Maureen Chiquet’s ‘Beyond The Label’ Helps Us See Ourselves In A Different Light [REVIEW]

Maureen Chiquet wields the hammer at the New York Stock Exchange. (Photo courtesy Maureen Chiquet, Facebook)

There’s an old Bob Dylan song called, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” In it, he sings about all the different labels people wear in society, from ambassadors and socialites to state troopers and entertainment moguls. But do the labels we acquire accurately depict who we are? And more importantly, do we allow these labels to define us? These are two of the questions Maureen Chiquet answers in her new book, Beyond the Label. 

HarperBusiness

Although we’re frequently told not to judge a book by its cover, I have to admit that I did. When I first received this one in the mail, I wondered what Maureen Chiquet could possibly teach me. After all, she is an icon known for beauty. and is always impeccably dressed in designer clothes, while I shop secondhand shops and buy makeup on sale.

However, after reading only the first few pages of her book, my initial preconceptions melted away and I felt an instant affinity for Chiquet. Why? Because she writes candidly about how as women we can easily confuse our identities with our positions at work. This really resonated with me, because like her I have recently felt that the “suit no longer seems to fit or represent who” I am in this moment.

So what can I do to change the way I’m feeling? Chiquet recommends that we be honest with ourselves and take a long hard look in the mirror in the clear light of day. Doing so can be scary, but it is also enlightening. Everyone “has a unique journey,” she says. nothing is absolute. Our futures are not indelibly written in stone. Each of us must find the path that is right for us, and we need to be ready to recognize when it is time to blaze a new trail.

Filled with encouragement and empathy, Chiquet’s Beyond the Label is a book that will lift your spirit and motivate you to open yourself up to all of life’s wondrous possibilities. If you’re ready to redefine your life and shirk off the label you’ve been wearing, pick up this book. It will open your eyes, empower you, and change the way you see your future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maureen Chiquet

Maureen Chiquet is recognized among Fortune‘s “International Power 50,” Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women,” The Wall Street Journal‘s “50 Women to Watch,” and Glamour Magazine‘s “Women of the Year.”

She began her career in marketing at L’Oreal Paris in 1985. She also worked at The Gap and helped launch and build Old Navy to $5 billion in sales within five years. She served as president of Banana Republic before becoming COO and President of US Operations of Chanel in 2003.

In 2007, she became Chanel’s first Global CEO, where she oversaw the international reputation of one of France’s top haute-couture brands, and helped grow the business three-fold. She left Chanel in 2016 to focus on writing, speaking, and developing new leadership initiatives.

Chiquet is a Trustee to the Yale Corporation and fellow of Yale University, where she graduated in 1985 with a degree in film and literature. She served on the President’s Council of International Activities at Yale University and sits on the board of directors of children’s clothing company Peek… Aren’t You Curious and the board of trustees of the New York Academy of Art.

She divides her time between Paris and New York. Visit her home on the Web at MaureenChiquet.com, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

BEYOND THE LABEL: WOMEN, LEADERSHIP, AND SUCCESS ON OUR OWN TERMS
By Maureen Chiquet
288 pgs. HarperBusiness. $28.99

You may purchase this book at one of these fine online retailers: HarperCollins, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Beyond the Label is brought to you in association with TLC Blog Tours.