Redefining Heritage
In this episode of Management Meets, Katie sits down with Carolina Catalani to discuss second-generation entrepreneurship, corporate-to-startup transitions, and brand building. Drawing from her background at Procter & Gamble and her current leadership role at Finmark, Carolina shares how she helped scale her parents' business before co-founding AVAU, a high-end fragrance house created with her siblings, which recently debuted its flagship home in Milan.
The discussion highlights the practical realities of managing rapid growth within a family-owned business. Carolina discusses transitioning mindsets, pivoting from skill-based to value-based hiring, and setting strict personal boundaries to maintain productivity within a family-run business.
Creators and Guests
Host
Katie Calvert-Jones
Passionate advocate of the value a strong and engaged community can bring, and the far-reaching results that can be achieved. Loves hearing, sharing, and joining-up individual stories between professionals to enable ongoing learning and success.
Producer
Becky Toogood
Becky Toogood is the Alumni Engagement Communications Officer for the University of Bath, School of Management. With a first-class degree in journalism and a marketing background, Becky has experience in digital, print and multimedia communications. Working in higher education, Becky likes to showcase those leading innovation in their respective areas to celebrate success in the community, whilst inspiring others.
Guest
Carolina Catalani
Carolina Catalani believes that vision can only flourish when paired with thoughtful planning and execution. Her analytical mindset brings structure and clarity, creating the solid foundation on which creativity can thrive. By anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and crafting strategic roadmaps, she ensures that every element comes together seamlessly. With deep expertise in building and scaling global brands, Carolina has honed her ability to turn ambition into tangible success. As Strategy Director at AVAU Parfums, she ensures that creative expression is not only possible but empowered, allowing ideas to take shape without constraints. Her methodical approach enables the brand’s artistry to rise above the ordinary and establish itself as a lasting name in the industry. “Among my siblings, I’ve always been the most rational. The grounding force that brings structure and clarity to their creative energy. I take pride in being the one who has their back, making sure they have the freedom to express themselves fully. The perfume and cosmetic industry has always been part of my life, something I grew up immersed in every day. AVAU is the result of a deliberate choice, to create a brand that reflects our deep and personal connection to this world, celebrating the unique perspective that shapes everything we do.”
