Livia Wang is chief brand officer at Access Group, parent company for a wide range of beauty brands such as Napoleon Perdis, Dr Lewinn’s, Hunter Lab and more. Here, we chat with the chief brand officer about leadership, her business heroes and what she wanted to be when she was growing up. Describe your perfect workday. It starts from looking through my diary. I have a lot of meetings: 12 to 15 is normal for one day. But then I scan my schedule and see the names of great people — people I kn
ople I know who will want to talk about disruptive businesses or ideas, great technology or content, or maybe there’s a challenge to fix — and it’s terrific. I love seeing my diary full of people I want to meet. It feels like you can conquer the world.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A PR specialist because they help shape people’s perceptions — whether it’s a brand, company, or individual. A good PR person determines the ‘truth’ of the brand — the things people need to know.
How would you describe yourself as a leader and what are some of your strengths?
People tell me I have a good emotional connection and that I’m generally perceived as warm and approachable. Humility is also very important to me. I’m very driven, determined and motivated for success, but I still see my success as being able to recognise the perspectives of different stakeholders involved in our business and understand how all elements of the model work together. I treat everyone as equals and I am a big believer that if people don’t love what they do, they won’t achieve their best.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I don’t want to swap jobs! I don’t want to do what anyone else is doing! I love what I do. Next question!
What books/podcasts/music/magazines/blogs are you checking out right now?
I’m obsessed with the MasterClass series — it’s an online learning platform where you can access world-famous experts across a zillion categories. Film, business, writing, styling, cooking … you can learn from the world’s best in just 10 minutes, across a wide range of subjects. Think super-successful people selling their secrets: I love it.
Who are your business heroes and why?
It is Yunpeng Yin, founder of CommonWealth Magazine where I got my first job. She was a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and known for interviewing many influential politicians and business leaders. She is now in her 80s but her bravery, energy and determination to break news and share the truth in current affairs continues, and I am truly inspired by her determination to keep doing it for so long.
