Zeynep A. Talu-Balci
In the bustling atmosphere of MIPIM in Cannes, France, amidst the backdrop of the iconic Carlton Hotel, I had the pleasure of meeting Diane Daudin-Clavaud — a name synonymous with resilience, strategic innovation, and leadership in the global business arena.
As the Corporate Director of Global Business Development for Nobu Hospitality, Diane is a woman who makes her mark on the world stage. Her work involves expanding Nobu’s global footprint, which includes over 50 restaurants and 41 hotels and now residences spread across six continents. Under her leadership, Nobu remains at the forefront of the luxury lifestyle sector, seamlessly blending culinary excellence with unparalleled service.
From her beginnings in journalism to her ascension through the ranks of prestigious organizations like Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and Nobu Hospitality, Diane has not merely participated in the business world; she has reshaped it.
Strategic Innovation in Global Business Development
However, Diane’s path has not been without its challenges. Facing unemployment at one point, she channeled her energy into preparing for the GMAT, redirecting her career path towards new opportunities. The adversity she faced was transformed into a gateway for further professional development and an Executive MBA at MIT Sloan and Lisbon Business Schools.
Today, as she navigates her role at Nobu, Diane continues to apply the invaluable lessons learned from each career high and low. Her approach to overcoming adversity and her pugnacity for continuous advancement offer profound insights into effective leadership.
Diane’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience, strategic thinking, and a proactive attitude, one can navigate the tumultuous waters of career uncertainty to reach new heights of success and fulfillment.
Her story is not just about climbing the corporate ladder but about creating a ladder of her own design, inspiring a generation of leaders to think globally and act on instincts/ instinctually.
Discover the Inspiring Journey: Diane Daudin-Clavaud’s Diverse Career Path Leading to Nobu Hospitality
You have such a rich and varied career journey, starting from managing an art gallery to leading global business development at Nobu Hospitality. What inspired these transitions, and how have your diverse roles influenced your approach to business strategy and development?
“The diversity of my career journey, starting from journalism to managing an art gallery, developing an entertainment holding company to leading global business development at Nobu Hospitality, has been profoundly shaped by my insatiable curiosity and a desire for more. From my early days in Brittany, surrounded by nothing but salted butter, sailing, and seawater, I always yearned for greater challenges and experiences. This drive led me from the simplicity of my hometown to the complexities of global markets.
My career transitions were inspired by my background and an adventurous spirit, possibly inherited from my father, a Navy officer. The shift from local Saudi businesses to global business roles in prestigious companies like Nobu was a natural progression in my quest to broaden my horizons and make a significant impact on a larger scale.
These diverse roles have deeply influenced my approach to business strategy and development. They taught me the importance of networking, which I see not just as building contacts, but as linking the dots that others might not see. This perspective has been crucial in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, allowing me to leverage opportunities across varied industries and cultures.
Each role, whether it was setting the strategic direction at an art gallery, running my own restaurant or spearheading global initiatives at Nobu, required a unique blend of skills. Yet, the common thread was the ability to adapt quickly, think with foresight, and connect deeply with people from all walks of life. These experiences have honed my ability to analyze situations with a focus on three-term goals, making me adept at identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that align with broader business goals.
The last transition from hands-on management to strategic development was pivotal. I realized that running my own restaurant, despite its success, wasn’t the right fit for me. It was gratifying to know I could handle various roles, but it was also exhausting. Instead, I chose to pursue opportunities that aligned more with my strengths in high-level networking and innovative growth initiatives, leading to my involvement in expanding the Nobu brand from restaurants to hotels and residential developments. This shift reflects my resilience and adaptability, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking in my professional growth.”
Resilient Leadership Philosophy
Leadership often requires balancing diverse stakeholder interests and navigating complex challenges. Can you share your personal leadership philosophy and how it has guided you throughout your career?
