Embracing the new
Nathlie, a born and bred New Yorker, loves to tell the story of how her parents met when they were working in the same building. “They both love fashion and they noticed how each other was dressed,” she explains. “They raised me to believe that no matter what job you do, dress for how you feel and how you want people to treat you.”
Decades later, this native New Yorker is now in Milan, working as Global Media Senior Manager for Gucci. She oversees campaign launches all over the world whilst perfecting her Italian, exploring Europe, and adapting her New York dress sense to the streets of Milan. “It’s been a big change,” says Nathlie. “That’s the main thing I’ve learnt at Kering: you have to be ready for change.”
Nathlie’s journey into fashion began when she studied Fashion Marketing at FIT in New York, followed by her first role at an affordable luxury brand. Through networking and creating connections, she secured a position at Gucci as Digital Marketing Manager in the US HQ. Joining the Kering universe meant discovering a new and invigorating company culture: “Even at that time, Gucci was a leader in terms of diversity. There were many strong women and personalities, and I was really excited to see so much solidarity, especially amongst black women.” At Gucci, she continued developing her relationship-building skills, and met numerous senior executives who inspired her with their leadership, their ideas and passion. That sense of a company with people sparking ideas off one another stays with her today.
After four years, she seized the opportunity to relocate to Gucci’s Global HQ as Global Media Senior Manager, in Milan. A keen traveler, Nathlie soon discovered how much working for a global group could offer in terms of international experiences. “Mobility is ingrained into Kering’s DNA. I discovered a whole universe that I wasn’t previously aware of. There was Gucci in New York, but also Gucci Global in Milan, and Kering in Paris. It was so exciting to work with all these international teams and feel like I was part of something bigger. That’s when I understood just how important mobility is at Kering: it’s about sharing ideas and talents through all the sister brands, kind of like a bee pollinating.”
Today, Nathlie oversees the launch of the House’s campaigns at a global level and has gained much from the move, despite the challenges. She praises the managers, HR and Kering teams who were by her side, walking her through the process and helping her get familiarized with the job itself. Her advice for a smooth transition: “Reach out to someone within the company who has done something similar and ask them all your questions. I know this was the right choice for me: there’s definitely more opportunity in global teams.”
Her daily job in Milan involves meeting with campaign managers from all over the world and supporting them with the translation of ad campaigns to ensure consistency and adherence to the brand globally. Her career highlight was working on the Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer campaign. “We worked very hard with so many different partners to bring the campaign to life from beginning to end. The best part of my job is the variety of people I work with. Diversity is really, really important to me and I think being on the Global team is the most diverse you can get! I’m constantly working with people all around the world, from Singapore to Japan to Korea. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Three years on, Milan has become home for Nathlie. But she knows that change is inevitable within her industry. “The last five years have been a life lesson. The economy, the luxury industry… so much is in flux, and there is still more to come. But I’ve learnt to approach change without judgment: I’m willing to just ride the wave, and see what happens.”
Nathlie in 6 questions
Biggest extravagance ? Shoes. I must have over 200 pairs. It’s a problem!
Best piece of professional advice you have received ? Business is cyclical and it’s about who you are during these changes.
Motto ? I have a post-it stuck on my screen that says “It’s scary because it’s unfamiliar, not because you’re not capable. Being nervous is part of the process. Give yourself grace as you breathe.”
A word you use a lot ? As an American in Italy, I get told I say “amazing” a lot.
Your greatest achievement ? Moving to Milan, and staying.
Real life heroes ? My parents. They taught me to always look professional and always approach people with respect.
Kering
