ITALIAN BEAUTY SEES LEADERSHIP LESSONS IN THE U.S.

When it comes to female-led beauty brands worldwide, there continues to be cultural, and gender divides, which presents opportunities to learn from those who have met the challenge. In the U.S the significant shift of women stepping into C-Suite roles in the beauty and wellness industry has caught the eye of Italian leaders. This is particularly true with indie-beauty brands, which have emerged as disruptors and innovators, often founded by female entrepreneurs who discovered a niche and filled it.
Italy has not been quite as fast to break tradition and cultural norms regarding women in executive leadership. If you’ve ever attended CosmoProf Bologna, you’ve seen beautiful booths filled with fashionable men and women in designer clothes. Still, when it comes time to meet the big boss, you are often introduced to a sophisticated man in an exquisite suit.
There is a clear and present opportunity for women today to come together and support one another, share their knowledge, exchange viewpoints, and succeed through helping one another. This point was illuminated by The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, the first woman in Italy to hold this position, during her opening remarks at an event in NYC sponsored by The Italian Trade Commission’s ‘Beauty Made In Italy’ program and Italian Beauty Council. Ms. Zappia stressed the need for institutions in Italy to support female entrepreneurs and leaders.
On the heels of International Women’s Month, we joined the intimate group of beauty veterans gathered at the Italian Trade Agenc in NYC to discuss the challenges Italian women have in leadership roles at Italian beauty brands. The conversation compared and contrasted perceptions and attitudes in leading a business in the U.S. versus their home country of Italy.
Samantha Barry, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour facilitated the lively conversation. Panelists included three female beauty executives at the top of their game, leading or founding an Italian beauty brand;
Elisa Giraudi, CEO of Perlier,
Annalisa Zanoni, Founder at Glamove
Lucrezia Del Papa, Head of Business Development at Olivella.
