How Clinique’s Michelle Freyre is Empowering Tomorrow’s Latina Business Leaders

Michelle Freyre is on a mission to empower women and not just through her work at Clinique. Growing up in Puerto Rico, her parents instilled a deep value of education in her from a young age, leading her to graduate with degrees from both Yale University and Harvard Business School. Her career spans across major global brands such as PepsiCo, Johnson & Johnson, and now Clinique where she is the SVP, Global General Manager of Clinique at The Estée Lauder Companies. But where the world will really witness Michelle’s impact aside from her impressive career is through her focus on mentoring the next generation of Latina business leaders. Not taking her experience for granted, she believes in the power of mentorship so much so that she actively seeks talent within her organization to help them grow. Find out what professional pivotal moments brought Michelle to where she is today, what she invested into her health this past year that has significantly improved her focus, and the crucial life factors she takes into consideration when it comes to fair compensation. How did you get to where you are today?First and foremost, I have amazing and supportive parents who placed a high value on education. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and both of my parents escaped dictatorships in Latin America at young ages. They instilled in me the value that, while material things may be taken away at a moment’s notice, knowledge and education are indelible. Professional pivotal moments are often the scariest. Moving from Marketing to Sales was a big risk but became one of the most rewarding experiences that lasted for 8 years. Coming to Clinique and The Estée Lauder Companies was another pivotal moment as I have loved Clinique products since I was a teenager and have admired the brand competitively for years. I instinctively knew the privilege to lead this beautiful brand was an opportunity I had to grasp. Tell us about what you are doing now.I oversee 107 markets where Clinique is, in many, the #1 Prestige beauty brand. Right now, we are introducing two new products so experiencing the excitement of the consumer at launch is the best part of the job. In today’s globally connected world, we want our consumers to know that Clinique stands for the same values everywhere–simple routines with remarkable results–but also feel that we are locally connected to her in every country and in each shopping destination. How do you foster strong professional relationships as you grow in your career?I have had many mentors and professional sponsors along the way in my career who have been a key to my success, and I now feel my job is to pay it forward. I now feel my job is to pay it forward. I believe it is my responsibility as a Latina business leader to seek out the talent in my organization and help mentor them to grow; so much onus is put on young women in the workforce today to find a mentor, but I believe the executives have just as much responsibility to go find and lift them up. What’s one way you’ve invested in yourself that’s had the most impact over the course of your career? What about within the past year?My MBA from Harvard Business School was the best (and most expensive!) investment in my professional life–it set a foundation for strong leadership skills across any discipline and the diverse group of students I met set me on a course of lifelong learning. In this past year, working from home in front of my laptop all day, I bought a walking pad and now take many meetings on it throughout the day! This job is like a marathon, which demands a high level of energy at all times–walking through the day has made an enormous difference in my ability to sustain my energy and focus. How do you view work-life integration, especially now, and what advice can you share with others who may be struggling with it?The lines between work and home have been blurring for years, and a global pandemic all but erased them this year. As a mother of 5-year-old twins, I have accepted that interruptions from my family come throughout the day – but more so, I believe my role is to help normalize this and serve as a role model for my team. Can you recall a situation where you've dealt with typecasting in the workplace? And what advice do you have for other women on how to overcome typecasting at work?Once in a presentation course, I was told that I speak too much with my hands–which is a cultural norm as a Latina. I became a bit self-conscious of this for a while but ultimately found that as my confidence grew so did my conviction in being my truest self at work. In order to do your best work, you must be your most authentic self and you need to work in a place where you feel comfortable showing up as you! What’s one tip you can share or something you’ve learned on how to handle salary negotiations or raises?Know that compensation comes in many forms, not just salary. A flexible work schedule, vacation time, paid maternity leave, commuting time and passion for your work¬-these are all forms of compensation that are not just focused on dollars. Finding the right fit for your life in a job you love will make you happier than chasing the highest salary, every time. Who has helped you in your journey and how did they help shape your career?Early in my career, Michael McNamara, who was Global President of Neutrogena at the time, pushed me to take career risks and learn new areas of the business. Sometimes you need someone looking at you from the outside to help you maximize your true potential. My most important mentor is Jeff Smith, former Company Group Chairman North America for J&J. He always believed in me, challenged me, and championed me professionally, but also supported and encouraged me so that I could achieve my personal goals, including becoming a Mom. I am enormously grateful for both their mentorship and friendship. What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received?No one grows only vertically in their career! Zigzag through your career to gain experience across many disciplines and be open to lateral moves. Zig zag through your career to gain experience. Modern career paths are not just siloed in one discipline anymore and my experience shifting from Marketing to Sales has made me a stronger leader by understanding the company from many vantage points. What does success mean for you?Whether that is being a good wife, mother, daughter, friend–I want to be present, supportive, and impactful without the pressure to be perfect. I want my children to be happy, healthy, and thrive in today’s world. Similarly, in my professional life, I strive for Clinique to be impactful in women and men’s everyday lives. I also aspire to be a mentor and sponsor diverse talent at The Estée Lauder Companies and to create a culture at Clinique where everyone can bring their most authentic self to work. How We Are Rosie Founder Created a Business Built on Inclusivity and Meaning

Women Trailblazers

How Clinique’s Michelle Freyre is Empowering Tomorrow’s Latina Business Leaders

The SVP and Global General Manager shares why proactive mentorship is critical in paving the way for diverse talent

Luz Corona

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Luz Corona