In Conversation with Allie Egan
Tell us about your background:
I am the Founder and CEO of the newly launched skincare and wellness brand, Veracity. We are a totally new platform that seeks to take the mystery out of skincare by identifying root causes rather than treating symptoms. We do this by creating a personal skincare experience, based on real data about hormones and other biofactors that impact skin and health, through our at-home Skin + Health Test. Before founding Veracity, I was the CEO of the iconic fashion brand, Cynthia Rowley. Prior to Cynthia, I worked in marketing and e-commerce at Estée Lauder where I managed La Mer, Clinique, and Origins. “In my previous life” as I like to say, I was an investor in consumer businesses, such as beauty and personal care, at L Catterton.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
The most successful people rarely have a perfect career path. I kept trying to map out my ideal road to success, but not all career moves are linear. My professional life began with investment banking for insurance companies, which led me to other opportunities working with consumer brands. This experience helped me gain functional expertise as well as a better sense of my passions and interests. In approaching new opportunities with an open and embracing attitude, I opened myself up to the best opportunities long-term. I wish I had known to have patience and confidence, and that while your immediate role may not be your dream, it can ultimately help you in the right direction towards achieving it.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Who you work with matters. Your day-to-day experiences, as well as long-term relationships and opportunities, are mostly dependent on the company you keep. Many of my former bosses continue to support me with Veracity and that has enabled me to bring my dreams to life.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Humility - a constant willingness to learn from your team even if you are the one leading it.
Empathy - an understanding of others’ perspectives that may even open you up to a new way of thinking.
Lead by example - if you put in the time and effort people will notice and follow suit.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
I started this business 3 months pregnant and in the middle of a pandemic. If that wasn’t crazy enough, I think anytime you introduce something completely new (like testing) to an established market people will question you and that leads you to question yourself.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
A killer blazer. Some of my favs are a leather-trimmed Alice + Olivia, a herringbone Veronica Beard and, of course, my floral Cynthia Rowley blazer. They professionalize every outfit, but also show personality!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allieegan
