Richard Pierson

What: Senior Vice President, Bebe International
How do you typically start your workday?
I live in New York but my main office is in LA, so every Monday, I'm usually up and off to the airport at about 5am. I take a flight to LA and work there from Monday to Wednesday. Then I take a flight home at midnight to get back into NY and work there on Thursday and Friday. My workweek is, thus, split between NY and LA.
As far as routines go, I usually get up every morning and either ride my bike or go to the gym and exercise, prior to taking the ferry to work (yes, I take a ferry to work!).
Describe your work in a sentence.
Travelling around the world, meeting amazing people and opening amazing stores for the brand.
What is your #1 personal principle or success mantra at work?
I think being honest and fair with my partners has allowed me to enjoy success.
In your workday, what is the one thing you simply cannot do without?
Coffee. I probably have 4-5 cups of coffee a day. It might not be healthy for me but it keeps me going.
Your most challenging project to date?
I think the new Bebe store in Dubai Mall has probably been our most challenging project to date. Everything in that store is new, from the interior design to the collections. We had to read up about this market, and work with the mall management, our local partner and outside agencies to bring this project to fruition - it's been a two-year process.
Who is your role model as the perfect professional?
Donald Trump, the man in the news right now. I think he's just been extremely successful with everything he's done; he continues to reinvent himself, and he's honest to a fault. I've just been so inspired by what he's done in his life.
Your favourite indulgence when you need a break from work?
Spending time with my kids, swimming, enjoying my weekends back home. Since I travel a lot, my breaks at home are welcome.
What's your greatest dream?
I'm achieving my dream. I get to travel the world, living the dream. I really wanted to make Bebe a global brand, and we're achieving that.
As told to Mary Paulose