Leadership lessons woven from the fabric of fashion

Leadership re[framed]—Vol. 03: Leadership x Haute Couture

This blogpost is part of the Leadership re[framed] publication.

Leadership isn’t just about suits and boardrooms. Sometimes, the most inspiring leadership traits emerge from the most unexpected places. Take Karl Lagerfeld, the fashion iconoclast. Watching the series “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” on Disney+ offers more than a glimpse into his world; it provides valuable lessons for leaders in any field. Here are a few key takeaways that can be applied to any leadership role, along with actionable steps for design leaders.

Forge your creative path

Young Karl wrestles with expressing his unique style, highlighting the importance of balancing trends with personal vision. This is crucial for anyone building a creative career. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to stand out. Conduct regular brainstorming sessions to explore new ideas without constraints, foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing unconventional ideas, and develop unique design elements that differentiate your work from industry trends.

Collaboration is key

The series explores Karl’s relationships with mentors and collaborators, emphasizing the importance of these bonds in influencing and challenging him. Surround yourself with talented people who can push you and from whom you can learn. Assemble a team with varied skills and perspectives, find mentors who can provide guidance and challenge your thinking, and create opportunities for team members to work together on cross-functional projects.

Craft your image

Karl meticulously crafted his public persona, demonstrating the power of personal branding. Your image can be a tool for self-expression and career advancement. Consider how you want to be perceived and use that to your advantage. Identify the core values and unique traits that you want to represent, ensure all your communications reflect your brand identity, and regularly update your portfolio to share your successes on professional platforms.

Hustle hard

The series portrays Karl’s incredible work ethic, showcasing dedication as a key ingredient for success. However, it also hints at the potential downsides of neglecting work-life balance. Find a sustainable pace that fuels your creativity. Define clear, achievable objectives for yourself and your team, schedule regular breaks, and encourage a healthy work-life balance while focusing on high-impact activities that drive the most value.

Beyond the catwalk

While “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” is not a traditional leadership manual, it offers profound insights into what makes a true leader. By forging your creative path, embracing collaboration, crafting your image, and hustling hard with balance, you can enhance your leadership capabilities and inspire your team to achieve great results. Integrate these principles into your daily practices to build a strong, innovative, and motivated design team.

#leadership-re[framed] by Roman Schoeneboom offers valuable knowledge that extends beyond traditional design leadership. Articles in this publication explore unconventional areas and demonstrate how seemingly unrelated fields can provide crucial insights for emerging leaders.