PEAKLIFE
04-Jul-2025
From Samsung, Viator to MAC Cosmetics, PEAKLIFE delves into WIN’s standout voices to decode their leadership styles and the mindsets that drive them.
At the heart of Cannes Lions 2025—where the world gathers to celebrate the power of creativity—the Women Inspiring Network (WIN) curated a powerful space for women leaders to share their voices, visions, and values. Held at the iconic Hotel Martinez, the WIN Lounge brought together women in leadership from global giants like Snap Inc., Spotify, M·A·C Cosmetics, Samsung, and more, to lead conversations on inclusive innovation, sustainability, marketing, and purpose-driven leadership.
Born during the pandemic, WIN has rapidly become a female-forward force at influential global gatherings—from Davos to Climate Week New York and now Cannes. With fireside chats, panels, and networking sessions, the WIN Lounge proved once again that when women lead the conversation, transformation follows.
Each leader who took the stage at Cannes brought a personal leadership philosophy—one rooted not only in boardroom strategy but in empathy, identity, community, and courage. PEAKLIFE delves into WIN’s standout voices from the event to decode their leadership styles and the mindsets that drive them.
1. Adrianne C. Smith, Founder of the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective and Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at FleishmanHillard, shared how she leads with authenticity and action. “Don’t talk about it. Be about it,” she said, describing how her initiatives like Inkwell Beach – Davos create space for inclusive voices at global stages.
2. For Aïda Moudachirou-Rebois, SVP, Global GM MAC the idea of belonging is deeply personal. From being denied service at beauty counters to leading one of the world’s most inclusive beauty brands, her story is a lesson in empathy and persistence. “True leadership is about creating space, making others feel like they belong, listening, and showing up with authenticity.”
3. At Samsung, Antonia Faulkner, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, reflected on how motherhood shaped her leadership style. “Trust is the foundation of all strong teams,” she noted, highlighting the importance of communication and empathy in managing global teams, especially in a hybrid work world.
4. Alexis Williams, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Stagwell, stressed the importance of clarity, trust, and bold thinking. “The best work happens when people are empowered and given space to think big,” she shared.
5. Asha Shivaji, CEO and Co-Founder of SeeMeIndex, spoke of re-framing pressure with an abundance mindset. “I remind myself: how lucky I am to be this full—with purpose, passion, and the opportunity to lead,” she said, underscoring the power of inclusion and asking for help along the way.
6. Jenny Penich, President, North America at Influencer, focused on building diverse, agile teams that break silos. “Success is never a solo effort,” she said, explaining how her “perfect pods” model integrates creator management with client service to drive impact.
7. Carmela Luzzi, Senior Brand Director, Viator shared how she fosters future-ready teams by balancing empathy with performance. “I push my team to see their potential beyond perceived limits,” she said, describing her role in scaling personalisedcreative through AI-powered systems.
8. Emily Rickard, CEO, Buck offered a personal take: “I lead with grace, vulnerability, and authenticity. It’s not just a value—it’s my superpower,” she said, crediting motherhood and early role models for shaping her emotional intelligence in leadership.
9. Shelley V. Worrell, founder of I AM CARIBBEING, illustrated the cultural power of inclusion. From partnerships with Diageo to programs amplifying the Global Black Diaspora at Cannes, her leadership celebrates identity, representation, and global community.
Each of these women didn’t just share business strategies, they shared blueprints for impact. From Paris to New York, from Benin to Seoul, their stories show that the future of leadership is not just about numbers, but about nurturing people, celebrating differences, and creating lasting change.
As the curtains close on Cannes 2025, the message from the WIN Lounge is clear: leadership, when redefined through the lens of empathy, equity, and creativity, becomes a force that truly inspires!
