Boardroom briefing: Mecca moves, new CEOs, and Leo DiCaprio the activist
and tips from the Hyatt Hotel
Move changing your energy plans to the top of your to-do list, the re-make of Hairspray is here, Leonardo DiCaprio champions the Australian environment and Mecca is making moves.
🎙️ ICYMI
Boardroom Briefing
Australia isn't exempt from Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. So what? This means higher costs for Australian exporters, higher prices for goods for everyday Australians, and if you invest in mining or export-related stocks (e.g., BHP, BlueScope Steel, Rio Tinto), the tariffs could impact share prices. (- via The ABC)
Now is the time to find more competitive energy deals. The Australian Energy Regulator has indicated that power bills could increase by up to 9% over the coming year due to rising wholesale and network costs. (- via The Guardian)
Australia’s economy has changed drastically over the last 5 years, experts are calling for reconsideration around our economic model and policies. Drivers to this need include slowdown in productivity growth, growing fiscal pressures, and a second Trump administration. (- via ABC)
Channel Nine has announced Matt Stanton as the permanent CEO and Managing Director. Previously, in the role as Chief Strategy Officer, he is accredited with setting the media company back on track, changing the operating model and improving its growth trajectory. (- via News.com.au)
Culture & Influence
Nicola Forrest has invested $160m into Co-Impacts Gender Fund to tackle the root causes of gender inequity. Co-Impact aims to improve financial inclusion, support women entrepreneurs, and strengthen laws that protect women’s rights.(- via Forbes Australia)
Leonardo DiCaprio has raised concerns about mining activities in Western Australia's jarrah forests. - (via Instagram)
For the first time, luxury brand Louis Vuitton will serve as the title sponsor of the Australian Grand Prix, marking a significant partnership between high fashion and motorsport. - (via Forbes Australia)
Beauty & Fashion
Aussie SPF brand “Ultra Violette” launches into Sephora US next week and teamed up with Aussie luggage brand, July, for their PR mailer - (via Instagram)
Opportunity spotted: Women’s sports teams in the US are getting an influx of attention from beauty & wellness brands. E.l.f. Cosmetics AND Drink Unwell becomes sponsors of the US National Women’s Soccer League this month. Hey Aussie brands, we can’t find any cool fashion, beauty or wellness brands sponsoring Australian women’s sporting teams.
Gigi Hadid can’t stop the beat - but it might stop her. Hadid teamed up with Bardia Zeinali & Vogue Magazine for her own take on “Hairspray”. While the creative direction is just as catchy as the movie, it has come under scrutiny for it’s lack of diversity. (- via Instagram)
Frederic Arnault has been named CEO of Loro Piana in LVMH Reshuffle - (via WSJ)
📝 DEEP DIVE
Mecca Cosmetica
Australia’s favourite beauty powerhouse is always one step ahead
This beauty destination needs no introduction - but it’s story of re-defining beauty retail in Australia always deserves airtime. Founded by Jo Horgan in 1997, it is Australia’s ultimate beauty retail.
It all started in the living room of former L’Oréal executive Jo Horgan's Melbourne home. After recognising a gap in the Australian market for high-quality, luxury beauty products, Jo Horgan was driven by a desire to create a destination that offered curated, exclusive beauty lines and an exceptional customer experience. So, in 1997, Horgan opened the first beauty retail to bring the best of global beauty under one roof.
Today, Mecca has over 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand, Mecca’s dominance in the beauty world is undeniable, and their upcoming Melbourne flagship store on the city's iconic Bourke Street coming early 2025 proves just that. In addition to stocking over 200 of our favourite beauty brands (think Glossier, Hourglass, Dries Van Noten the new Flagship will also offer 80 services including an Apothecary, an in-store salon complete with makeup, hair, and nail services
Mecca’s success has been driven by a number of key factors. Here are our top three reasons:
Most notably, their industry-leading loyalty program, Beauty Loop, which rewards customers for their purchases with a tiered system. Do you remember when everyone went wile over their secret “Magic Circle” status level — an invitation only level. While the spend bracket is unknown, it is rumored that these people spend up to $80k per year!
