Every year on the second Sunday in May, we take time to acknowledge and praise the women responsible for procreating life on earth. It is our chance to recognize mothers around the world for their positive contribution to society. As we prepare to honor our mothers and other women who are a maternal figure in our lives, Haute Living spoke with seven power players and asked them, “What is the best advice their mother has given them and how it has contributed to their success today?” Below are their answers.
Sebastien Besson, CEO Champagne Armand de Brignac, says:
“My mother told me, ‘never be the big fish in the small pond. Instead, be the small fish in the ocean, as from there, you will forever grow.’ As CEO of one of the world’s most prestigious champagne collections, I am unafraid to take risks to establish a new benchmark for luxury. I constantly challenge myself and my team to push beyond the traditional and expected, in order to achieve the exceptional; the ‘never before seen’. Being uncomfortable and taking risks inspires innovation and innovation drives us forward.”
Clive Jackson, Founder & CEO of Victor, says:
“My mother told me to visualize where or what I wanted to be, and not to let my imagination become constrained by the surrounding environment. I have used this advice in my adult life time and time again, especially in navigating the highly competitive private jet industry with Victor. With my mother’s advice, I continually remind myself that success follows discipline, determination and an ability to continually adapt and evolve my vision.”
Brian Watkins, President of Ritani, says:
“My mom’s best advice was, ‘Don’t accept the norm, make your own decisions on what’s right.’ It has not always been easy advice to follow, yet very rewarding when you make your own decisions regardless of others. Like all good advice, it can be applied throughout life in so many situations. Everything from pushing back on social norms to establishing a career based on disruption, some of my fondest memories are standing for what I believed was right and knew my family would support it.”
Shannon Wilson, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Kit & Ace, says:
“My mom had three little kids and worked full time while also completing her Master’s degree. She always inspired me to work hard and follow my passion. She encouraged me to go as far as possible with my education and be committed to a career in which I could support myself.”
Cyril Delarue, US Director and seventh generation Bollinger, says:
“I could name some of the great values my mother taught me, they are all helpful today, but one thing I am very thankful for is the fact that she originally advised me not to work for the family business…her own family business! She wanted me to be free in my choices, without pressure to live out some already determined “destiny” and it has been always very helpful. Doing things my way allowed me to make my own route. In my twenties I decided to study wine and winemaking and the business and being able to do it on my own terms led me to fall in love with it organically. I would soon realize how special Champagne Bollinger and our family business really is and was drawn back to it but I’ll never have to wonder if it was the right choice.”
Emily Culp, CMO of Keds, says her mom taught her the golden rule:
“Treat people how you would like to be treated.”
Rob Goldberg, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Tommy Bahama, says:
“I remember well my mother sitting me down after the holidays and birthdays to handwrite thank you notes for the presents I had received from friends and family. She herself was always a prolific letter writer and still at the age of 90 writes thank you notes to loved ones. She taught me how important it is to let people know that you not only appreciate what they’ve done but that you appreciate their love and friendship. In today’s digital world I’ve come to realize that if you really let people know how you feel by sending a handwritten note they will truly understand the depths of your gratitude. As a matter of fact, I think I should write a thank you note to my Mom for teaching me such a valuable lesson!”
