Bridging Team Gaps

For Global Marketing Director Raquel Matilla of Colomer, her work is more a way of life rather than a career. Originally from Barcelona, Matilla now resides in Colorado where she helps to bridge the physical gap that exists between the various global brands of the cosmetic company. Matilla is a firm believer in continuous innovation with over seven plus years of experience behind her in the ever-expanding beauty industry.

3 Questions with Raquel:

Do you have specific rituals for re-setting your team to be creative?

Curious people have to be one step ahead and have different sources. Once or twice a year, we like to go shopping around the world. We explore the immersive markets in places such as Japan. We shop and delve into different channels and categories. You have to look outside the box and see what is going on and what is relevant in the now. A massive and successful idea is not for one person, but for the mass audience.

What is the biggest challenge you face when innovating?

The biggest challenge when innovating can fall into two categories, internal and external. Internally, Colomer has experienced a shift and is building a bridge between the different geographic spaces it occupies. Colomer was once a planet by itself and now, it is part of a solar system.

How does your team generate new ideas?

First off, each member of the team has to own his or her brands. Each brand is like your baby and you want to see it grow. You have to feed and tend to them all the time. Colomer is about setting trends, not just following them. You have to speak and deeply understand your audience and we have been creating panels to expand.