Celia Tombalakian is a seasoned beauty and personal care executive based in New York City.
With roots in Northern Ontario, Canada, she was raised in a household that balanced intellectual rigor with compassion—her father was a PhD in chemical engineering, and her mother was a dedicated nurse educator. These early influences instilled in her a lifelong commitment to curiosity, resilience, and empathy.
Celia holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Science in Consumer Behavior and Marketing Management from the University of Guelph, alongside certifications in Six Sigma Black Belt, Digital Transformation, and AI for Business Essentials from Harvard Business School Online. Her professional journey spans industries like healthcare, consumer packaged goods, and beauty. Most recently, she served as Global Vice President of Marketing for Sally Hansen, where she championed transformative initiatives rooted in innovation and global strategy.
Known for her passion for mentorship, amplifying the consumer voice, applying AI tools, and fostering genuine connections. Celia shares her insights on leadership, creativity, and the evolving role of technology in shaping the consumer experience.
How do you define success in leadership, especially in a competitive industry like beauty?
For me, success in leadership goes beyond meeting financial targets or delivering successful campaigns. It’s about creating a holistic impact—empowering your team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, and leaving a legacy of meaningful work.
I’ve always believed that leadership is rooted in earning trust, which involves asking the right questions and fostering an environment where everyone feels confident sharing their ideas. In the beauty industry, where trends and opportunities can emerge quickly, it’s essential to nurture agility, curiosity, and a “let’s make it happen” mentality within your team.
How has your experience working across industries shaped your approach to innovation?
Working in healthcare provided invaluable training in understanding studies, product claims development, and navigating a complex network of stakeholders. My experience in consumer packaged goods reinforced the importance of operational efficiency and scalability. When I transitioned to the beauty industry, I discovered the emotional depth of consumer connections and their strong desire for product discovery.
These diverse experiences taught me that innovation isn’t just about groundbreaking ideas—it’s about finding new ways to delight consumers, create convenience, deliver results, or solve real problems. In beauty, this means understanding the emotional and cultural factors behind consumer behavior. Drawing from my background in various industries, I approach innovation with a blend of creativity and practicality.
What role does AI play in your vision for the future of marketing?
AI is an incredible tool for marketers, but I always emphasize that it’s just that—a tool. It can’t replace the human touch, but it can amplify it. AI helps us understand consumer behavior at a granular level, enabling personalization at a scale we couldn’t imagine even a decade ago.
That said, I’m cautious about using AI responsibly. Transparency and ethics are non-negotiable. Consumers need to feel that their data is being used to enhance their experience, not exploit it.
What excites me most about AI is its potential to streamline tasks like segmentation and trend analysis, freeing up creative teams to focus on storytelling and innovation.
How do you maintain authenticity in leadership while navigating tough decisions?
Authenticity in leadership comes from knowing your values and staying true to them, even when the decisions are tough. For me, it’s about balancing empathy with clarity. I believe in being transparent with my team—sharing the “why” behind decisions helps build trust, even when the news isn’t what they want to hear.
Kindness is often underestimated in leadership, but I see it as a strength. It’s not about avoiding hard decisions; it’s about handling them with integrity and respect.
What advice would you give to someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time?
Listen more than you speak. When you’re new to a leadership role, it’s tempting to jump in and try to prove yourself, but your first job is to understand your team and their needs.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit what you don’t know. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about guiding your team to find the best solutions together.
What’s a career lesson you learned the hard way, and how has it shaped you?
Early in my career, I worked on a product launch that didn’t perform as expected. I had been so focused on meeting timelines, managing deliverables, and aligning with internal preferences that I overlooked the importance of deeply understanding and incorporating consumer feedback.
This experience was humbling and underscored the importance of prioritizing the consumer’s voice. It taught me that their insights must always be central to decision-making. This lesson has profoundly influenced my approach, emphasizing the need to listen, learn, and remain attuned to the needs and preferences of end users in every project. Whether it’s a campaign, a product, or a strategy, success begins with a deep understanding of the people you serve.
What inspires your approach to mentorship?
Mentorship is rooted in reciprocity. While I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, I’ve often learned just as much from those I’ve mentored and the junior members of my teams. Mentorship isn’t about creating a “mini-me”; it’s about helping someone uncover their strengths, chart their own path, and offering guidance from a more experienced perspective.
I also believe mentorship is valuable at every stage of one’s career, not just at the beginning. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked as people climb the corporate ladder, but the need to grow, learn, and adapt never stops. Organizations like CHIEF have been transformative for me, providing opportunities to connect with peers and learn from their diverse experiences.
What’s one trend in the beauty industry that you think has staying power?
Personalization and sustainability are two trends in the beauty industry that have undeniable staying power. Consumers increasingly seek products that reflect their individuality and align with their values, and brands that deliver on these fronts will continue to thrive.
Today, offering a one-size-fits-all solution is no longer sufficient. Brands need to demonstrate authenticity, have a clear purpose, and meet consumers where they are in meaningful ways.
How do you stay focused and creative when the pace of work feels overwhelming?
I take brief pauses to reset—whether it’s a quick walk or jotting down my thoughts in a journal. These moments of reflection help me regain focus and clarity.
Creativity often sparks from unexpected places, so I also make time for activities outside of work, like spending time in nature or exploring New York City’s endless events and exhibitions. These experiences keep my perspective fresh and inspire new ideas.
Key Takeaways from Celia Tombalakian’s Perspective
Empathy in Leadership: Authenticity and kindness are not weaknesses; they’re strengths that build trust and collaboration.
AI as a Tool: While AI enhances efficiency and personalization, the human element remains vital to connecting with consumers.
Innovation Across Industries: Drawing lessons from diverse sectors creates a balanced approach to problem-solving and creative breakthroughs.
Read more:
Celia Tombalakian: A Visionary Voice in Beauty, Marketing, and Leadership
