In the world of beauty and cosmetics, where brands rise and fall with the tides of trends, Mary van Praag stands out as a true force of nature. Her journey with Milani Cosmetics is a testament to her unique leadership style and an inspiring tale of transformation.
The Magic of Mary van Praag
When Mary van Praag joined Milani Cosmetics as CEO in 2020, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a reputation for brand turnarounds. And true to her initials, she has indeed worked magic, steering the brand towards unprecedented growth and buzz in the mass makeup industry. But what's her secret sauce?
A Journey of Transformation
Mary's career path is a fascinating one, marked by a relentless curiosity and an embrace of change. She's moved 17 times, worked in various channels, and immersed herself in diverse brand cultures. This rich tapestry of experiences has shaped her into a leader who values new perspectives and individual growth. As she puts it, "I'm not fearful of change."
One of her key inspirations is Sarah Blakely, the creator of Spanx and Sneex. Mary admires Blakely's risk-taking spirit, her trust in instincts, and her openness about failures being a part of the journey. This mindset of embracing setbacks as growth opportunities is something Mary carries with her.
Cultivating Leadership, Creating Magic
Mary's approach to leadership is all about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and supported, yet also challenged. It's this unique blend that, in her words, "creates the magic." When she joined Milani, Mary rebuilt the team and strategy from the ground up, fostering a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit with a results-oriented focus.
One of her initiatives is the quarterly mentor circle, where she invites diverse guests, from authors to CEOs, for fireside chats open to the entire company. This platform not only provides valuable insights but also demonstrates Mary's commitment to hearing diverse opinions and perspectives. As she says, "I don't have all the answers."
The Meaning of Achievement
Mary's perspective on achievement has evolved over her career. She once thought of success as climbing the corporate ladder, but now, she finds joy in the journey itself. She loves the process of transforming businesses and teams, and this passion is what keeps her going, even through the taxing aspects of her job. For Mary, work is integrated with her life, bringing personal, professional, and holistic fulfillment.
In her own words, "You have to have complete joy."
Mary van Praag's story is a reminder that leadership is about more than just results. It's about creating an environment where people can thrive, where their voices are heard, and where the magic of collaboration and growth can truly happen.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the way Mary has infused her personal values and experiences into her leadership style, creating a unique and inspiring brand of leadership.
