Episode description
Ilaria Resta is the CEO of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive luxury watch brands, renowned for its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Before leading AP, Ilaria served as President and CEO of Firmenich, a family-owned Swiss company that creates perfumes for iconic brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Hugo Boss, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion. Her career began at Procter & Gamble, where she spent 23 years shaping some of the most recognizable consumer brands, including Tide, Pantene, and Head & Shoulders. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Ilaria’s journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of luxury and leadership exemplifies her values of resilience, learning, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Ilaria offers invaluable insights into leadership, breaking barriers, and the art of building lasting relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Ilaria Resta on Love, Learning, and Legacy
01:47 – The Watch Market: Who Buys Luxury Watches and Why?
06:20 – Emotional Connections: Watches as Memory Holders and Style Statements
12:08 – Women in Watchmaking: Closing the Gender Gap in Luxury Watches
16:54 – Limited Supply: Why AP Watches Are Hard to Find and the Secondary Market
20:00 – Rule-Breaking in Watchmaking: Innovation and Pushing Boundaries
26:14 – Collaborations with Collectors and Artists: The John Mayer Example
30:00 – Work-Life Balance: Advice for Women and Men on Choosing Success
34:47 – Closing Reflections: Love What You Do, Learn Constantly, and Leave a Legacy
Resources:
Ilaria's LinkedIn
Audemars Piguet Website
Audemars Piguet Instagram
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