This article delves into the routine and philosophies of Lysa Hardy, the newly appointed CEO of Hotel Chocolat. Her morning practices and approach to leadership provide insight into her ethos.
- Lysa’s mornings are structured with exercise and reading, setting a purposeful tone for her day.
- Learning is a continuous journey for Hardy, who sets personal and professional goals linked to her core values.
- Hardy recounts a harrowing past experience that shaped her crisis management style.
- She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and has a deep appreciation for retail fundamentals.
Lysa Hardy, the newly appointed CEO of Hotel Chocolat, begins her day with a structured morning routine that includes exercise and reading. She engages in activities like pilates or an incline walk on the treadmill, paired with a good book, often revisiting favorites to reinforce crucial skills. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast at home or grabbing a quick snack on the way to the office, Hardy underscores the significance of a good start. Coffee is non-negotiable, as she favors a black Americano to kick off her day.
A dedicated learner, Hardy ties her personal and professional goals to her fundamental values. This resolute planning and self-tracking help her stay motivated, especially in challenging times. She maintains a ‘know your why’ approach, consistently linking objectives to what truly matters to her.
Hardy vividly recalls a traumatic incident from her past, the murder of a store manager she worked with, which tested her crisis management capabilities. She learned to view crises through a humanistic lens, emphasizing the need for empathy and community support during trying times.
In an era where professional lives often overshadow personal ones, Hardy advises against sacrificing life for work. Her career in retail has deep roots, beginning at age 14 on a market stall, where she absorbed the fundamentals of understanding customers, providing the right products, and ensuring a great sales experience.
Reflecting on her passions outside the realm of business, Hardy mentions she would have pursued architecture, fascinated by the role of great buildings in shaping lives. Despite a busy professional life, she enjoys peaceful interactions with nature, evident in her newfound hobby of gardening.
Lysa Hardy’s approach to leadership at Hotel Chocolat is deeply rooted in personal growth, empathy, and maintaining a harmonious balance between work and life.