“I focus on the big picture by defining frameworks that align with our goals. For each goal, I develop an action plan that includes building the necessary skills, assembling the right team, and supporting activities that align with our overarching strategy. My leadership style blends analytical thinking with emotional intelligence, which is crucial for motivating people and trusting your instincts—elements that have been pivotal throughout my career.
Adaptability and personal insight are key components of how I operate. Although I would not necessarily recommend it to others, my personal journey involved learning leadership skills on my own, often without much guidance or mentorship. This self-directed path involved applying my intellect and instincts to various challenging situations across different industries, including my own restaurant. These experiences helped me develop my capabilities, though they came with little oversight.”
Strategic Development Insights from Saudi Arabia
Drawing from our shared experience of living in Saudi Arabia, I’d love to hear about your reflections on how this unique cultural and business landscape has influenced your approach to leadership and business strategy. What insights from your time in Saudi Arabia do you find most valuable in your current role?
“Starting from my early months immersion in boarding school at Rye St Anthony, in Headington, next to Oxford, I learned that ‘it’s who you know, and not really what you know.’ This foundational understanding of networking’s value was deeply ingrained and further enhanced during my time in Saudi Arabia. There, success hinges on connections, differing from the meritocratic systems I encountered in Europe or the US.
I also realized the importance of uniqueness in a competitive environment. Being unique, rather than just one of many, allows me to stand out and bring added value in crowded markets. The dynamic Saudi market required high adaptability and a sharp sense for innovation—skills that were essential when navigating new regulations or aligning with initiatives like the 2030 Vision. These experiences have made me agile and forward-thinking, attributes that I continuously apply to current market trends.
Furthermore, my stint in Saudi Arabia emphasized the significance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. The need to be proactive and responsive to the socio-economic climate was critical. Managing a team of 50 people, a task I had never faced before, taught me how to earn respect and adapt to local management styles, which are markedly different from those in Europe.
Additionally, the Saudi focus on youth, straddling the line between modernity and tradition, sharpened my ability to develop strategies that balance these elements, ensuring that my business approaches are culturally coherent yet innovative.
Patience was another crucial lesson from my time in Saudi Arabia. The pace there is slower, and understanding that pushing too hard can yield contrary results was vital. This patience has become an integral component of my leadership style, allowing me to navigate and manage expectations effectively in any business environment.”
Diane Daudin-Clavaud’s Vision for Nobu Hospitality’s Growth
As the Corporate Director of Global Business Development at Nobu, you’re at the forefront of prospecting new hotel deals and shaping the company’s expansion. I’m so proud that a woman is in this position! What is your vision for Nobu Hospitality’s growth, and how do you identify potential markets and opportunities?
“My focus is on driving innovation and sustaining growth in the competitive hospitality and luxury sector. We work mainly with individual owners, high net worth individuals and we try to find opportunities that align with Nobu’s brand, maintaining the same consistency with local adaptations, respecting what our segment desires as we have millions of customers now. The mindset involves identifying competitive cities and expanding there, including entering the residence market, which allows us to tap into different lifestyle layers of our customers”
Career Challenges and Achievements at Nobu Hospitality
During your tenure at Nobu Hospitality, you’ve undertaken roles in communications, marketing, and global business development. Could you share some of the most challenging projects you’ve tackled and what achievements you’re particularly proud of?
Proud? Signing deals I guess!
Challenging? A career is not linear so sometimes you have to leave a company to grow yourself and come back with the right opportunity within that group you cherish.
My path has crossed with Nobu Hospitality in 2014 when I was working for the owner of the Nobu Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. I was hired to build the PR and Marketing department, then I was spotted by the CEO and COO for different missions until 2018.
Same year, I left the Group to pursue my Executive MBA and to complete several projects. I eventually returned to support the company’s development alongside these two influential mentors in 2022.
Diane Daudin-Clavaud’s Advice for Aspiring Business Leaders in Hospitality
Reflecting on your successful career and the invaluable lessons learned along the way, what advice would you offer to aspiring business leaders, particularly those looking to make an impact in the hospitality and entertainment sectors?
