"There is little demand in the commercial world for excellence; there is a much bigger demand for mediocrity,” says Kathy Lam, cutting straight to the chase as we got our interview rolling. “Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have. Without having a goal, it is difficult to score. Everybody wants to be good but not many are prepared to make the sacrifices it takes to be the best.”

This no-nonsense candour has always been synonymous with Lam, whose name is always mentioned in the same breath as Louis Vuitton (LV) in Malaysia. For 13 years, Lam led her team in spearheading the brand’s growth with unflagging focus and tenacity. A mark of LV Malaysia’s success is exemplified in the unveiling of its first global store in Malaysia at Starhill Gallery early this year. Lam views her style of management as being ‘solution-oriented’.

“I truly believe in leadership by example. Words I would use to describe my management style are problem solving, decisive and impatient. I call it having ‘the will to lead’. One of my greatest lessons of leadership is the knowledge that no task is beneath me... when you are willing to learn, and get your hands dirty and be accountable, people will follow,” she says.

She then adds, “I am said to be very demanding but I put this all down to ‘standards’. What standards are acceptable to some are not acceptable to others. To some people, being nice in order to be liked is more important. There is equal merit in that but you should not be confused from being good and liked,” she philosophises.

“I always say ‘We are not going for presidential elections’. Some people will say good things about me but there are others who will not. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. That is really fine with me because we can’t please everybody all the time, especially when we need to be result-driven.”

Despite her iconic status in the social scene, she has always maintained a low profile, preferring to spend her time at home than to hobnob with people outside of work-related functions. In fact, this is one of the many reasons that people have likened her to Anna Wintour, another steely doyenne in the fashion world, who is also as enigmatic as she is powerful and outspoken. Another similar trademark both Lam and Wintour share is that they love to sport sunglasses indoors.

“A lot of people are interested to know the story behind my dark glasses. Some have theorised that there is something wrong with my eyes. I’ve also had people telling me that I have beautiful eyes and I should not cover them. But the truth is, there is no story to it! It is just something I have gotten used to for many years now and it has become very much a part of me, I don’t feel comfortable without them,” she explains in amused tones.

When news broke that she was stepping down from her position as country manager of LV last month, it was a shock. The local luxury industry has just lost one of its most dedicated and passionate influencers.

Lam herself has a very grounded view about this change. “I see it as rewiring and not retiring,” she muses thoughtfully. “It is not a difficult decision to step down, it is something I have been thinking about for awhile now although I am grateful for having this role for the past 13 years. To want people to think about you after you have gone is huge arrogance. I do not expect to even be remembered after I leave this industry, much less leave a legacy!”

 

To read the full feature of Kathy Lam, get a copy of Malaysia Tatler October 2014 issue, available on newsstands now or click here to purchase the latest copy.