Xiaochun was a brilliant scientist and visionary innovation leader. She led Avon to deliver many industry-first, superior technologies. She taught us to strive to give consumers benefits they never imagined -- to blaze new trails, instead of playing in competitive strongholds. She challenged us through insightful questions, and always with a humility and belief that others were smart (she would say smarter than herself – but we knew better). She believed in us and that makes us want to work so hard to never let her down. Her track record of award-winning new products speaks for itself, and she was quick to give her teams the credit.
Beyond her technology leadership, Xiaochun showered us with her wisdom. She patiently helped me understand that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. “Others are smart” meant to try first to understand why they may have a different – and valid - point of view, when I couldn’t imagine why my persuasive arguments weren’t making any headway. She taught us much about collaboration and true teamwork. She said she really wanted R&D leaders to be a true team. And then she role modeled that on every occasion together afterward, deeply listening to all points of view, encouraging everyone to contribute and respecting all.
Xiaochun compassionately led us through some difficult times for our business, including three rounds of downsizing. She shouldered as much of the burden herself as long as she could, but involved us where needed to make difficult headcount decisions. She taught us by example how to wear a “big hat” where the organization’s greater good came before any of our own interests. This credibility, her strong influence skills and the quiet resolve she had when wearing her red dress for budget discussions earned her the ultimate compliment from our CFO Kimberly, who entitled her “Toughest Budget Negotiator” in the company.
Above all else, Xiaochun’s compassion leaves the strongest imprint on Avon and on each and every person she touched. During those tough headcount reduction exercises, more than once we found Xiaochun crying over spreadsheets late at night in her office. She cared for each and every R&D associate with the compassion of a big sister, and worked tirelessly to find the right fit somewhere in the organization wherever possible. She always made the tough decisions the business required, but all impacted – and all who remained - were comforted by her care and concern.
I wish I had words to convey to you the deep love and admiration all in R&D and across the company have for Xiaochun. Walking through labs and offices over the past few days, we’ve been so deeply touched by the stories each colleague has to share. The chemist she recognized as new in the lab, and quietly asked a co-worker his name so she could introduce herself and welcome him. The associate she sent home from an important meeting at work so she could see her second grader give a performance in a school play. The two associates on their way to the Avon holiday party she hosted at Mt. Fuji, who were dancing in their parked car to music when she tapped on the window and started dancing with them. So authentic, so humble, connecting with all as equals, as a sister, as a friend.
Xiaochun described Avon as a special place, and a company with a “big heart”. There is no one that better exemplifies all that is good with our culture and no one with a bigger heart. We will try our best to honor her legacy and keep this compassion alive. There has been an outpouring of grief over the past several days, but co-workers have also been bonding together and sharing so many fond and funny memories. We have been a comfort to each other, just as she had been to us.
We wish we could offer some small comfort to her family and friends who have suffered such a great loss. Wei, Byran and Brandon, thank you for sharing such a remarkable and caring woman with us. Please know she has been deeply respected and deeply loved. She has touched our hearts and left each of us better in some way. We are eternally grateful to have had the privilege to know her. Her spirit shines brightly and lives on.