Brenda Wu is a highly optimistic force to be reckoned with. When the beauty vet took the helm of advanced-skincare line SkinCeuticals, in 2012, it was the highlight of an already successful career and a?one of my greatest privileges to be able to lead such a talented team and architect its growth strategy.a? The winter-sports-loving mother of threeawho carries snacks, art projects, and toys alongside product reports in her bagamay be a kid at heart (she lists ice fishing and tobogganing as serious hobbies), but when it comes to her work, she has her eyes firmly on the beauty prize. a?[Iam] focused on results. Itas important to understand challenges and context, but ultimately itas always the results that matter.a?AaJennifer Henderson
Name: Brenda Wu
Occupation: General manager at science-supported advanced-skincare line SkinCeuticals. a?Consumers are frustrated by overblown claims and disappointing results. SkinCeuticals takes the opposite approach by proving each productas efficacy through rigorous clinical trials, peer-reviewed medical journals, and most importantly, visible results.a?
From the beginning: a?I was always interested in working in beauty. The industry is constantly evolving; driven by innovation, results, and emotional connections yet it is also very strategic. You can see a long-term vision unfold over a number of years. It is both gratifying and fun to watchait doesnat even feel like work.a?
Her work ethic: a?Relentlessly results-oriented, optimistic, and always trying to look at challenges in different and creative ways.a?
The secrets of success: a?Optimism: imagining what could be possible beyond today and believing it can happen. Creativity: never being complacent and always having a vision of a better, bigger world. Relentlessness: never giving up despite the inevitable challenges, disbelievers, doubters, and setbacks.a?
Her personal style: a?Current, but classic. I like polish in an effortless way that is never contrived. I wear three things to the office every day: my wedding ring; a vintage gold menas Rolex that used to belong to my grandfather; and a large handbag in which I carry all my papers, fashion and beauty magazines, an iPad, an iPhone, and a BlackBerry. I like having different devices with different networks so I can always be connected.a?
Her must-haves: a?Health and energy! Hydration is key and has great skin benefits. I drink 10 to 12 glasses of water with lemon and honey a day. I am always thirsty. [And] Maybelline Master Drama Cream Pencil in Midnight Master. It draws a really dark black line and is the only pencil eyeliner I have ever used that does not migrate.a?A
Her skincare routine: a?I have been using SkinCeuticals for yearsaeven before I joined LaOrAal. My must-have has always been C E Ferulic. I still apply it every morning. In the summer, I use Phloretin CF with Advanced Pigment Corrector to help prevent and reduce signs of hyperpigmentation.a?
Her vision of beauty: a?Beauty is when a person is the best, truest version of her real self. We all have an underlying desire to express ourselves authentically as well as a desire to improve and evolve. Beauty encompasses both of those drives.a?
Inspiration all around: a?I find inspiration all around me and always try to bring that spirit back to the business. I travel frequently and when I experience extraordinary service, I try to understand what made the service so special. Recently, I had the most delicious and creative sushi at , in Santa Barbara, California, and found the unusual ingredient pairings to be inspirational for a future formulation.a?
Best advice: a?FrAdAric RozA, executive vice president of the Americas Zone [for LaOrAal], has always encouraged me to take the smart risk and to never take the a?safe,a obvious route. Grow and innovate or fail, and I have taken that to heart. This approach makes business much more fun, exciting, and it really drives impact.a?
In her own words: a?The world we live in is a place of abundance. I am driven to do my part to increase and share that abundance with others.a?