Today’s Notable Young Professional is L’Oréal Canada’s Branden Goodman, who’s currently part of the Luxury Division’s digital team in charge of eRetail. We caught up with Branden to talk about the inspiration behind his career route and where he sees himself in five years…
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Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am part of L’Oréal Canada‘s pioneering team, whose mandate is to grow the Luxury division’s business within the online channels of our retail partners in concert with the world’s changing buying habits.
Basically, I am a modern day salesman, an e-retail specialist. It is an equal mix of sales, digital marketing and e-commerce management.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I always wanted to work for a marketing-oriented lifestyle brand. I enjoy understanding and then influencing commercial behaviours; this industry is all about the way people think. L’Oréal provided this opportunity for me, so I embraced it with vigour.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part: I represent many brands and work with a lot of people, on many initiatives, all at the same time.
Most challenging part: I represent many brands and work with a lot of people, on many initiatives, all at the same time.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
There is no doubt that I subscribe to the concept that if your work/life balance is off, then your work and life will suffer. There were times at the very beginning of my career where I could sense an absence in my thoughts when at home or with friends, meaning my mind was still at the office. I am certain this is common, as it is easy to see in others who talk too often and too long about work when it is life beyond work they should be focusing on at that moment.
I keep active physically and mentally when outside work. Exercise, hobbies, family and friends – there needs to be room for it all.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Somewhere warm. I hope to wake up early every morning and surf before heading out for the day. Oh, and well down the path to continued success in both work and life.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
It is not so much a single event but rather reoccurring challenges that present the biggest hurdles for all of us. Tough deadlines, conflicts, surprises… they hit us every day. The key to avoiding and/or minimizing ill effects is to resist knee-jerk reactions and to reach out to the proper stakeholders. Keeping calm works well in business environments, just as it does for any other high-pressure career.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I believe I said it already when we talked about balance. The most successful people I know have more than just a career and fancy pay cheque; they are passionate about many things and express this passion openly. To be successful means striving hard in all facets of life. You don’t have to win in them all, but you sure will benefit from trying.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
That question is easy for me and is directly related to my current position. I am the first person in this role within L’Oréal Canada’s Luxury division and I am entirely proud and motivated to be here. It felt like a milestone because it came as a result of a number of focused efforts and goals I had set for myself.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I look up to those who don’t speak often but when they do, they say the right thing. It is very important to articulate your thoughts in a clear and concise manner and the only way to do that is to know and believe in what you are saying. Do not comment just for the sake of participating; make sure you have thought everything through.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Nothing can invoke more pleasure than a fine delicatessen if you live in a city lucky enough to foster one. These places exist because of decades of culture and a laser focus on the food and service; hardly anything ever changes and the recipe for success is always the same. For me, in Montreal this would be the Snowdon Deli, established in 1946. My smoked meat sandwich is always tall and waiting for me.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Aside from downtime with my fiancé, family and friends, I like nothing more than to challenge myself with something physically and mentally demanding. An example in recent years was picking up kitesurfing with my father. To become proficient takes a lot of time and focus. In return you get to feel free as a bird while out on the water.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
California. I love the ocean, fish tacos, artistic culture, and entrepreneurial mindset.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
If I Ever Feel Better by Phoenix.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I would be restoring old cars and motorcycles. I hope to retire in a garage.
What to you is notable?
I think we are lucky to be living in the time we are now. I currently work in a role that didn’t exist within my division just one year ago. For me, innovation is notable, and embracing it is too!
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
It is one today, another one not so long ago, and I’m sure another in the future. Whoever innovates will get my notable vote!
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