Prepare to embark on a journey through the digital landscape with Jean-Louis Hé, a distinguished expert with over 15 years of trailblazing experience. Jean-Louis is not merely a seasoned professional; he is a passionate advocate for user-centric digital innovation.
Currently serving as the Director of Digital & E-Commerce at YVES SAINT-LAURENT BEAUTÉ US, a division of the prestigious L’ORÉAL LUXE family, Jean-Louis orchestrates the online presence of this iconic luxury beauty brand. With a meticulous approach that combines design thinking, data-driven insights, and agile methodologies, he consistently delivers innovative solutions that harmonize user needs with business objectives.
Jean-Louis’s portfolio boasts a spectrum of achievements, including spearheading the launch of a captivating retail experience for CHANEL US and architecting an intuitive online configurator for SAMSUNG Home Appliance. His expertise transcends industries, and he has lent his strategic acumen to renowned companies such as Merck, SQLI, Citroën, Valtech, and the esteemed L’Oréal Group.
Beyond his illustrious career, Jean-Louis is a forward-thinking explorer of emerging technologies. From Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to the captivating realm of Web3 and the boundless horizons of augmented and extended realities, he constantly seeks ways to reshape the digital landscape and unlock novel opportunities for brands and consumers alike.
Join us as we delve into the profound insights and captivating journey of Jean-Louis Hé, a luminary in the world of digital transformation and innovation.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started in your field?
Nearly two decades ago, my journey commenced when I embarked on the exploration of the initial stages of the internet. I dedicated my master’s degree studies to learning the fascinating space of New Technologies. This foundational knowledge paved the way to my first years working in a digital agency in Paris. My second professional chapter unfolded at Valtech. This journey that I started as a Project / Program manager evolved with the golden opportunity I was offered to build the User Experience practice within the New York office — a childhood dream come true to make it to the United States.
Throughout these years, my professional path has been marked by numerous engagements across various projects and accounts, all within the dynamic sectors of Luxury Retail, Fashion, and Beauty. My primary focus has consistently revolved around spearheading Digital Transformation initiatives through the lens of User Experience.
I transitioned away from the agency landscape in 2021 and embraced a new role at L’Oréal and Yves Saint-Laurent Beauté. Here, I assumed the position of Director of E-Commerce & Digital, championing the expansion of our direct-to-consumer (D2C) business in the United States.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
I’ve always been deeply passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and environments. Embarking on the exhilarating journey of establishing an entirely new practice in a foreign country with a distinct work culture from what I was used to was an incredible challenge. This endeavor required me to embrace a steep learning curve and venture outside my comfort zone, despite having just five years of prior experience. I found myself embarking on a fresh journey with a change in career direction, transitioning from program management to user experience design. This shift meant I had to fully embrace a new approach to work, adopting the distinctive New Yorker way, even though I had already spent three years in the Parisian office. It was like starting a new chapter on a completely blank canvas.
Joining L’Oréal in 2021 introduced me to a whole new set of challenges as I delved into the intricacies of the Beauty industry from the inside. Simultaneously, I was also immersing myself in the captivating world of Web3 and NFTs, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of how this emerging wave would reshape the digital landscape as we knew it. My steadfast commitment to a user-centered approach required me to completely immerse myself in consumer’s habits and perspective, enabling me to genuinely embrace and understand prevailing trends.
In hindsight, I am grateful that I had the courage to take these leaps of faith, as it has shaped me into the professional I am today.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership?
Maintaining a perpetual sense of curiosity is essential in our ever-evolving industry. With the continuous emergence of new technologies, innovative solutions, and brilliant ideas / innovators in the market, I make it a priority to stay always aware of what’s happening out there. I consistently place myself in a learning mindset, ensuring that I can stay abreast of all these developments.
Embracing humility in the face of success has been a guiding principle for me. Every project launch and accomplishment has served as a driving force, igniting the desire to continually improve with each subsequent assignment.
It might seem like common sense, but the importance of consistently pursuing what I was passionate about cannot be overstated. Since a substantial portion of our lives is dedicated to work, it was crucial for me to define a career path that is enriched with endeavors that bring personal satisfaction and joy.
One thing that people don’t know about you and not listed on your LinkedIn profile?
My lifelong obsession with football (soccer) has left an indelible mark on me. The energy, the tactics & strategy (I’m recently enjoying coaching and setting our teams’ lineups), and, most importantly, the value of teamwork have seamlessly translated into my approach within the work environment.
What advice would you give to young professionals or entrepreneurs who are just starting out in your field?
The principle of never-ending learning and the willingness to constantly explore new things are values I hold dear. The iterative process of “test and learn” has been a cornerstone of my philosophy. Through experimentation and gathering insights, I continually strive to learn and improve for future endeavors.
Refusing to accept “no” as an answer has been pivotal in my journey. Had I accepted the initial rejection, I would never have had the opportunity to make it to New York and pursue a job that I am truly passionate about.
Lastly, imagine the unimaginable – While my passions initially included gaming, football, or music, I never expected that they would all converge in my professional life in tech. My daily engagement on Digital, Web3, and immersive experiences has allowed me to integrate these seemingly disparate interests in a comprehensive approach serving today’s consumers.
We extend our deepest gratitude for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your insights into the dynamic world of digital transformation and user-centric innovation are truly remarkable. Your experiences, from the early days of the internet to your current role at L’Oréal’s Yves Saint-Laurent Beauté, provide invaluable lessons for both budding professionals and seasoned experts.
Your unwavering passion and curiosity for new cultures and environments have not only shaped your career but also served as an inspiration for others to embrace change fearlessly. Your willingness to venture beyond your comfort zone and adapt to diverse work cultures is a testament to your resilience and adaptability.
Your commitment to a user-centered approach, even in the face of industry complexities, demonstrates your dedication to understanding consumer habits and preferences. This unwavering commitment undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in your success.
Your advice to young professionals and entrepreneurs to embrace continuous learning, resilience in the face of rejection, and the power of imagination is invaluable. Your journey is a testament to the idea that the intersection of diverse interests can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career paths.
Once again Jean-Louis, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences, challenges, and wisdom with us. Your story is a source of inspiration, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to learn from you.
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