From Cosmetics to Classrooms: Mark Polson's Path of Purpose
I had the privilege of photographing Mark Polson, former Vice President for Estée Lauder and now an adjunct professor at Fashion Institute of Technology. I asked him to share a piece of advice. This is what he said, “Stay in motion. Don’t stop working! Have a reason to get out of bed every day and a sense of purpose.”
“I spent over 30 years in the beauty industry. I worked in cosmetics for Revlon first and then The Estée Lauder Companies. What drew me to the beauty industry was my background in industrial design. When the opportunity came up, I designed and manufactured point-of-sale displays for big consumer marketing. During my employment, I worked in a variety of positions rising to the VP level.”
“Around 2002, I went back to college and earned my master’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I received a fellowship and was in the Charter class. The program was in the developing stages. I liked that. Specific to my industry it is called, MPS in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management.”
“After I graduated, I was asked to be an adjunct instructor, and said yes. I wanted to stay close to the program. At that time, I was an executive in the beauty industry, a graduate and an adjunct faculty member.”
“In June 2019, I retired from Estée Lauder, and got my LLC thinking I’d become a consultant, but then COVID hit. At first, I thought it was a major setback. But, having gone through my master's degree program, it whetted my appetite for teaching.”
“I want my second career to be as a professor. I like many aspects of teaching including coaching and mentoring young executives. I like helping to develop and bring out the best in others. I’ve been teaching part-time, but now I’m looking into full-time.”
“With all of my years of experience, I like to give my students the benefit of what I know. Teasingly I say I teach about my mistakes, so they know what not to do.”
“It’s no longer about my career, it’s about theirs. That’s my mission and my role now.”
“I want to pay it forward!”
“Occasionally I get notes from deeply appreciative students. One wrote thanking me for genuinely caring about each student’s success and development. That is my why. That’s what keeps me going.”
“As a metaphor, my wife, Robin and I work out with a professional trainer three times a week. Keep moving physically as well as mentally. Always stay in motion, don’t ever stop!”
“I wanted an updated headshot. For years I’ve wanted my wife to have one but, she would decline. I’d say, ‘You have to have a professional headshot!’ She finally agreed.”
“We found Alissa’s studio close by. It is warm and relaxing. We worked with her wonderful hair and makeup artist.”
“Alissa is brilliant at putting people at ease. Her headshot session was great. She does an absolutely amazing job of capturing the essence of people.”
“Our headshots came out phenomenal! My wife never imagined hers to look that good. It was an overall terrific experience.”