Recently, we spent some time talking with Christine Franklin, Area Vice President for Shiseido Cosmetics America in Dallas, Texas, who participated in the High Potentials Leadership Program. Christine started out in the cosmetics industry more than 25 years ago and since then has steadily moved up into increasingly complex leadership roles. In this interview, she shares how the program has helped her to develop greater self-awareness, adapt her leadership style to new responsibilities and challenges, and manage people more effectively at different levels of the organization.
I've been in the cosmetics industry for 25 years. Four years ago, I joined Shiseido in the role of Executive Director based out of Dallas, Texas. I was promoted to Area Vice President in July of this year which is very exciting.
I want to be the best manager and leader that I can be for my people. It was important for me to hone my skills. I currently manage 15 people who also have others reporting to them. My leadership style trickles down.
I know of several people at Shiseido who were chosen to attend HPLP. In fact, when I first arrived, Professor Hill told me that Shiseido had been supporting the program for several years. I was very fortunate to have been selected.
Before I left for HBS I had the opportunity to speak with one of my colleagues about the program. We talked a lot about how to prepare for the cases which was very helpful when I arrived on campus.
Yes, the basic case preparation was another aspect of the program that was particularly helpful for me. Not only did everyone's style of learning differ, but the way we approached each case also varied. I found this very enlightening.
We looked at the case studies piece by piece, and delved deeply into the strategies, personalities, and management styles. I have a lot of responsibilities, so it was best for me to prepare for each case right before we discussed it.
I've attended many leadership programs, but always within my own industry. A standout moment for me was how energizing it was to deal with executives from so many different cultures, industries, and countries.
The most precious gem for me was meeting different people from different walks of life and different countries. I work for a Japanese company and it was important for me to be able to see things from different points of view outside our industry and culture.
Becoming more self-aware—knowing what my purpose is at the very moment that I'm dealing with a situation or a person. Sometimes I'm more concerned about my answer that I'm not fully aware of why I'm taking a certain action. The program has helped me to be more aware of my actions and more confident in my decision making.