From Chanel to Nanotechnology: Angelina Nguyen on Reinventing a Career at the Top

“You don't pivot. You fly.”Angelina Nguyen is a globally recognised luxury strategist who spent decades at the top of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, Chanel, Cartier, Lanvin, and Bulgari, before becoming CEO of Issa London and Global President of Nirav Modi. Today she advises on luxury retail and branding strategy, alongside a Hong Kong nanotechnology company using AI to grade diamonds.In this episode, you'll learn how she went from being handed the top marketing role at Chanel Asia Pacific at 26 to running Bulgari's business across Asia and the UK, the story behind Issa London's Banana Republic collaboration, and the one leadership quality she says holds true in every culture she's worked in.In this episode, you'll learn:How Angelina went from being handed the top marketing role at Chanel Asia Pacific at 26 to running Bulgari's business across Asia and the UKHow she came to be named a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, for her work fostering cultural exchange between France and ChinaWhy she believes leaders “fly” instead of “pivot,” and what that distinction actually means in practiceThe story behind Issa London's Banana Republic collaboration, and how it catapulted the brand to international recognitionThe one leadership quality she says holds true in every culture she's worked in, from Asia to EuropeWhy firing someone is the hardest decision she's ever had to make, and how she decides when it's really necessaryThis is a conversation about reinvention, standards, and what it actually takes to lead at the highest levels of global luxury.Mentioned in this episode:Full Tilt with Belinda Bradford is brought to you by WEGroup Global. We design and run retreats, summits, and offsites for creators, growing businesses, associations, and enterprises. We build on a simple belief: human connection matters more now than ever. The world has never been more connected, and people have never felt more alone. As AI takes over the routine work, judgement, trust, and the ability to lead a room are what's left to compete on. That still only happens in person. That's why we do what we do. We handle the hotels, the venues, the bookings, the logistics, and all the risks, backed by a network of 8,000+ hotels and venues in over 100 countries, trusted vendors and tour partners, and access to VIP tickets and top speakers most people can't get on their own. All you have to do is show up and connect with the people in the room. One team, one plan, from first idea to final day. Learn more about us at wegroup-global.com Connect with us at [email protected]