MBS Inspiration
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The MBS Group
is one of the world’s leading executive search firms operating exclusively in Retail, Consumer and relevant technologies, and the most successful sector-specialist firm in the UK
Maitre d’Art
It’s been a stimulating week for me as I hosted a breakfast with journalist Liz Bolshaw, who writes a great blog for the Financial Times called “Women at the Top”, on the topic of “Who wants to be a CEO in 2012?”. Over the last six months, I have noticed that more and more extremely talented leaders are losing the appetite for working in big, corporate companies. Instead, they are increasingly opting for a blend of non-executive director and part-time roles in more entrepreneurial, fledgling companies in which they can invest and add value with their many years of experience. For some, the demands of the job do not outweigh the considerable benefits.
The corporate world still has much to offer, and many continue to see these issues as challenges rather than obstacles. Big business continues to provide many people with a culture that they can flourish in, whilst smaller companies must prove to top executives that they can provide the framework for long-term growth.
It’s interesting, because last week I met Xaviere de Royere, who worked at the LVMH Group for nearly 15 years. Last year, he left and joined a small, one-man band that was making luxury, handmade footwear in a little workshop in Paris. At the time, Pierre Corthay was struggling to make ends meet. Xavier saw the potential, seized the opportunity and is loving every minute of it! In 18 months, they have the small original store in Paris (where you can see the shoes being made), four stores in Japan, a store in Hong Kong, a number of wholesale accounts around the globe, including Harrods and, from tomorrow, their first UK store in London’s Motcombe Street.
Pierre Corthay, the only men’s shoemaker to have been awarded the Maitre d’Art distinction by the French Ministry of Culture, creates timeless shoes of the very highest standards imaginable. Their biggest problem is keeping up with the demand! The shoes are hand made in Paris and they will not compromise on quality. Xavier has the support of many of his ex-colleagues and friends from LVMH, who clearly want to help and see the brand do well. Bryan Adams just shot his advertising campaign and Tim Jeffries, a Pierre Corthay customer, took time out of his busy schedule to appear in them. Of course, Xavier has many challenges, but they are different from the challenges that he faced in the corporate world.
Go and check out the new Corthay store and let me know what you think, moira@thembsgroup.co.uk. Have a great week-end.
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