Molly Landman has been a Global Director at Unilever for more than two years, responsible for the brands Love Beauty and Planet, ApotheCARE Essentials and The Good Stuff. Thanks to her current position, she’s clearly honed her juggling skills. “I oversee the business for Love Beauty and Planet, a brand that launched last year with wash, care and body cleansing innovations and has since grown into the body care, deodorant and hair styling categories,” said the Kansas native, who has been with the company since 2010. “At the same time we launched ApotheCARE Essentials, which harnesses the power of plants to deliver elevated and precise hair and body cleansing solutions to consumers. This year, we’ve expanded into the anti-dandruff category, as well as face care. My latest brand is called The Good Stuff, and it’s a conditioner-focused brand featuring one sulfate free shampoo and six no-rinse conditioners that are meant to take the place of traditional rinse-out conditioners in the shower.” Prior to joining Unilever, Molly was part of the global development team at L’Oréal in the Luxury Products Division. Somehow, Molly found time to talk with CEW Beauty Insider for our 5 Minutes with… feature.

Beauty Insider: What are your specific responsibilities and goals?

Molly Landman: My goal is to bring innovative, confidence building, planet-friendly beauty products to the market that make our consumer smile knowing she is making herself and the world more beautiful every day. I work with the U.S., our global markets, as well as media and networks to bring our products and message to as many people as possible.

BI: What are the greatest challenges in terms of juggling three different and relatively new brands?

ML: There is never enough time in the day, but being really clear on what each brand stands for and how they will make an impact in the world helps me prioritize and focus on the things that will have the biggest impact.

BI: What have been the biggest surprises you’ve encountered since being in this position?

ML: The world is changing so fast these days, so if you don’t have a strong point of view or put a stake in the ground you’re going to be left in the dust.

BI: What’s your business approach to helping grow a successful company?
ML: Authenticity, purpose-driven values and transparency. These are non-negotiable for me.

BI: What kind of market shift have you seen over the past year?
ML: Consumers want products that are better for them and for the planet and they don’t want to compromise on sensorial experience or product efficacy.


BI: And what kinds of trends are you seeing?

ML: Science fused with nature and planet-first initiatives. Brands with a human touch that recognizing individuals, their differences and contributions to society.


BI: What are some specific strategies you’re using to reach a younger consumer?

ML: Smaller sizes, exciting and unique fragrance profiles, living our unique brand values more overtly.


BI: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned over the years?

ML: Self-confidence is the greatest gift anyone can give themselves.


BI: Greatest accomplishment thus far?

ML: Incubating and launching new brands that exemplify my values within the walls of a large organization.

BI: Biggest mistake you’ve made?
ML: Not trusting my first instinct.

BI: What product (not your own) is your favorite and why?
ML: My Swell reusable water bottle, an aluminum straw and my bamboo fork. These are always in my purse.

BI: Best advice for younger executives entering the business today?

ML: Find a company whose values align with your own, a place where you can be yourself, and grown into an even better version of yourself than you ever thought possible.

BI: What’s a mantra you live by?

ML: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

BI: If you were to write the note found in a fortune cookie, what would it say?
ML: Stay curious and resilient, whatever comes your way.