you have a favourite CAMILLA piece?

I wouldn’t say a favourite, per se… I draw inspiration from each of the prints because of the story that’s behind them. Each story is amazing and unique and really connects to my soul.

Describe yourself in three words?

Empathetic, collaborative and driven.

?