When I think of Xiaochun, I think of a passionate and courageous innovation leader who was a true scientist at heart. 

Xiaochun believed that only through science and technology we can open new doors to transformational products that delight the consumer.  She always pushed the boundaries in order to bring consumers new benefits that they didn’t even know they needed.  One of the last formal meetings that I had with Xiaochun was to evaluate the use of a marine based delivery technology derived from sea anemones to increase skincare efficacy.  Most scientists may only see the barriers and constraints, but Xiaochun was excited about the possibilities and potential.  In our last e-mail exchange regarding this inocyte technology she wrote:
A reason that I push the discussions with the companies like this is to have ourselves more open to different ideas, and get more stimuli from the outside.  Exposure to seemly crazy ideas can trigger novel thoughts.

When working in the fuzzy front end, she understood and accepted the risks of failure and the need for trial and error, - otherwise, we were being too safe and would never find the next big thing.

She was kind, patient and gentle, but that never stopped her from pushing her people to look beyond the obvious as we ventured into the often uncertain world of research and development.  She challenged us by insightful questions and genuine belief that we can crack the proverbial nut.  She always encouraged us to work smarter rather than just harder.  I remember her description of the “red and blue oceans” as an analogy of where we should compete.  Instead of trying to compete with bigger and stronger competitors in the red ocean, where they already have a stronghold, look for the blue ocean, where it is not yet stained with blood by fierce competition.  She explained that we should find novel areas and benefits that can establish Avon’s competitive advantage.  It’s no surprise that under her leadership we discovered and launched many award-winning and first to market innovations such as Magix, Lotus Shield and the many amazing breakthroughs under the Anew skincare brand.

All that aside, some of my fondest memories of Xiaochun were the informal brainstorms we’ve had.  As she walks through the labs, she would often ask, always with a smile, what was the most exciting thing I was working on at the time and she would light up as I explained.  If I had a sample nearby, she couldn’t stop herself from playing with it and after a round of questions, she would say, “got it;” and then immediately launch to brainstorm mode, rattling off ideas of how to use the technology to bring new benefits to the consumer.  I also remember the many project updates that would often run over the allotted time because she just loved digging into the nitty gritty of the science and its applications.

I will miss my interactions with Xiaochun and her genuine love for science. Her probing questions, animated stories and lessons will remain vivid in my memories. 

Xiaochun, you will be sorely missed as a great leader, nurturing mentor and caring friend.

Sincerely,
Bing 

From: Martino, Joanne [mailto:Joanne.Martino@sodexo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 2:56 PM
To: David Siegel/SUF/US; Robert Kalafsky/SUF/US
Subject: RE: Thanks!

Hi Dave, Hi Rob, 

Thank you for sharing. 

I know it has been a very difficult week for everyone at Avon. 

I have not been able to get to you in person, (I have spoken to Steve Toth daily) but know our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Avon organization. 

Xiaochun will be greatly missed with our team as well.  We have made a donation to the American Cancer Society in her name. 

I hope to be in on Friday at some time. 

Thanks,

Joanne

I was truly honored and humbled to speak about Xiaochun at her memorial service.I worked with Xiaochun for the last 15 years at Avon but had the good fortune to report directly to her for 7 of those 15 years.  Xiaochun took me under her wings as I was put in a new leadership role that I knew absolutely nothing about.  We became very close during those 7 years and she taught me so much.  She was a brilliant, creative scientist who taught us all how to be our best.  She never ever told us what to do but helped us to get their on our own.  She had patience beyond anyone I have ever known, never loosing her temper no matter how difficult the situation got.  She always made everyone feel their worth and taught us how to respect each other.  Xiaochun never tolerated disrespect to anyone.  She taught us to never let work get in the way of our family. In our updates, everytime the phone would ring she would check to be sure that her husband or boys didn't need her.  If it was them calling she never hesitated to pick up the phone.

She was such a strong person, yet at the same time ever so gentle and caring.  I was recently in a bad accident and with all of her responsibility, she made it a priority to bring my family food and visit me often spending her precious time with me.  One of the things I will remember most was when she didn't think I was getting the right medication she told the nurses if they did not get me what I needed, she would go out and sit at the nurses station until they did.  I told the nurses she wasn't joking and of course they did what she wanted!

Her generiosity was exceptional in so many ways.  I used to compliment her on a necklace she used to wear and one day she gave it to me.  I will cherish this forever.  Xiaochun was so special to me and to others I could talk about her for hours but what I want everyone to know is that I am one of so many people she touched.  She had such a welcoming presence and everyone loved her.  She spoke to all associates regardless of their level and cared for us all.  She loved spending time at our Holiday parties and picnics and even more so loved to beat us in the games we would play.  She was the ultimate competitor. 

It is impossible for me to believe that I won't get to see and speak to her everday but I will feel her presence everyday in the amazing legacy she has left for us all.  Xiaochun, you will be forever in my heart.

Love always, Lisa Lamberty        
   

Thinking about Xiaochun the words that come immediately to mind are authentic, caring and humble.  What was so special about Xiaochun was that she so genuinely cared about everyone around her.  We first met while working for P&G in Japan as aspiring young Section Leaders (I won't divulge how young we were then!) and I feel so privileged to have been able to renew my friendship and work closely with Xiaochun again this pasrt year.  In P&G, she was highly regarded as a smart technologst and a strong leader but also as someone who cared for her team and nurtured them. 

Seeing her lead the Avon R&D organisation, it is this quality that made Xiaochun the wonderful leader she was.  She had such an enormous heart and wanted the best for everyone in her team.   Being in her highly responsible position, she had to take difficult decisions but at the center of everything she did was her deep care for her people.   I know many of us feel her loss deeply as a friend as well as a leader and mentor......I certainly do.....