How to Master Industry Transitions: Woman Leader's Perspective

Celine leads FWD Group’s Brand & Marketing function, driving its positioning as a challenger brand that empowers customers to “Celebrate living.” With over than 20 years of marketing experience in automotive, luxury, FMCG and fashion, she has extensive consumer knowledge and innovation to support the trailblazing brand of FWD and growth.

In a thought-provoking interview with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Celine shares her experience of transitioning from the luxury fashion world to insurance. She shares lessons on adaptability, trust, and leadership. Her experiences brought to light how change can make women lead the pack with strength, genuineness, and timeless influence in industries.

To know more about her transformative journey and leadership insights, read the full interview below.

What inspired from move from the world of luxury fashion to insurance? What surprised you most when you stepped into the insurance space?

Transitioning from luxury fashion to insurance was driven by my desire to explore new challenges and make a meaningful impact in a different industry. The insurance sector offers the opportunity to provide security and peace of mind to individuals, which is incredibly rewarding. What surprised me most was the complexity and the critical role of trust in this industry. Unlike luxury fashion, where aspiration drives consumer behavior, insurance relies heavily on building and maintaining trust with clients. This shift required me to adapt my leadership style to focus more on transparency, reliability, and long-term relationships.

What did this move teach you about the kind of leadership women bring when they take on challenges outside their comfort zone?

This move taught me that women bring a unique blend of resilience, empathy, and adaptability when they step outside their comfort zones. Women leaders often excel in navigating uncharted territories by leveraging their ability to connect with people on a deeper level and their willingness to embrace change. This transition reinforced the importance of being open to new experiences and the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and growth. It also highlighted the strength and determination that women possess when faced with new challenges.

Luxury thrives on aspiration, while insurance is built on trust and reassurance. How did you adapt your leadership style to carry lessons from one world into the other?

Adapting my leadership style involved integrating the aspirational elements of luxury fashion with the trust-based foundation of insurance. I focused on creating a brand narrative that emphasized both the aspirational aspects of achieving financial security and the reassurance that our products provide. This meant fostering a culture of excellence and innovation while ensuring that our communications were transparent and trustworthy. By blending these elements, I was able to create a cohesive strategy that resonated with our clients and reinforced our brand's values.

Was there a moment in this transition where listening to diverse and especially women’s voices helped you shape a campaign or decision differently?

Absolutely. Listening to diverse voices, especially those of women, has been instrumental in shaping our campaigns and decisions. One particular moment that stands out was during the development of a campaign aimed at promoting financial literacy among women. By incorporating feedback from women across different cultural backgrounds, we were able to create a campaign that was not only inclusive but also resonated deeply with our target audience. This experience underscored the importance of diversity in leadership and the value of inclusive decision-making processes.

Change can be intimidating, especially for women leaders stepping into uncharted industries. What personal practices or mindset shifts helped you stay confident through this big career move?

Embracing change required a combination of personal practices and mindset shifts. I focused on continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends and best practices. This helped me feel more confident and prepared to tackle new challenges. Additionally, I adopted a growth mindset, viewing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and development. Surrounding myself with a supportive network of mentors and peers also played a crucial role in maintaining my confidence and resilience throughout this transition.

LAST WORD: Advice for Young Women Leaders Transitioning into New Industries

My advice to young women leaders is to embrace change with an open mind and a fearless attitude. Stepping into new industries can be daunting, but it is also an opportunity for tremendous growth and learning. Trust in your abilities and be willing to take risks. Surround yourself with a supportive network and seek out mentors who can guide you along the way. Remember that every challenge is a chance to build resilience and expand your horizons. Embrace the journey and believe in your potential to make a difference.