“I developed those skills with very little oversight or mentorship, and then I was able to navigate all those difficult situations. It’s my intellect, it’s my instinct to address the problem. You need to be adaptable, and flexible, while respecting your must values. You need to motivate people and you need to believe in your instincts, which was very present in my career. A cornerstone is also my curiosity, it drove and it still drives me. You need to be avid about life itself, about learning and enhancing your skills. You need to be adapting to your abilities or your perspective. That would be my leadership philosophy and the way I see things. You don’t know when opportunities are coming, so you need to be up-to-date, whatever it is. I would advise, especially nowadays, to try to get mentorship or to have maybe someone to look up to.,
You need to learn some concepts and frameworks, which was not really my case because I didn’t know, before MIT, that the way I was doing things had a specific name in marketing or sales for example. MIT was able to put worldwide concepts and a framework on all the skills that I have, vocabulary which is recognized by everyone.”
Transformative Impact of an Executive MBA
Choosing to pursue an Executive MBA later in your career was a bold decision. Can you share how this educational pursuit transformed your professional outlook and what advice you would give to those contemplating similar career-enhancing moves?
“Going back to school was not easy, especially when you’re 37.
This was a difficult choice, but it put me on a new course, outside of the Middle East. I learned the value of taking a chance on myself again and proved that I am capable of learning new skills quickly. The experience helped me to develop my professional experience and expand my horizon.
As a self-made entrepreneur, I have taught myself a lot about business and learned skills on the job that my peers acquired through more formal training. I utilized these key skills in start-up businesses and small-and-medium enterprises in arts and culture, at governmental and consulting offices in entertainment, and as department head in hospitality and luxury. The EMBA has complemented my unique real-world experience by filling gaps in traditional business practices, thus enabling me to succeed in Europe and America’s global standard.
The good thing I also took from the MBA is that it took my entrepreneurial spirit, entrepreneurship was my chosen speciality at MIT Sloan, and placed a worldwide accepted framework around it. That’s what was great about doing an MBA. It’s like they took my approach, which I didn’t even have a name for before—like, I knew CAC, customer acquisition cost cash flow but didn’t call it that—and they put it in the right words, words that are accepted by everyone. It’s something I’m really grateful for.”
Diane Daudin-Clavaud’s Strategies for Aspiring Female Leaders in Nobu Hospitality
As a woman who has achieved significant leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated sectors, what strategies do you recommend for aspiring female leaders to navigate and succeed in these environments?
“My leadership approach primarily focuses on the big picture. For example, I set a goal and then develop multiple outlines to achieve it. To implement these strategies, I may develop new skills, hire a team, or initiate actions that support the overall plan. My leadership style blends analytical thinking with emotional intelligence, which is essential for motivating people and trusting your instincts. This combination has been crucial throughout my career, allowing me to adapt my approaches based on my capabilities and the situation at hand.”
Looking back on your career and looking forward to future aspirations, what legacy do you hope to leave in the business world, and what impact do you wish to have on the next generation of professionals?
“That’s a tough question, and one I should really ponder! I just turned 41 years old, so I’m at a reflective point in my journey. What I know so far is that I want to share my experiences and help empower others by showing them that success is possible. Discipline, belief, and trust in the process are crucial. Often, it’s just when you’re about to give up that the breakthrough happens. Life is full of challenges, but embracing them is where the rewards and happiness lie.
In the hospitality industry, my goal is to develop innovative and sustainable projects that bring together inclusive teams, respect the local environment, and bring joy to our guests. I hope to create a lasting impact that combines business excellence with social and environmental responsibility.”
Your career embodies entrepreneurship and resilience. Reflecting on your journey, what key lessons have you learned about driving innovation and sustaining growth in the highly competitive hospitality and luxury sectors?
“Well, it’s really about engaging in special projects with unique individuals. We primarily work with individual owners and high net worth individuals, striving to maintain consistency in local cuisine while catering to the preferences of our diverse clientele, who now number 7 millions. We make it a priority to listen to their needs. Even in competitive markets, the key is to remain intensely proactive and responsive, always focusing on delivering exactly what our customers desire.”
