Successful Women in Business: Andrea Jung

Women often find it very difficult to navigate the business world because of gender
stereotypes. This sexist double standard holds many women back from pursuing their
goals. Despite this challenge, an increasing number of women are breaking through the
barriers and making their way to the top. Here is the story of Andrea Jung, one of the most
successful women in business:

Early Life

Andrea Jung was born in 1959 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She moved to Massachusetts
when she was two years old. Jung was involved in many school activities including student
government. Her parents encouraged her to be ambitious and with hard work, she was
admitted to Princeton University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English
literature. She was planning on attending law school but decided to accept a job offer at
Bloomindale’s as a manager in training. Jung excelled at her job and moved on to the
executive vice president position at Neiman Marcus. There, she oversaw merchandising,
cosmetics, and more. With this new experience, she decided to pursue this field instead of
law.

Her Professional Career

Jung started working as a consultant for Avon Products in 1993. She was hired as president
of the product marketing group for U.S. operations just one year later. Her Avon Apparel
line was introduced in order to modernize the brand which proved to be very
successful. Her creativity propelled Avon forward; she was able to transform the company
into a younger, yet more sophisticated brand. In 1997, Jung’s “Dare to Change Your Mind
about Avon” ad campaign further helped to drive changes. Jung became known for her
creative and innovative ideas. Two years later, her success and ingenuity led her to be
promoted to the CEO of Avon. She was the first woman to become CEO in Avon. She
also became chairwoman of Avon in 2001.

Other Achievements

Jung was also involved in the Committee for Economic Development, a nonprofit
organization. She was featured in many lists along with other top leaders such as Fortune
magazine’s “Most Powerful Women in Business”, Forbes magazine’s “Most Powerful
Women in the World,“ and Financial Times' “Top Women in World Business“. Jung is a
frequent speaker at women's leadership events and speaks out about her optimism that more
women will be represented in corporate America. At Avon, she encouraged flexible work
schedules and emphasized the importance of family over work.

Andrea Jung proved that women are making grounds in the competitive field of
business. She serves as an example to other women and girls that women can achieve great
success despite sexist double standards. An increasing number of women are smashing
through the glass ceiling and the representation of women in the business world is
growing. Andrea Jung’s story will inspire others and encourage women to pursue their
dreams.