The Loves of My Life: Nicole Melillo Shaw

      The most impactful interviews tend to be the most personal. In *Loves of My Life*, we discover the individual behind the professional persona, exploring key topics such as their favorite dining establishments and romantic venues, the music they’re currently passionate about, their most cherished piece of clothing, and the contents of their handbag. Essentially, these are the small joys in their life.

      Nicole Melillo Shaw serves as the managing director of Volvo Car UK. She became part of the company in March 2020, bringing with her 18 years of experience in senior marketing roles for globally recognized brands. Throughout her extensive career, Nicole has acquired experience in various blue-chip firms within the health and personal care sectors, both in global and local capacities.

      Volvo Car UK ranks among the most prominent automobile brands worldwide, operating in nearly 100 business markets. The company emphasizes innovation, sustainability, safety, technology, and aims for an all-electric future.

      Your career path is quite remarkable, covering a diverse range of industries, highlighting a genuine ability to step beyond your comfort zone. How did you manage this transition? I believe it stems from a desire to always pursue something different while maintaining a balance between providing something new and acquiring knowledge. Many of my transitions involve bringing some expertise with me, regardless of shifts in industries or cultures. For instance, in the early phase of my career, when I transitioned to E45, I had a background working alongside dermatologists and healthcare professionals. For me, it's always been about balancing the opportunity to offer value while going through an intense learning experience, as I like to keep myself engaged and push my limits.

      What motivates you professionally? This is something I find myself reflecting on increasingly; it often comes to mind after undertaking something quite different. At Volvo in the UK, we recently introduced a wholly new business model that has significantly distinguished us in the industry. One key aspect I value is the ability to demonstrate the impact of one's work. I stand out in the automotive sector, not just as a female managing director, but also due to my unique background. It’s essential for me to show that having a distinct perspective truly makes a difference, especially when appointing someone in a role who deviates from the norm can yield mixed results. Being able to effectively illustrate that this approach can succeed and reveal more synergies than initially perceived is crucial.

      I believe the ultimate goal for anyone, especially those in leadership, is to leave a brand better than it was when they took over. This is central to the concept of evolution. Additionally, it’s vital to ensure team members feel they have a voice. The decision-maker isn't the only one involved; the team members closely engaged with the operations can provide the most accurate insights. I tend to think that poor decisions often arise from not gathering enough input from people, so I prefer to collect ample feedback before making what is usually a nuanced decision.

      Furthermore, I think it’s vital to engage in work that you genuinely love. This doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy every single moment of it—much like parenting, where excitement can fluctuate. It’s about knowing your motivation and what anchors your interest. For me, the automotive field is fantastic, but what truly grounds me is the drive to motivate and effect change. This clarity helps during challenging times because I understand my purpose. Identifying those passion points is pivotal; otherwise, burnout can occur swiftly.

      What prompted you to join Volvo? It’s a frequently asked question since transitioning from healthcare to automotive isn’t a typical move. However, when you consider it, we ultimately need to market a product to consumers, and this appeal to work with Volvo arises from that. Volvo's clientele often leans towards family-oriented values, and the brand boasts a rich legacy. We continuously celebrate our historical journey while emphasizing our forward-looking modern electric products.

      There are clear similarities between the role I initially held here at Volvo as consumer director and my time at E45. To respond to your query, the significant factor is the desire to create impact. Many individuals in automotive have extensive experience in the field. I feel like the underdog as I don’t enter the industry as a passionate car enthusiast. I joined because I appreciate a good vehicle, making me nearly a consumer benchmark since I represent the average buyer. I have personally navigated the purchase journey, which allows me to voice genuine insights in meetings.

      What makes you an effective leader for your team? In the past, I’ve been part of cultures that were heavily top-down and duty-driven. Conversely, I’ve also experienced process-focused cultures where personal opinions could be sidelined due to procedural constraints. Throughout these experiences, I’ve learned that it’s crucial for people to feel heard. Working at a company where you feel like just another number can be incredibly demotivating. Thus, it’s important to acknowledge every person as an individual with unique contributions, providing opportunities to challenge or alter existing processes.

      If individuals feel they can’t halt or shape processes, they’re unlikely to