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4 Questions with a WJA Visionary: Mercedes Abramo
National Jeweler spoke with this year’s Awards for Excellence recipients about their career paths, the industry today and more. Featured today: the president and CEO of Cartier North America.
Mercedes Abramo, president and CEO of Cartier North America, said rather than focus on what women don’t do as leaders, companies should focus on their strengths, like managing ambiguity.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association changed the format of its Awards for Excellence gala this year.
Instead of voting on nominees in more than a dozen categories and revealing the winners live at the event, the WJA pre-selected three individuals and one corporation/organization to recognize with the first WJA Visionary Awards.
Prior to the jewelry event Monday night in New York, National Jeweler asked each of the recipients about their career paths, their mentors, the jewelry industry today and more.
Third in our WJA Q&A Visionary series: Mercedes Abramo, the president and CEO of Cartier North America.
National Jeweler: You started your career in the jewelry industry in 2003. Can you discuss the differences in corporate culture as a woman then, versus now?
Mercedes Abramo: Women’s leadership is a cause that I’m very passionate about and something that has served as a continual source of drive and inspiration throughout my career. While it is important to note that the jewelry industry—which primarily services a female client base–has always been quite open to women, there is still room for improvement. Looking back, I can certainly see the evolution and progress women have made in the corporate world during my time within the industry, but I also recognize the work that still needs to be done.
Women and men together need to work to shape and define the new norms of workplace culture in today’s corporate environment. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of an organization like Cartier that supports, mentors and encourages both women and men to lead, and I’m excited to see how we will continue to grow and evolve in this area in the years to come.
NJ: What is the biggest challenge facing women in C-suite positions, particularly in the jewelry industry, today?
MA: We often talk about what women don’t do, like self-promote or take risks. As referenced in the Korn Ferry Institute’s study, “Women CEOs Speak,” I believe it’s important that we start talking about what women do better than average, like managing ambiguity.
I’m most hopeful that the current conversation will result in the recognition of the unique traits women bring to the workplace—empathy, resilience, managerial courage, team building, appreciation for others—as valuable strengths, on par with strategy and financial acumen.
NJ: What advice would you give to a young woman starting out in a career in the jewelry industry right now?
MA:
My advice to women starting their career would be to explore as many different aspects of the industry as possible. Start out in retail and spend a few years learning everything you can, from sales to operations to management. It’s important to really get to know your customer. Though you may ultimately want to work in marketing, merchandising or communications, learning how to manage and lead a team is key.
From a personal perspective, choose your life partner wisely. Business can be intense; make sure you have a strong support system to provide balance as you work to achieve your career goals.
NJ: What has been the most memorable jewelry event of your career?
MA: In October of 2017, in celebration of our newest high jewelry collection, Cartier hosted a black-tie gala for our clients on Governor’s Island in New York City. We built a stunning glass structure from the ground up, which offered gorgeous, nighttime views of the city skyline, and hosted more than 100 people for a seated dinner and special musical performance. The planning, organization and logistical challenges we faced were immense, but the effect was amazing, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display next to the Statue of Liberty. We always aim to create “exceptional moments” for our clients, and this event was certainly a highlight!
From a personal perspective, choose your life partner wisely. Business can be intense; make sure you have a strong support system to provide balance as you work to achieve your career goals.
NJ: What has been the most memorable jewelry event of your career?
MA: In October of 2017, in celebration of our newest high jewelry collection, Cartier hosted a black-tie gala for our clients on Governor’s Island in New York City. We built a stunning glass structure from the ground up, which offered gorgeous, nighttime views of the city skyline, and hosted more than 100 people for a seated dinner and special musical performance. The planning, organization and logistical challenges we faced were immense, but the effect was amazing, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display next to the Statue of Liberty. We always aim to create “exceptional moments” for our clients, and this event was certainly a highlight!
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