Jennifer Rock is the CEO and founder of The Skin Nerd online skin consultancy and the Cleanse Off Mitt makeup removal tool. Jennifer is an award-winning dermal facialist, international brand trainer and the resident skin expert on TV3’s Ireland AM.
She has lectured worldwide alongside such aesthetic luminaries as IMAGE Skincare certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marc Ronert and Dr. Ahmar Khan, the co-creator of the esteemed London Harley Street Medical Hospital.
Can leadership be taught? If so, how?
I believe that it 100% can be as we all have natural leadership qualities that can show themselves in different social systems. We all know where we stand and what roles we have with regard to different social systems but it is about applying it to a work environment. The ability to motivate, inspire and create a fun, enjoyable structure within a work environment for employees while also having structure, protocols and a safe space is tough. The reality is some will be naturally able to lead but some may need fine tuning and practise to reach their full leadership potential.
When you are filling a leadership role in your organisation what qualities do you look for from candidates?
I look for people who are driven, hungry to learn and to achieve, people with the ability to prioritise and accept accountability. I also look for qualities opposite to mine and stronger in many domains – a company needs a diverse team. Each role needs to complement that of the founder in order for everything to be truly challenged and have all corners of the business secured.
If you had to leave your organisation for 1 year what would you ask of your team and what advice would you give them?
Firstly, I could not leave – I live and breathe it. But for the purpose of the question, I’d remind them of the brand’s core qualities, being educative, innovative, fun, inspiring and individual, and tell them to make any decisions based on our philosophies.
What are you doing today to make sure your organisation will be relevant in 10 years time?
I am continually focusing on identifying niches within the beauty sector and filling those voids. We are never complacent and we are always pushing, we don’t stop to accept how things are. I feel as if I don’t just have one general goal for ten years time or for any one time. I create constant goals so that I can enjoy every single step of growing the business. That is what keeps it exciting for me, that I can’t make sure that the business will be relevant in ten years time, that I have to keep striving to achieve greater things. This is why I invest time and money into research and development more than anything else.
What leaders outside your own organisation do you admire and why?
I have more than admiration for Breege O’Donoghue of Penneys/Primark. I don’t think I need to explain why but she is legendary, having led the global expansion of the brand successfully and helping Penneys to become the powerhouse that it is today.
What are a few resources (books, blogs, podcasts, courses etc) you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader?
I adore Simon Sinek, the author of “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action”, The Tony Robbins Podcast and the Gary Vee Audio Experience. I believe that Going for Growth is an invaluable programme for Irish businesswomen as it has helped me immensely with regard to the more pragmatic aspects of running a business. Never forget the resource that is talking to people who are similarly founders of their own companies. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from making friends in the business world.
