A woman breaking the glass ceiling in this day and age might not exactly be novel, but Nicole Tan’s accomplishments are surely impressive. Last year, she was appointed president and CEO of the Asia-Pacific Region for Shiseido Company, which aside from its namesake brand, also includes well-loved skincare and makeup brands such as Drunk Elephant, Cle de Peau Beaute, Nars and Laura Mercier. She is the first female chief executive in the organisation’s 149-year history.
And if you’re wondering, the 45-year-old started from the bottom. When looking for a job in the beauty industry some 20 years ago, she began by sending out physical copies of her resume to companies via registered mail – our version of cold e-mails, but with a lot more effort. She landed an entry-level position at a beauty conglomerate, but soon learnt that, contrary to the ads put out, the work behind-the-scenes was hardly ever glamorous.
“People do not realise that you have to work your way up. I remember the days when I was alone in the office packing 200 gift bags by myself. That’s where you start,” she says.
In the real world, our ability to think on our feet and solve problems also have a direct impact on how good we are at our jobs. And critical problem-solving is one of the many skills that Nicole brings to the table.
TACKLING CHALLENGES
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2021 من Her World Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2021 من Her World Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.