AAPN Women was founded by Sue Strickland last year to give a special voice to the many brilliant women who make up part of our amazing AAPN family, and they have been sharing their stories with us. This is Vice President Marketing for Lectra Daniella Ambrogi's
Introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us who you are and what you are currently focused on.
My name is Daniella Ambrogi. Currently I’m the VP of Marketing for Lectra North America. I manage a team of marketers for all our three verticals: Fashion and Apparel, Automotive and Furniture for US, Canada, Mexico and Central America. I’ve been in this position for 2 years. Previously I was the marketing director for Lectra South America. I’ve been with the company for 7 years.
Tell us about your favorite AAPNetwork memory or success story. Why are you a member?
Lectra has been a member of AAPN since 1987. When I moved to the US two years ago, I contacted Sue and Mike to introduce myself and since then AAPN has been a great networking resource for me. I was able to quickly meet the important players of the industry, understand the local apparel industry and participate in many great events. I can say that AAPN was the door to my understanding of the American Apparel Industry.
What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?
I love the quote I read on Forbes Magazine “Love the team, Love the product, love the mission and it will get you to Success.” Commitment and Discipline are also super important qualities. Being a marketer, curiosity and creativity is a desired trait. Above of all love what you do and you won’t work a day in your life.
How would you define your professional mission?
I believe it has a lot to do with educating the different markets about Lectra’s strategy, portfolio and how we are part of the digital transformation in our industries.
What is one of your most memorable career accomplishments?
I am very proud of my promotion to VP marketing and transfer to North America.
What are some career challenges on your radar?
One of my main challenges is balancing my work life and personal life. I tend to mix it all in one bucket and lately I’ve been trying to have my personal time for myself.
What project have you worked on that you are most proud of? Why?
A few years ago, I worked on a Fashion Income generation Program for low-income communities. I developed the project, raised international funds to provide Fashion technical education, meals + income to a group of 50 teenagers from the slums in Sao Paulo Brazil. The project got a lot of exposure; sponsorship from Sao Paulo Fashion Week and the top students received a full scholarship from a well known 4 year Fashion School.
We’d love to hear more about your career path. What led you to where you are today?
I started working very early in my life. At 13 I had a small ballet school to teach ballet to small kids. When I was 17 I moved to the US to go to college. I have Bachelors in Fashion Design. Soon after graduating I got pregnant with my oldest daughter (23 ), right after I had my youngest ( 22 ) and then took a few years off to raise them. I went back to work when my oldest was 5 years old. I always loved marketing and Public Relations, so when the kids were young I studied International Relations. Every job I had since was related to marketing, I worked in different business of the Fashion Industry: Brands, Retail, Fashion Research, and Fashion Education, which led me to where I am today.
What is it about your job that makes you feel it is the right fit for you?
It is very challenging and I thrive on challenges. The job demands me to have a full picture of each vertical (Fashion, Automotive and Furniture) and I love that. It enables me to connect with many different players of each industry and this is fascinating.
Who are your role models?
Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson… are a few of them.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Working with people, creating new possibilities to promote Lectra.
What advice would you offer future leading ladies wishing to break into your industry?
Be curious, committed and believe in yourself.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
Anything is possible as long as you believe
What is your morning ritual?
I wake up every day at 6am, same time 7 days a week. First thing I do is have a cup of warm water with lemon juice; I watch the news, exercise, have a healthy breakfast and get ready to work. On the weekends, I like to stay home and enjoy the morning.
Is work-life balance a problem for you? What is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?
It’s concerning…I tend to work more than play. I’m still trying to figure out how to improve that.
What is your favorite social media site? Why?
I use LinkedIn professional, Facebook and Instagram for personal. LinkedIn is an important tool for professional connections and I need to improve on using it.
What is one piece of advice you would offer working moms?
Children grow up too fast….make an effort to balance your career with your work life. Set boundaries at work right from the beginning.
What is the best career advice you ever received?
You should work in Marketing.
What would you say your personal superpower is?
Adapt to any situation. Maintain control even when I am experiencing chaos.