‘Beauty is about feeling your best self’

Sharyn Wong, country general manager of Estée Lauder Companies, was appointed to her current position in Manila in 2021. She has been in the country for less than a year and was warmly welcomed in Manila. With her charm, intelligence and the positive energy she radiates, it’s no surprise she is always on the guest list of the “Who’s who” in Manila.

Sharyn is a brand expert with almost 30 years of experience in the luxury prestige beauty industry in both domestic and travel retail channels across different regions.

Early in her career with the company, she worked with a number of different ELC brands, first in the Malaysia affiliate as brand general manager of La Mer, ADF and Prescriptives, and then Clinique and Origins; and then in Singapore in the Travel Retail Division as regional brand director of Jo Malone London, Bobbi Brown, Frédéric Malle and Tom Ford Beauty.

Sharyn was then appointed VP/ GM of Travel Retail, Asia-Pacific. In 2019, she relocated to New York to take on the role of vice president/ general manager of Origins, where she focused on strengthening brand equity across all international markets in a locally relevant way.

Although she, her husband, and her two children live in different places across the globe, they make it a point to spend their holidays together as a family.

Sharyn shares with us her memorable moments on her road to success.

1. When I first landed at JFK Airport in New York for my role as global vice president and general manager for Origins, marking yet another milestone in my career with ELC. I have been with the company for over 20 years in various roles, yet each new role is still as exciting and as enriching as the first one. What kept me going in ELC is the strong family culture of the company, which provides me with more than just career success, but friendships, support, and many unforgettable moments. Stay open and curious, and always be ready to learn.

2. When we lit the Sultan Abdul Samad Building for the Breast Cancer Campaign in Malaysia. This is something that had never been done before in the market and really challenged our team to think beyond what’s possible to raise awareness and support the breast cancer community. Think big, and never stop striving to reach your goals.

3. When we mounted the successful charity Pink Ball in Manila last Oct 13. For the 30th anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, I set a vision to make it a big moment for the company as well as the community by pledging a target of P6 million. With the help of my team and like-minded partners, we exceeded our target and raised close to P10 million to fund more than 6,000 free mammograms for women in need. Everyone that worked on this charity event felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and pride, and I am so honored to have led this event. Support the communities where we live, work, and source.

4. When we celebrated a major sales milestone for ELC APAC as a team and family. After my role in Malaysia, I moved to a travel retail role, expanding my scope to a different channel in Asia-Pacific. We felt the true spirit of comradery and the recognition of the business unit. This was not only a personal career milestone but also, more importantly, an achievement for the whole team. Empower your team: teamwork makes the dream work.

(From left) Terrence, Adrian, Sharyn and Andrea Wong.

5. When I accepted the country general manager role in Manila. I knew I was up for a big challenge, as the market had been deeply affected by the economic consequences of the pandemic. But having a solid team and understanding the issues on the ground enabled us to turn the business around and the Philippines affiliate posted the highest sales growth in the APAC region. When you face challenges, don’t be discouraged. Seek to better understand the issues and work through them with your team.

6. When I learned how to be a people manager. I had a mentor at the Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia who once told me that if you have such a relationship with your team that they support you, you’ve made it as a leader. This made me realize that beyond my business skills, I need to lead with empathy, transparency, and authenticity. Lead with empathy.

7. When I am recognized as a good mother. When my son was in primary school, I made it a point to always prepare his lunchbox, despite having a demanding job. Success comes in many forms, and for me, fulfilling my role as a mother and wife will always be vital to how I personally define success.   Harmonize work and life, and be fully present.

8. When my husband encouraged me to accept my first role out of my home country (Malaysia), and that was in Singapore. They say that selecting your life partner may very well be the most important career decision you’ll ever make, and this could not be any truer for me. It’s definitely not easy working away from family and in a foreign country, but having a strong support system is very important and I am very grateful for what I have. Family support really matters.

9. When I experienced true Filipino hospitality during my first month in Manila. A good friend of mine, who I’d known way before I moved to Manila, hosted a dinner for me and introduced me to his friends and professional contacts in the industry. They say Filipinos are warm and hospitable, but this really made me realize that they go above and beyond to make you feel that you belong.  Build and maintain friendships.

10. When I was asked for my ID in a bar! I work in the beauty industry, so I have access to incredible products – which definitely helps me feel my best self. I believe that skincare, makeup, and perfume have the ability to make you feel good inside and boost your confidence. When you feel your best and your most authentic self, you have the power to face anything life throws at you. Beauty is about feeling your best self.

(We welcome your suggestions and comments. Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @monsromulo.)