Comfort and performance top the agenda
27/04/2021
Clocking On...
The Lycra Company’s Denise Sakuma considers herself lucky. “Work is 80% of the day, so you need to love what you do. If you love what you do 80% of the day, you will be a happy person.”
6.00am
I wake up, check emails and scan the news while sipping my first cup of Nespresso. Then it’s time to get the kids up (yes, this is a drama every morning!) and get them ready for school.
7.30am
After leaving the kids at the bus stop, I go for a 5km run. I usually cross Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf, head through the Ciutadella Park and then reach the beach, see the sun rise and then back home.
8.30am
I am lucky to live close enough to work to walk, so I have another Nespresso and put on a good pair of jeans with Lycra fibre with, most likely, an Adidas Originals top and trainers. I make my way to the office at Paseo de Gracia, which hosts most of the fashion, sports and luxury brand stores. Being based here is a great way to stay close to the flavour of colours, textures, look and feel of latest apparel.
9.00am
I answer my emails and have video calls with my Asian and European team members. Innovation is extremely important and is one of our key strengths. With our newest Advanced Textile Innovation Centre based in China, many of the latest developments are coming out of Asia, so it’s important to dedicate quality time to Asia and I reserve my mornings to go through the latest denim innovations with the teams.
1.00pm
As a global company, 1pm and 2pm are really busy times because this is when we are able to get all the teams on one call. We work collaboratively so these discussions range from innovation and development updates, through to marketing and communications planning. When I get time, I go for a quick walk and grab some lunch. My favourite is Japanese.
3.00pm
Our head office is based in Delaware, US, so this is the time to have those important discussions with the sustainability, marketing and innovations teams in the US and Europe. This is when we can go through the research reviews and discuss the latest consumer insights – essential for developing consumer-led solutions and technologies, such as our Lycra anti-slip. This is also a key time for catching up with customers, new suppliers, our agencies and doing one-to-one coaching sessions with the team. I love meeting customers and suppliers in person, but for now, video calls will suffice!
6.30pm
I walk home, perhaps still on some calls and finalise a few emails. Time to hug the children, check on their homework and after taking care of them, it is my time. As much as I love what I do, it is important to switch off and have enriching experiences outside of work too. I learn as much as I can about something new each week – cryptocoins (bitcoins) is my latest. I usually have a nice dinner with my partner, talk about our day, laugh, sometimes a glass of wine, a movie or a book. I also video call my mother every evening.
10.30pm
Off to bed for a good night’s sleep and ready to face the new day.
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