In honor of International Women’s Day, we talked to a group of female-identifying entrepreneurs, CEOs, and founders about the products they utilize in their everyday life that make it better. Read more Week of the Woman content here.
Cat Pitcairn and Kristin Waldo founded Olay Labs as a solution to the one-size-fits-all aspect of skincare. The brand gives every type of person the ability receive a comprehensive skin care plan that's built around what kind of skin they have and what kind of skin they want to have.
Cat Pitcairn:
What do you use to stay organized and productive in your business?
Ideas, ideas, ideas. To stay productive and organized, I always keep a notebook handy by day and even by my bedside. I find writing by hand helps me collect all my thoughts. I have a very visual mind so I often cut out images and draw to complement my writing in my favorite refillable large blank Aspinal notebooks. I also ensure I protect some quiet time each week, in my diary, to be in thinking — not simply doing — mode.
What's the best thing on your desk?
The favorite item on my desk is an original 1960 graphic design Olay advert. It helps keep the pride and the legacy alive in my work. It’s amazing to be a custodian of such an important global skincare brand used and trusted by millions of people. I have it beside me to keep me rooted and [to] inspire my daily work.
What's the last thing in your bag on your way out of your home on a work day?
The last thing in my bag on my way to work is a spritz of Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Energizing Essence with Vitamin C. I love the power of scent to change your mood and set a ritual routine. Being indoors a lot for work with heating and air conditioning, I like to have that extra hydration boost for my skin.
What are the products that make your daily routine easier or more enjoyable?
To enjoy my daily beauty routine, I like the feeling of order and knowing I’m using the right skincare regimen. I am a founder of Olay Labs skin personalization. My colleague Kristin and I took this idea to senior management to let us develop a business line for Olay. We have such exquisite formulas available around the world and we have access to our scientists to always be matched with the perfect skin care regimen based on our changing lifestyle and skin needs. We match you with an essential 5-step skincare kit tailored to your skin needs, skin goals, and lifestyle in that 4-week time period.
What is one item that helps you de-stress after work the most?
To unwind after work, I try and switch off from electronics. Try being the keyword: Yoga, reading or even joining a friend on a dog walk. I get into my home clothes and wash off my makeup from the work day to change gears. I don’t have a partner or family and I’m living abroad — away from friends — so it’s too easy to get absorbed into work. It’s definitely key to have some nights out in the diary for theatre, dinner or something low-key like just enjoying some time at home sketching or cooking.
Kristin Waldo:
What is one thing that helps keep you motivated throughout the day?
Great collaboration! I get so inspired by our team of great creative thinkers. Once the conversations start flowing for the day, the ideas start coming and before I know it the day is coming to a close. Having great synergy between personalities and diversity of perspectives is essential to keeping things authentic and new.
What’s something you bought for your yourself that you wish you had much sooner?
My Olay Labs regimen of products, truly. Before 35, I used sunscreen and facial cleanser, but I didn’t really focus on a full regimen of skin care. After I had my daughter at 35, I had such trouble with spots popping up on my face that I just committed to a full 5-step regimen of products, twice a day. Not only did I notice a substantial difference, but now at 42 people are always surprised at my age and that feels amazing. I wonder what could have been if I had started earlier!
What do you use to stay organized and productive in your business?
My phone! I know it might sound crazy to some people, but for me being able to stay engaged at a very low level of awareness all the time keeps me from stressing too much. I don’t have to obsess over my email when I am away from my office, but if I can stay generally aware of how things are going it helps me feel a great deal calmer about the work I need to get accomplished.
What is one item that helps you de-stress after work the most?
Tea: Warm tea, usually herbal, with ginger and honey. And I drink it out of a big round mug that is almost bowl-sized. It just makes me happy, like all is right and good with the world.
What’s the one thing you just can’t live without?
Lip gloss! I make my own out of various oils and ingredients, and I put it on probably dozens of times a day. I am always getting warned that it will just make my lips dry to keep putting it on so much, but I love the vanilla scent and it just makes me happy! Sometimes, just enjoying it is enough of a reason for me to keep using it!
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