Having joined E.l.f. Beauty as chief financial officer at just 35, Mandy Fields knows a little something about defying limits. In the last seven years, she’s facilitated two major deals — E.l.f.’s billion-dollar acquistion of Rhode and $355 million acquistion of Naturium — and ensured the company was in a solid financial condition despite ongoing economic headwinds.
So it should come as no surprise that she’s receiving an award for her financial leadership at the annual CEW Achiever Awards on Thursday. Ahead, Fields talks determination in pursuit of a dream, following your instincts and fostering relationships.
What’s one word you would use to describe your career path? How would you describe your journey?
Incredible. I have truly followed my heart in my career and it’s led to incredible opportunities, which allowed me to become a chief financial officer at 35 years old. Even when others questioned my path, I trusted my instincts. Being led by heart, instincts and leaning into your gifts — that’s the combination for success.
What female historical figure inspires you the most and why?
Madam C.J. Walker, an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her story has always resonated with me, as she came from very humble beginnings to build a beauty empire in the early 1900s as a Black woman — talk about incredible. She personifies making the impossible, possible.
How are you cultivating the next generation of leadership in your company?
At E.l.f., our “zero distance” mindset is about breaking down barriers, ensuring that ideas, feedback and mentorship flow freely across all teams and levels, including those of us on the executive team. What we’ve found is when people are invited into real conversations and real decisions, they don’t just learn leadership, they really start to embody it. That’s how we create space for the next generation to reach their full potential.
What does achievement mean to you?
Achievement is built on partnership. It comes from surrounding yourself with people who challenge and elevate your thinking and being willing to do the same for them. At E.l.f., our culture is a true strategic advantage because it pushes us beyond individual wins toward shared, meaningful impact. One team, one dream.