Careers in luxury often conjure images of iconic stores, timeless heritage, and high-gloss campaigns, but the reality, as the MGLuxM Batch 17discovered, is far richer and more nuanced. On Saturday, 10^th January, Megha Malagatti, Managing Director of Hermès India, challenged conventional notions, shifting the conversation from glamour to intent, patience, and purpose.

With leadership stints across S.T. Dupont and L’Oréal Group, Megha drew from her global luxury experience to offer students practical insights into careers that balance ambition with responsibility. 

What made the session particularly impactful was its candid, interactive format. Students shared their real concerns: breaking into the industry, coping with rejection, managing fast growth alongside meaningful work, and staying motivated during slower phases. Megha addressed each point with nuanced advice, emphasising sustainable career paths, self-awareness, and aligning choices with one’s core motivations.

Key takeaways included:

• Patience is strategic: Careers in luxury are often non-linear; periods of slow growth are opportunities for learning, not setbacks.
• Values matter: Aligning work with personal principles ensures longevity and fulfilment.
• Know your strengths and limits: Success comes from leveraging your unique capabilities while recognizing areas for growth.

Why such sessions matter

For MGLuxM students, direct interaction with a seasoned luxury leader offered more than industry exposure. It normalised uncertainty and highlighted the human side of career progression. As one student reflected, “Hearing that even top leaders face doubts and pauses made me rethink the idea of immediate success. Career growth is a marathon, nota sprint.”

By the session’s end, students left with actionable insights on building a luxury career; how to stay patient, make intentional choices, and understand themselves deeply, preparing them to navigate a competitive and dynamic industry with both confidence and clarity.