Lessons from the World of Drag

Back in the mid-80s, I made friends with three people at the pub where I was working to supplement my student grant in Loughborough. Oliver and Carole managed the pub, and Richard lived with them. Their story was that Oliver and Carole were a couple, and Richard was Carole’s brother. We all got on well, spending after-hours together and enjoying nights out. But something didn’t quite add up about the ‘brother’ narrative. It turned out Oliver and Richard were in a relationship, and the sibling story was a cover. Remember, we are going back almost 40 years when there were adverts on TV about AIDS, and people thought you’d catch it from near ‘the gays’. ?At the time, this relationship thing wasn’t something openly discussed, and I went along with the pretence, not wanting to risk my job or their trust.

One Saturday night during a lock-in, Richard and I were several vodkas in, chatting away, when he gave me the response “Not in a tent!” ?when I asked if he’d ever been camping. That was when our lifelong friendship really began. Richard and I stayed close even after his relationship with Oliver ended, and almost 40 years on, he’s still in my life.

The following year, their pub management arrangement collapsed, and they moved back to Nottingham. I followed suit after graduating, packing up my belongings and moving in with Gary (aka Grace), a part-time drag queen, who needed a flatmate. We lived in a flat above a disused sex shop in a less-than-glamorous area of Nottingham, but it was the start of something brilliant for me.

Oliver gave me a job in a bar he was managing, and I was quickly adopted by his circle of camp queens and drag friends. They lovingly referred to me as their “fag-hag,” and I adored their sharp wit, banter, and warmth. I’d never laughed so much in my life. Those carefree, joy-filled days shaped me and sparked my enduring love of drag culture, high camp, sequins and Shirley Bassey.

Fast-forward to today, and I’m thrilled that drag has gone more mainstream, with RuPaul’s Drag Race being aired on the BBC . My husband and stepdaughter share my love for drag to, and once again for Christmas this year, we gifted each other tickets to DragCon at ExCel in London, which we enjoyed last weekend. The event was a dazzling celebration of self-expression, inclusivity, and pure joy—a vibrant reminder of why drag continues to inspire me. Drag isn’t just entertainment; it’s packed with life lessons that translate beautifully into business. Here are some of my favourites:

1. Reverse engineer your goals

Drag transformations take hours, requiring meticulous planning. From elaborate makeup to wigs and costumes, every detail is considered, right down to the padding and corsetry. Similarly, in business, working backwards from your goals ensures you allocate enough time for each step, leaving nothing to chance. Planning with precision is the key to delivering an unforgettable performance—on stage or in your business. Remember to include your appearance in these steps.

Think about the next big milestone in your business. Maybe it’s a product launch or a speaking engagement. What’s the end goal? Map out every step including what you’ll wear to feel in your power and create a timeline. Like a drag queen preparing for the stage, this approach allows you to focus on each element with care, ensuring you shine when it matters most.

2. Resilience and determination are key

As RuPaul says, “When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” Many queens have faced significant challenges to express their true selves. Their resilience and determination to overcome adversity are inspiring.

Consider the stories shared by drag queens—from rejection and discrimination to triumph on global platforms. Their ability to turn pain into power is a lesson for anyone in business. Challenges are inevitable, but resilience allows you to adapt, grow, and keep pushing forward.

In your own work, remember that setbacks are opportunities to learn and evolve. Whether it’s a deal falling through or a campaign not performing as expected, take a cue from the queens, pick yourself up, adjust your wig, and get back on stage. Think about how your clothing choices can affect your confidence and choose what to wear accordingly.

3. Stand out from the crowd

Drag is unapologetically extra. It’s about amplifying your personality and creating a show-stopping presence. The same applies to your business, don’t be a well-kept secret. Whether you’re presenting at a conference or marketing your services online, think about how you can draw attention to yourself in a way that’s both impactful and authentic to your brand as well as bringing you comfydence.

In a sea of sameness, what makes you unforgettable? This is where your personal brand identity comes in. ?Lean into these qualities and let them shine.

4. Embrace inclusivity

Drag culture challenges societal norms, celebrating diversity and individuality. It’s a reminder to make inclusivity a priority in your business. For example, at the FAB Business Club, I’ve wrestled with the need for female-only spaces while ensuring inclusivity for cis and trans women. As your business grows, reflect on how you can create a welcoming environment for all, without compromising your core values.

Inclusivity isn’t just about who you welcome; it’s also about how you celebrate them. Think about your audience and team—are all voices heard? Are you creating a space where everyone feels valued and seen? Small actions, like inclusive language or diverse representation in your branding, can make a big impact.

5. Celebrate your uniqueness

At its heart, drag is about empowerment. Queens celebrate the richness of human expression and individuality, encouraging us to embrace our quirks and differences. In business, this means showing up as your authentic self and attracting the people who resonate with your unique approach.

RuPaul’s iconic mantra, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”, is a call to celebrate who you are. It’s not about fitting into a mould but about being bold enough to break it. In business, this translates to building a brand that’s undeniably you, drawing clients who value your distinct perspective.

Think about what makes you, you. How can you bring more of that into your business? Maybe it’s weaving personal stories into your marketing or offering a service that’s uniquely yours. Your individuality is your superpower—don’t be afraid to use it.

Bringing it all together

The lessons from drag go beyond the glitter and sequins. They’re about showing up with confidence, pushing boundaries, and creating space for yourself and others to shine. These principles have shaped how I approach my work, and I’m passionate about helping my clients embrace their individuality and elevate their presence.

And for a bit of fun—what would your drag name be? Take your grandmother’s first name and the last dessert you ate. Mine’s Trudy Chocolate Fudge Cake… pleased to meet you!

Keep Shining!

PS I’m hosting a live training event, From Nicely Dressed to Fully Self-Expressed: An Introduction to The L.I.S.A. Method, on Zoom Tues 4th Feb 7.30pm (replay available).

It’s designed to help you:

• Liberate yourself from outdated beliefs and limitations (e.g., “I can’t wear X because of Y”).
• Set specific, style-aligned goals (e.g., “I want to introduce more colour sustainably”).
• Experiment with your wardrobe to better reflect your personality and aspirations.

You can register here.