Nathalie Gerschtein: Playing in the ‘Growth Zone’ and Unleashing Human Magic

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Episode Recap:
Marcel speaks with Nathalie Gerschtein, President of L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division in North America. Nathalie discussed her journey as a leader and her experiences moving up the ranks. They also explored topics such as psychological safety, unleashing human magic, and the concept of love as a leadership strategy, with Nathalie sharing her experiences as a mother working abroad and her journey to becoming the first woman to lead L'Oréal's Consumer Products Division in North America. Nathalie emphasized the need for women to remain ambitious, not apologize for their drive, and to be open to learning from others. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the importance of leading with love and ambition in the workplace.
[6:04] The leaders that rose to the top during the pandemic are those who quickly figured out how to come together as a team, even in a remote setting. Guest Nathalie Gershetin explains how she adapted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: “Sometimes pivot is perfection. We’re not going to get everything right, but we have to be really tight as a team.”
[8:40] Nathalie elaborates on the concept of the growth zone, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between extending oneself to try new things and learning, even through failure, while maintaining grace and allowing time for growth. “If we stay static and remain always in our comfort zone, we don’t learn anything. But if we stretch ourselves too much, then we are in the panic zone all the time, and we won’t be able to learn as much.”
[14:50] Marcel poses an intriguing question to Nathalie: How does psychological safety within a corporate team affect the consumer? Nathalie reveals that psychological safety is the key to fostering innovation and creative thinking. “Either we get comfortable and we always use the same 'recipe,’ but then we’re not going to give the best to our consumers OR we really debate ideas and decide if this is the best innovation.”
[16:50] What is "Love in Action" to Nathalie? She describes it as the concept of being a "Learn It All Leader," not a "Know It All Leader." Nathalie underscores the importance of empathetic leadership that integrates love and learning into practice. “I’m not here to explain to my team everything they should do, how they should do it, and what is the best way to get everything right. I am here to be wisdom on the journey of learning, and I am here to also learn from them.”
[25:15] Many leaders are parents, and being candid about that can make you a better leader! Nathalie shares how her vulnerability as a working and traveling mother empowers her team members facing similar challenges. “I talk about my daughter at the office, and I think it's good because it enables other women to talk about it. It is not a taboo…I am a mother.”
[27:50] Nathalie offers advice for young women entering the industry and pursuing leadership roles. She emphasizes the need to shift paradigms and encourage women to embrace boldness and imperfection. “Remain ambitious and don’t apologize for your ambition.”
[33:16] Key Takeaway: Nathalie inspires listeners to prioritize their employees as a cornerstone of success. “In order to be successful in the marketplace, you have to be successful in the workplace.”
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The Love in Action Podcast is part of a global movement that inspires leaders to create human-centered and humane workplaces where people and businesses flourish. The show is heard in 160 countries and is ranked in the top 2% of all podcasts. If you like what you hear, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
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