February 23, 2016 is the day when I first met Marine Lemonnier-Brennan communication luminary in the world of luxury watches.

I was one of the few lucky ones to have been invited to a luncheon with Jean-Claude Biver, then CEO of TAG Heuer. We were there to discover and discuss the brand’s newest and most exciting technologies, and as always my intention was to dig deeper and meet the person behind the brand to pick his brain the best I could during our short time together. I’m proud to say that it was a Mission Accomplished! (click on the link above for the full story)

But let me back up a little…

The person who made this luncheon possible, the brain behind it, was the lady I’m about to introduce to you, Marine Lemonnier-Brennan, then Head of PR/Communications at TAG Heuer. Without knowing who she was, I went up to her and introduced myself (not that unusual!). We immediately clicked – maybe me speaking French helped my cause but I want to think that it was more than that.

What struck me the most was her warm and welcoming disposition. Marine was extremely attentive. When speaking to you, she looks into your eyes, as opposed to having one ear in the conversation, another one with someone else all the while overseeing the smooth running of the event. Evidently, given the nature of her job, she most likely did all that, but in such a way that never made me feel less than.

We exchanged a few words and that was it! We each went on living our lives and doing our thing. Thankfully, the nature of what I do brought us together again. Anytime I reached out to Marine about an idea I was working on, she listened and facilitated whenever possible without hesitation. For example, I got to sit with Mr. Biver and Patrick Dempsey (no need for introductions!) for my Failure project, I got to interview Fabienne Lupo , President of the Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie, for my Leading Ladies series and last but not least, I got to do something really fun with Street Artist Alec Monopoly!

Not so shabby right?

I was very sad a couple of years ago when Marine announced her retirement. What? Why? How would anyone do what she did so well, with such integrity and love? Tough shoes to fill!

But then only a few months later, I was so happy to hear that she was back in business!

I wanted to interview her for a while before asking her and I’m glad I finally did! What a wonderful way for Discover Out Loud to close this decade.

Meet Marine Lemonnier-Brennan

What are you up to these days?

As a very interesting and rewarding year draws to a close I’m taking a few days off between Christmas and the New Year to recharge my batteries. I’m getting ready for 2020 and a number of beautiful and challenging projects in watchmaking. I so look forward to it!

What was your dream job as a kid and why?

In those days all I ever wanted was to be in and around the stables all day, ride horses and take care of them. My passion landed me a job with the French Equestrian Federation and it’s been PR and communications ever since. With a little horseback riding here and there, but only too rarely these days.

Define a leader. What are some traits you think great leaders possess?

Great leaders always have a clear goal and actually draw strength from their conviction and determination to achieve that goal.

How is it to be a woman in a seemingly male dominated industry?

I believe in the principle of equality between men and women and that there should not be a hierarchy. It takes both to make this world work, after all. Ultimately, it’s about results and realising that bringing different viewpoints together leads to better results.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? 

Sexism is still very much alive. Fortunately, the younger generations are so much more open, more confident.

How do you not let fear or disbelief take stock of you?

I’ve always been very positive in the way I see and approach things.

There are always positive things in any situation.

How do you keep the bigger picture in mind even if you don’t know how to get to it?

I go for a walk to clear my head and find a path.

Have you ever failed? What did you learn from it?

I screw up like everybody else. When it happens to me, I’ve simply learned that we have to rely on people who love us, and share with a caring environment that sees things in us that we no longer perceive. You have to be able to forgive yourself, to take a step back. We have to allow ourselves to take time for ourselves, and not deprive ourselves, out of pure guilt, by believing that we don’t deserve it. Then, once we’re calm and collected, when the emotion has subsided, we can ask ourselves what we did wrong. And then, with a small dose of resilience, we can finally reap the fruits of this learning. In fact, all it takes is that small dose of resilience to perceive the gift that lies in this failure. So then you can ask yourself, what am I getting out of this, what did I learn about myself that I didn’t know before?

What is one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Be caring with your entourage, make sure that those who join you are fulfilled. They will give you their best.

I learned this from Jean-Claude Biver, whom I had the privilege and great joy to work with. I learned a lot from him.

How has the industry changed these last years and where do you think it’s going? (PR / watch ind)

We are witnessing an industry that is becoming increasingly consolidated, with large groups presiding over the destinies of the brands they buy and/or manage. We are not like fashion or cosmetics, running shoes or a luxury anti-wrinkle cream. Watchmaking is still an industry very strongly rooted in craftsmanship, as well as engineering, aesthetic know-how and a very important human dimension. We talk about such and such a watchmaker who has achieved such and such a feat, or about such and such a brand that has developed such and such a remarkable complication thanks to its team led by such and such a person… It is  authentic storytelling that makes the Swiss watch industry so unique. With large groups that can potentially leave too much to marketing, this authenticity could gradually disappear. And the risk is to saw off the industry we are all sitting on.

What woman inspires you and why?

There are so many. Ellen deGeneres is one of them. She came out, at the risk of losing everything, in an entertainment industry she knew would never forgive her. Through her talent and determination, she made a comeback. She is more successful than ever today.

Simone Weil, through her courage in a hostile and macho political context. She too could have lost everything.

Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States. Such a force of inspiration.

These three women have one thing in common: they faced an incredibly hostile environment and they proved greater than their detractors.

You retired a couple of years ago but decided to come back. Why did you want to retire and why did you come back?

I had lost the pleasure of working.

After 3 months, I realised that I couldn’t be happy without working.

I’ve always loved working! Because I love what I do!

I work even more than before. And I’ve never been happier than I am today.

What is the One thing you want to achieve more than anything before you decide to retire (for real!)

I never set goals or objectives for myself. I have always moved forward as I meet people.

What advice will you give the younger you and the younger generation?

Identify a person you admire in your environment and make him or her your mentor. The best way to learn is from someone you respect and look up to.

Do you think certificates, accolades and degrees are the most important factor to becoming successful in the world of business?

I would start with will, insight, and the ability to decide and the ability to act.

What do you want more of in your life? And Less?

I am fully satisfied today.

What is the one lesson you learned and wish to impart to the world?

Do what you love and love what you do. All else will follow.

Thank you for your generosity Marine and see you at Baselworld!

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