In Conversation with Audrey Croci
Tell us about your background:
From French parents, I was raised and educated in Monaco. After college, I moved to Paris to join the Cartier Parisian headquarters as a global (then senior) brand manager in their accessories division. In this role, I oversaw men and women accessories from design to launch and was in charge of their product strategy & development, merchandising, go-to-market strategies (products were released worldwide) and P&L.
After 5 years at Cartier, I moved to the USA for my MBA program at Harvard Business School. During my time there, I served as the co-president of the Luxury Goods and Retail Club as well as worked as a director in charge of sustainability initiatives for Vestiaire’s Collective, the European leader of pre-owned fashion. One of my projects included the obtention of the prestigious B-Corp label making Vestiaire Collective the first global fashion resale platform and the first unicorn to be certified.
Prior to my MBA and Cartier, I also had experiences working for the United Nations, Christie’s and Goldman Sachs.
I have now joined Louis Vuitton, in NYC, as a merchandising manager for the men’s shoe category covering a maternity leave.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
How to communicate smartly to influence people that have been in the company / industry for decades and who can sometimes be more opaque to different point of views. How to navigate office politics while remaining true to yourself and values.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Don’t get too low in the lows, don’t get too high in the highs.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
- drive
- vision
- empathy
- authenticity
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
My job search in the USA as, although I came from the industry, I didn’t have any deep professional connection in this market and had to start all over again. In a business which is relationship-driven, it was definitely a challenge! Yet, I got incredible support from the HBS community who helped me navigate this period.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
I am obsessed with hats. I have a large collection of them and find this accessory so chic and versatile!
