What does it take to break barriers and lead a global beauty company? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the inspiring career journey of Joy Atkinson, President and CEO of Presperse—a cosmetics company recognized as a certified Great Place to Work. With decades of experience in the beauty industry, Joy shares the lessons that helped her rise to the top of a field where 90% of executives are men. From navigating international business to overcoming imposter syndrome, Joy’s story offers practical insights for anyone looking to lead with confidence and authenticity.
From Retail to the Executive Suite
Joy’s path to leadership began with a passion for business and a determination to break through barriers. After graduating from Georgia State University with a degree in business, she faced early challenges when seeking a role in corporate lending—a field that was closed off to women at the time. Rather than settling, Joy pivoted into retail, discovering her love for cosmetics and fragrances. Her leadership skills quickly became evident as she managed teams and worked as a buyer for Federated Department Stores.
A pivotal moment came when a colleague encouraged her to apply for a product development role with a Japanese company. Despite initial doubts, Joy prepared a comprehensive strategic plan that impressed the hiring manager, landing her the job. This experience not only expanded her expertise but also introduced her to international business, setting the stage for future leadership roles.
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience
Joy’s journey is a testament to the importance of resilience, self-belief, and continuous learning. She credits mentors and sponsors for helping her navigate her career, distinguishing between mentors who offer guidance and sponsors who actively advocate for her advancement. Her leadership philosophy centers on inspiring others, fostering collaboration, and creating a positive workplace culture.
One of Joy’s defining moments came when she was offered her first president role—an opportunity she initially turned down due to self-doubt. However, the company’s CEO believed in her potential, encouraging her to step into the role. This experience reinforced the importance of trusting her abilities and seizing opportunities, even when they feel daunting.
Building a Culture of Excellence at Presperse
As CEO of Presperse, Joy has focused on building a company culture rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Under her leadership, the company has earned certification as a Great Place to Work, with employee satisfaction scores placing it among the Fortune 100 of small to medium-sized companies. Joy attributes this success to the dedication and talent of her team, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting employees’ contributions.
Joy also spearheaded the launch of Let’s Make Beauty, a business-to-business platform that provides startups and innovators with access to high-quality raw materials. By offering small quantities of the same ingredients used by major brands like Chanel and L’Oréal, Presperse empowers entrepreneurs to develop products without the need for large-scale purchases.
Key Takeaways from Joy Atkinson’s Career
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Break Through Barriers: Don’t let setbacks define you. Joy’s determination to pursue leadership roles despite early challenges paved the way for her success.
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Value Mentors and Sponsors: Both play crucial roles in career growth, with mentors offering guidance and sponsors advocating for your advancement.
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Lead with Authenticity: Joy’s leadership style is built on approachability, collaboration, and inspiring others to reach their full potential.
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Seize Opportunities: Trust in your abilities and step outside your comfort zone when opportunities arise.
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Prioritize Well-Being: Maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health is essential for long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Joy Atkinson’s career journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-belief, and authentic leadership. Her success as a beauty industry CEO serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to break barriers and lead with confidence. Whether you’re navigating the early stages of your career or aiming for the executive suite, Joy’s story offers valuable lessons in perseverance, collaboration, and the importance of supporting those around you.
To hear more from Joy Atkinson, including her insights on negotiating salaries, managing stress, and aligning your career with your passions, listen to her episode of No Wrong Choices—available wherever you get your podcasts - or click here: NoWrongChoices
