Put Yourself in Danger Again — Lunch with Philippe Schaus, CEO of DFS Group

As Chairman and CEO of DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury retailer dedicated to travellers and a part of the LVMH Group of companies, Philippe Schaus started his career in banking at J. P. Morgan and then worked in management consulting in order to understand and explore various industries, before finding his passion in luxury retail. Never short of surprises, he is also quadrilingual and has a degree in aerospace engineering.

We met with Philippe shortly after it was announced that he would move to a new role within the LVMH Group, as global CEO of Moët Hennessy, the Wines and Spirits Division of LVMH.

Our lunch with Philippe at DFS headquarters in Hong Kong raised 94 volunteer hours.

You’ve made a lot of career choices. Is there a principle that guides you?

“Always embrace change. I love change — it is what strengthens you.

Change is about taking risks, being courageous and learning to trust yourself.

Change takes you to the next level, in everything you do, everything your team does, everything your company does. Change also activates innovation and creativity. On reflection, embracing change has been the most constant characteristic of my career path.”

Is there a habit in your life that maximizes your productivity?

“Like many executives, I am always looking for personal balance. Exercising regularly, reading things which have nothing to do with your job, watching movies, spending time with your family, relaxing, and being in calm surroundings are all things that help you to ‘recharge’.

If you’re someone like me who stretches yourself professionally, you need to find a way to balance that intensity.

I also hike every weekend. Hong Kong has some amazing nature parks and countryside, and I like discovering new trails. I love hiking, because when you have to concentrate on going down a steep hill or when you are walking for many hours, your mind tends to wander somewhere else. It’s very mind-relaxing, even it’s tiring for your body.”

Can you give an example of the books you read that helped you achieve that balance?

“I’ve been reading The History of the Conquest of Mexico which was written in the late 19th century by an American historian, William Prescott. I am looking forward to continuing reading this book because it’s very interesting. Human history is fascinating, and it gives me balance when I’m doing a completely different thing. I also find that when you read history books, you can sometimes find patterns that help you to understand and make sense of the present, and even the future. They say that history always repeats itself, and to some degree I think they are right.”

If you have to give a lesson unrelated to your career, what would you teach?

“Well I would say never give any lessons (laugh). I would say the lesson would be to always try to be kind to people around you, try to understand who they are, try to get into them in order to understand their point of view. Never dismiss someone as being less important than you are, keep your mind open.

The most admired quality among important leaders in the world is their kindness.”

Is there one action or ask that you want everyone to take away from this meeting?

“It’s the same wish I have for my team here at DFS, which is to be curious.

Find out things, ask questions, try to dig further than anybody else, travel, talk to people. We are a retail business, so we should be curious about our customers, where are they coming from, what’s the history of their countries, what’s the political or economic situation there, what are they inspired by, who are they. This curiosity on a day-to-day basis is inherently essential to doing a good job. And for yourself, be creative and open-minded. Curiosity and creativity go hand-in-hand.”

Thank you Philippe for donating lunch and raising 94 volunteer hours to Principal Chan Free Tutorial World, Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children, Free To Run and more.

For upcoming experiences you can join by volunteering to any charity, visit Time Auction, a platform that connects you with inspiring mentors while encouraging volunteerism.