While Europe is dealing with the inflation shock, all eyes are on the financial rockstar Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank (ECB). She is one of the most influential female leaders in the world and has a strong personal brand. The best lesson from this powerful woman is to stand out, based on who you are as a person, not what field you’re in. Use your charisma, confidence, and story (which Christine Lagarde does masterfully) to develop your personal brand and make yourself unforgettable.
Why The Female Voice Is A Powerhouse Of Influence
There are few people as powerful and accomplished as Christine Lagarde who become role models and are known as global leaders. She was born and raised in the complex, modern world that sees gender equality as a necessity rather than an option and she is changing how people think about how women should behave and be treated.
Just by looking at the pictures of Christine Lagarde during meetings, one can see how intentional she is with her style; which is professional but makes her stand out in a male-dominated world. In addition, she has always strived for the greatest possible equality between the male and female worlds and is an advocate of gender inclusion and quotas for women in business. For someone as high up in such a male-dominated field, it is no surprise that one of her main goals as ECB president is to boost gender equality.
Use The Power of Visual Story
It is incredible to realize the power of visual storytelling. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a story can be made with pictures in different ways than it can with words.
Recently I came across an article in the Dutch media where the writer had analyzed Christine Lagarde’s visual communication when she was working for International Monetary Fund and how she uses Twitter to convey her message about gender equality. In photos, she portrays herself differently with women than with men. She does that by placing herself on the same level with women from all economic classes. She shows with her photos that there may be many men at the top, but there are also a number of women at work, just as capable as men.
Let Love Be Fuel Of Confidence & Energy
I always find it interesting how women in high-ranking positions make decisions and what their “fuel” is. Christine Lagarde is one of those authentic leaders who when interviewed will give insightful, very down-to-earth answers. She talks a lot about the power of love. Do you wonder where do her confidence and energy come from? From the love that she receives from the people around her. She once told in an interview: “Love is a burning energy that helps all of us to go forward.” Our world, especially now, would benefit from more high-ranking leaders that act from the place of love.
Christine Lagarde’s bold and powerful personality is evident through each step of her professional career and today she is a role model for millions of women across the world. As you build your brand, remember that your image should match the image that you portray professionally to garner respect within your organization and industry. A successful personal brand is not something that you can create overnight, it is the result of a lot of hard work and consistent dedication. You need to do your homework and be prepared to put in the effort to make it work. Consider these points as they examine your own personal brand and see how they can work for you.