Ditch that Penguin suit
Angela Cretu
Ex-Global Chief Executive Officer AVON / Board Director / Beauty and Social Selling Industry Advisor/ Women Empowerment Advocate/Angel Investor in Female Founders
It took me a few good years, early in my career and life, to grasp this concept fully. I had strived relentlessly to meet the expectations of leadership, pushing myself to adhere to both written and unwritten standards. I would try hard to look, walk, and talk like ‘a manager should’: black and white, deep voice, projected confidence, brief summaries, pointing to charts, emotionless, on point, serious, very serious. Yet, I reached a point where I felt as though I was merely playing a role, and I expected the same from those around me. If I couldn’t feel engaged, how would I engage others?
It was during my early years at Avon in Constanta, Romania, that one of our unit leaders handed me a small book—a fable called 'A Peacock in the Land of Penguins'. This simple gesture altered the course of my life; thank you, Mariana Hangu
The tale of Percy the peacock, hired by penguins, resonated deeply with me. Despite facing criticism for his uniqueness—his colors, his voice, his humor—Percy remained authentic. When a crisis struck, his vibrant colors became a beacon of hope, guiding others to safety. Through Percy's story, the penguins learned to embrace diversity and celebrate individuality.
Reflecting on this fable and with the encouragement of many other amazing, colorful, vibrant, strong women and men, I've come to treasure my own uniqueness. I've learned to go beyond conformity and draw strength from being true to myself, no matter what. For it is in our individuality that we find our greatest strength and impact.
And yes, bring your humor or emotion into the boardroom, share your views with no restraints, wear that red dress or funky trousers, #behuman, #be real. Being good goes beyond conformity. Always.
Creativity, Filmmaking, Strategy, Digital, UX, Design, Brand & Media
7 个月Angela - ??
Top 25 Canadian Immigrant-Speaker- Author- Work Integrated Learning Specialist - Instructor- Founder-Volunteer Ambassador- Manager of Community Employment Services - Sheridan College
9 个月Strong leaders always follow a "peacock," not a "penguin" leadership model. Peacocks are no two alike, so you are unique as a leader. You are a fantastic person, and I don't even remember you wearing a penguin suit! ??
Marketing Director, Grupa ?ywiec
9 个月Super inspirational and adding this book to my list! I still rebember a good advice :) “ always be yourself, unless you can be an unicorn than be a unicorn”
My daughter, neuro-atypically disabled is my peacock. I have become a different person and gone beyond stereotypes. As a mother, trying to embrace diversity, inclusion and individuality has first been survival, then looking at the world from a different angle and finally being true to myself by always remembering the original meaning…. ??Don't be sad, if I cry Mum, it just means I need to be comforted??
Package Engineering – Innovation, Commercialization and Management – R&D
9 个月A concept which is just forgotten but need to be exhibited everyday. Thanks for reminding its importance Angela Cretu . It took me through my journey of navigating through male dominated Supply chain and manufacturing arenas with the development batton in hand.