In an era of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty, a company’s identity has become one of its most valuable strategic assets. To succeed, companies must do far more than command attention. They must inspire trust, convey meaning, create memorable experiences and forge lasting connections with customers. This program brings together two leaders in luxury and branding to explore the concept of Aesthetic Intelligence and discuss how Japan’s distinctive traditions of design, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage can serve as the foundation for a new generation of world-class brands. Through conversation and case studies, participants will gain practical insights into how aesthetics can strengthen brand identity, secure a competitive advantage, and drive long-term business growth.

Agenda
6:30pm – 7:30pm: Discussion and Q&A
7:30pm – 8:00pm: Networking Reception

Admission 
This is a paid event with advance registration required. A designated number of tickets are available for free to our corporate members. (Corporate member code is required to register for the event. If you don’t know your corporate member code, please contact corp-membership@japansociety.org.) Please note that seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis.


Speakers Bio

Pauline Brown
Founder and CEO, Aesthetic Intelligence Group; Former Chairman, LVMH North America

Pauline Brown is the Founder and CEO of Aesthetic Intelligence Group and former Chairman of North America for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Over the course of a 30-year career, she has built, led, and advised many of the world’s leading premium and luxury brands. At LVMH, she provided regional leadership across 70 brands spanning fashion, jewelry, beauty, wines and spirits. Previously, she was a Managing Director at The Carlyle Group, where she specialized in consumer and retail investments. Earlier in her career, she held senior executive positions at Estée Lauder and Avon and began her career as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company. Today, Pauline advises companies and executives through Aesthetic Intelligence Group, hosts the weekly SiriusXM Business Radio program Aesthetic Intelligence: The Other A.I., and is the author of Aesthetic Intelligence (HarperCollins, 2019), which examines how aesthetics drive consumer behavior, brand value, and business success. She has served on the boards of Moncler and Neiman Marcus Group and currently serves on the advisory board of the University of Pennsylvania Center for Neuroaesthetics. She holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Miyoko Demay 
Executive Representative of World Monuments Fund Japan; Outside Director and the Member of Board, Nintendo Co., Ltd.; North America Advisory Board, The International House of Japan; Vice Chair, The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Women In Business Committee

Miyoko Demay is a highly accomplished strategist and cultural catalyst with an exceptional career spanning global business and non-profit leadership. With a three-decade tenure at Tiffany & Co., she was a key figure in the company’s global operations. In senior roles such as President of Tiffany Japan and Vice President of Global Sales Operations in New York, She led pivotal transformations in corporate strategy, company culture and client engagement. Her current mission is on cultural preservation as the Japan Representative for the World Monuments Fund, where she guides efforts to protect Japan’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage and build robust community partnerships. Beyond this, Ms. Demay provides strategic counsel as an Outside Board Director for Nintendo. A recognized Dame Chevalier of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, she is deeply committed to diversity and mentorship, inspiring and empowering leaders across industries. Ms. Demay is also the author of the recently published 自分を一生モノに磨く方法 (Refine Yourself into a Lifelong Masterpiece), which shares insights on leadership, communication, and professional growth drawn from her global executive career.