Leena Nair, Global CEO, Chanel

This episode explores Leena Nair's journey as a trailblazing leader, from her unconventional upbringing in India to becoming the global CEO of Chanel. Against the backdrop of societal expectations and gender biases, Nair recounts early challenges, including being underestimated and facing concerns about her marriage prospects due to her ambition. More significantly, she emphasizes the importance of resilience, affirmations, and mentorship in overcoming obstacles, highlighting how she sought guidance from role models outside her immediate circle. As the discussion pivoted to her career, Nair shared her transition from engineering to human resources, driven by a passion for inspiring and connecting with people, eventually leading to her role as the global Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever. In contrast to her long tenure at Unilever, Nair's decision to join Chanel was unexpected, taking nine months to accept the offer due to her loyalty to Unilever. The conversation also covered Chanel's commitment to sustainability, philanthropy through the Chanel Foundation, and adapting to new consumer preferences while maintaining the brand's mystique. Emerging industry patterns reflected in Nair's leadership include prioritizing human connection, ethical AI implementation, and a long-term vision focused on making a positive impact on the world.