Horgan has held true to her word on providing exceptional customer experience. Mecca spends 3% of its revenue on staff training, and will be launching MECCAversity Auditorium at it’s Melbourne store. It will be an education space dedicated to bringing customers and team members together for masterclasses and beauty school courses alike.
Mecca’s clever choice of brand selection. While Sephora has brought to Australia the pull of celebrity brands such as Fenty Beauty (Rihanna), Rare Beauty (Selena Gomez) and Typebea (Rita Ora), Mecca has largely stayed away from this space. These brands don’t have a strong connection with the Australian customer and can feel like a fad. Instead, Mecca focuses on home-grown brands that demonstrate efficacy.
In 2022, Mecca posted revenue of $971 million, with profit of $36 million. Sephora’s revenue for that year was $246 million, but it booked a loss of $11.4 million. Today, Mecca is handily a $1 billion turnover company. But there are whispers that Jo Horgan and her husband, Peter Wetenhall, may be preparing to sell the business with a ~$2 billion valuation. The potential sale of the company could mark a pivotal shift in the company but will undoubtedly remain a cult favourite.
💡 Pro tip: Running low on makeup and have an event coming up? Book a makeup service and redeem the total cost on stocking up your products!
👜 STYLE SESSION
I’ve always believed that what you wear can completely transform how you feel. As I look ahead to a big week—one that will demand my energy, presence, and time in front of my clients—I know that a little extra effort in my wardrobe can make all the difference.
For weeks like this, I lean into pieces that empower me—whether it’s a bold color, a statement dress, or the perfect pair of heels. That’s why, for this week’s style session, I’m channeling she sits at the head of the table energy with an all-white ensemble: sexy, sophisticated, and undeniably powerful. My power outfit. Love, A xx
✨ THIS WEEK’S MOOD BOARD
📱 ANONYMOUS TIP
Work smarter, not harder—ft. Hyatt Hotels
During my time in Japan, I’ve been staying and working from various Hyatts, so I’ve done some recon for our Mode girls on how we can all take advantage of their facilities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, a stylish meeting spot, or a little post-work luxury, I’ve got the inside scoop for you - Maddi x
💼 Free Perks
Take a work call or meeting in their luxurious lobby lounges
Both Hyatt Regency Sydney and Grand Hyatt Melbourne offer elegant lobby areas with complimentary Wi-Fi, making them perfect for remote work or informal meetings in a polished setting.
Book their Cafés for business meetings
Upgrade your usual coffee catch-up by holding your meetings at Hyatt’s in-house cafés. They offer a professional yet relaxed atmosphere—much nicer than a crowded office or noisy café.
Visit bars during off-peak hours
For a more laid-back business conversation, take advantage of hotel bars before the evening rush. Zephyr Bar at Hyatt Regency Sydney is a stunning choice, offering breathtaking views over Darling Harbour—ideal for a drink and a productive chat.
💎 Paid Perks
Use business centers to escape the noise
Both Hyatt Regency Sydney and Grand Hyatt Melbourne have fully equipped business centers with work desks, printing services, and private meeting spaces—ideal when you need focus time away from distractions.
Earn Hyatt Points while taking (tax deductible!) business meetings
Book Hyatt’s premium business rooms for your next meeting and earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on future stays:
15,000 Hyatt points = $200 meeting credit
30,000 Hyatt points = $400 meeting credit
45,000 Hyatt points = $600 meeting credit
60,000 Hyatt points = $800 meeting credit
💡 Pro tip: These meetings may be tax-deductible, so check with your accountant!
Treat yourself with a day pass for their pools & spa facilities
After a long day of work, treat yourself to some relaxation. Park Hyatt Melbourne offers day passes to its spa, fitness center, and indoor pool, so you can unwind in luxury—even if you’re not an overnight guest.
💻 JOB BOARD
Job hunting is tough but we’re here to help.
Interesting read: How can fashion design graduates get a job? (- via Vogue Business)
Share with your friends or leave a comment if you can refer a Mode girl to one of these jobs!
See you next week,
Adrianna & Maddi x