In this Pandemic, it's Time to Care for the "Other" as Much as for "Self" - Lessons from Audrey

As more and more of us turn to spirituality during this pandemic, one thing has become clear: humankind must widen its focus to stop caring only for ourselves and to include others. Audrey Hepburn was unique among celebrities: choosing to be humble and use her fame and riches for the broader good. It's a quality we desperately need today when every person is out for themselves.

She remains as popular as ever, could speak six languages, dance, sing and act. But while admired for her natural beauty, Audrey Hepburn did not believe she was attractive.

Modest, introverted and classy – this Hollywood icon’s approach to business and life has powerful lessons for us all in surviving this pandemic.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

It was Audrey Hepburn's attitude towards others that formed the basis of her brand. Those who knew her well said they couldn't remember a time Audrey Hepburn had a bad thing to say about anyone. The result? She was liked by all. Far too many people today criticize. Let us stand out from the crowd and see the good in others.  

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

Even before her movie career began, Hepburn was contributing to UNICEF, the United Nations program designed to help children in developing countries. She saw her fame and wealth as tools to help the world's needy, eventually putting aside acting and travelling full time to the poorest parts of Africa, Asia and South America as a UNICEF ambassador. Supporting a cause larger than ourselves creates a brand of meaning and purpose.

I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.

Audrey Hepburn genuinely cared about the people in her life. She listened to them, often putting their concerns before her own interests. In business, let us not "sell" to our customers, but instead, "care" about their welfare. 

I probably hold the distinction of being one movie star who, by all laws of logic, should never have made it. At each stage of my career, I lacked the experience.

Hepburn was the last person to pat herself on the back. While enormously talented, she acknowledged her inexperience when starting out. Rather than harming her career, Hepburn's honest and humble self-assessment impressed her more experienced colleagues. Her career took off as a result. Let us show humility, choosing not to toot our own horn, but instead, let others sing our praises. 

Hepburn's soft spot for impoverished children in war-torn countries stemmed from her own childhood during World War Two in the Netherlands. Her uncle was executed by Nazi soldiers, a brother was sent to a German labor camp, and the family almost starved.

In her words, "Had we known that we were going to be occupied for five years, we might have all shot ourselves."

After studies in ballet, Hepburn turned to acting and landed her first big film role in the 1953 hit "Roman Holiday" with Gregory Peck. Director William Wyler said Hepburn had everything he was looking for: charm, innocence, talent - and an unexpected bonus: she could be funny too.

Following a string of hit movies, including perhaps her most famous - Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Hepburn knew she had to give back to society. Her work with UNICEF was how she would spend the remainder of her days until she died in 1993 of cancer at the young age of 63.

Her personal brand - marked by soft-spoken honesty and gratitude, finding the good in others, and helping make this a better planet - endures to this day.

The year was 1957 when 28-year old Audrey Hepburn performed this "crazy" dance in the movie Funny Face with a confused Fred Astaire looking on. The performance still stands up today in terms of its originality, energy and raw talent.