It’s also about staying updated with industry trends, which is crucial in our field. You never know when an opportunity might arise, so maintaining daily discipline in staying informed is key. Just like an athlete trains daily not knowing when they might be called up to the team, professionals should keep their skills sharp and be ready for any opportunity. For me, it’s essential to keep my knowledge current because when opportunities do present themselves, I need to be ready to seize them without hesitation. This proactive approach is vital in the competitive sectors of hospitality and luxury.”
Throughout your dynamic career and life journey, you must have had some unique experiences. Can you share a fun or surprising fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
“I might surprise you actually gigs.
In Saudi Arabia, I was a TV anchor for National TV, Saudi Channel 2. I presented “Good Morning Saudi Arabia” in English, live. It was a great experience that taught me a lot, especially since it was live!
I have also acted in various Ramadan series, particularly one called “Shabab al Bomb.” It was a lot of fun and reconnected me with my teenage years. I used to be part of an Acting Conservatory program in my early years, so it was nice to revisit that passion in Riyadh.
In Portugal, during COVID, I decided to open a restaurant on my own. I built, designed, and conceptualized it myself. It was called Casa Cabana, and guests could choose from several regions where they wanted to “travel”—the Middle East, Pakistan, Portugal, France, etc. They would get a taste of my favorite mezzes from that country on a beautiful wood board. It was a great success, and I sold it after a year and a half, as it was quite demanding on my lifestyle.”
Described as the ‘Swiss army knife’ of any organization, your adaptability and leadership across diverse roles and cultural landscapes are commendable. What key factors do you attribute to your ability to navigate and lead successfully in varying industries and cultural settings?
“I describe myself as the Swiss Army knife of any organization due to my adaptability, and flexibility, all while respecting my core values. One key factor is definitely curiosity. I’ve always likened myself to a chameleon, adaptable yet sometimes underestimated due to its less appealing appearance. But it’s this adaptability that’s crucial; you need to be prepared for when opportunities arise unexpectedly. For example, my readiness was essential when I was asked to take up this present Nobua role in Barcelona. If I hadn’t been up to date and prepared, regardless of my location or the industry, I might have missed out. You must maintain this readiness, like an athlete who trains daily not knowing when they will be called up. It’s about keeping your skillset sharp and your mind ready for any challenges that may arise. This continuous readiness and ability to adapt are what have allowed me to navigate successfully through varying industries and cultural settings.”
Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career when you decided to shift your focus from hands-on management to strategic development, and how has this transition influenced your professional growth?
“I’ve always been hands-on in every aspect of my businesses, from being in the kitchen to handling strategic negotiations. When the management of Nobu invited me to Barcelona to join a meeting there, I was ready, I was prepared. I had previously held a role in their marketing department. Despite being encouraged to continue investing in my restaurant to eventually build a local chain, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. While it was gratifying to know I could handle various roles, it was also exhausting.
Instead, I decided to pursue opportunities that aligned more with my strengths in high-level networking, my latest studies, and innovative growth development. This shift led to my involvement in expanding the Nobu brand from restaurants to hotels and, most recently, residential developments.
My journey hasn’t been straightforward, but it reflects my resilience and adaptability. This transition has allowed me to leverage my strategic vision, drive impactful growth, and contribute to the long-term success of the brands I work with. It has been a transformative experience that has not only shaped my career but also solidified my passion for sustainable and innovative business development.”
- Visit the Nobu Hospitality website
- Connect with Diane Daudin-Clavaud on LinkedIn
- Follow Diane on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
- Learn about Diane’s role with French Tech Lisbon
- Discover Diane’s involvement with the American Club of Lisbon
- Read Diane’s Alumni Story at MIT Sloan and Lisbon MBA
- Watch Diane in a Saudi TV series
- View Diane’s biography for GIOHIS 2024
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