GODIVA CEO Nurtaç Afridi's Message to Women: 'Invest in and Empower Yourself'
In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Senior Editor Marie Albiges interviews Nurtaç Afridi, CEO of GODIVA Chocolatier, the global leader in premium, artisanal chocolate. Afridi is also the chief strategy and growth officer of GODIVA’s parent company, Yildiz Holding as well as a Women in Retail Leadership Circle member. Among other subjects, Afridi discusses the transformative year she’s led at GODIVA (1:35) and how the company is expanding its presence and portfolio to be accessible to everyone (4:06). She shares the partnerships she’s most excited about (6:53), her career journey that’s led to her current position (10:43), and how she embraced the chief executive role with vulnerability (13:55).
In addition, Afridi details how she approaches and overcomes challenges by focusing on opportunities (15:45), and how she fosters an environment of empowerment for GODIVA’s female workforce and beyond through the Lady GODIVA Initiative (18:36). Lastly, as Valentine’s Day 2023 quickly approaches, she shares the new and exciting initiatives coming from GODIVA’s chocolatiers this year (23:34).
Nurtaç Afridi is the CEO of GODIVA as well as the chief strategy and growth officer for Godiva’s parent company, Yildiz Holding. She’s a seasoned leader with an impressive combination of business, operational and finance experience as well as a strong passion for people and nurturing talent. Afridi has vast experience in various consumer and commercial businesses, a proven track record of powerful business results in corporate development, and extensive strategic expertise.
Afridi is a guest lecturer at Bosphorus University as well as Koc University in Istanbul. She sits on the board of directors of various Yildiz Holding companies, including Godiva, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey. She believes in uplifting others, has several mentoring relationships, and is a proud member of the Women in the Board Association. She has a MBA from Friedrich Alexander University in Germany and her BA in Marketing and Finance from Marmara University in Istanbul. She is fluent in Turkish, English, and German.
Date: February 7, 2023
Credits: Nurtaç Afridi
Duration: 26:04
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