Legendary beauty and wellness expert

Tracey Woodward is the CEO of Modern Botany, a 100% natural, safe to use and non toxic skincare brand. Previously she was the CEO of Aromatherapy Associates and had management positions at Estée Lauder

and Aveda.

Tracey faced considerable challenges throughout her childhood, from being born extremely premature at 26 weeks, weighing just 1lb 13oz, to surviving domestic violence, and she only learnt to write at 14 years old. With her resilience and passion she has become a successful self-made businesswoman.

Tracey leads with kindness and her approach is focused on being emotionally connected and understanding people, which she reflects across all aspects of her life. 

At The Legacy Globe, we are collectively working alongside each other to leave lasting legacies which will empower future generations. How do you feel that your upbringing has shaped you?

 

It is an interesting question, there is so much pressure to only talk about the positive rather than the negative aspects of ones life. I believe that we learn the most from our hardest times. We become resilient when we overcome situations, whether that be what has been done to us or what we have done to others, or perhaps learning and leaning into a situation that has left us out of our depth. I believe that my unusual but not unique life has taught me that there is always opportunities to change our lives if that is truly what we want. 

How important do you think it is to give back as part of our legacies?

 

It is so important to give back to people and to look after our planet. I believe that inspiration is definitely essential for improved change, we must encourage and influence each other in to action. 

You are the CEO of Modern Botany and have additionally had numerous high level roles with brands such as Estée Lauder, Aveda and Aromatherapy Associates. What do you think makes a successful leader?

 

I truly believe that when you lead you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn from a variety of individuals. It is important to have the ability to work with different personal styles and approaches, I particularly love working with founders as they have a vision and are almost always looking at opportunities through evolution of concept. Promoting this vision and helping them to succeed is a great joy of mine.  It is also important to reach out to people that you admire or respect and to find a way to get connected, great things happen when courageous conversations take place.

I believe as a CEO that the only way to successfully lead is to inspire each other and to grow together. It is important to work with people that value ethics and integrity. Leading is similar to baking, the ingredient mix must be right! 

You are known as the self care queen. How do you maintain your health and wellbeing alongside your work, family and charity work?

 

I try my hardest to maintain my health and wellbeing and do my best to balance all aspects. I prioritise my time with the necessary and I try not to referee my life, or to carry too much guilt when I fall off the wagon; fasting has really helped me with discipline, I am thankful for Buchinger Wilhelmi. 

What does the word Legacy mean to you?

 

I believe that when your heart is connected to your mind you create a meaningful legacy. I would like my legacy to be that the power of self belief creates opportunity and that having a plan creates success.