What Brooke Shields Can Teach You About Leadership

When I was 14 years old, I became captivated by Brooke Shields after watching her in “The Blue Lagoon.” Her striking blue eyes, framed by her dark, flowing hair, made her the ultimate movie star in my eyes. She embodied grace and elegance, enchanting audiences with her natural charm and stunning presence on screen. She was irresistible, and I found myself completely mesmerized by her timeless beauty and star quality.

In 1981, she went to Venezuela, where I was born and raised, to appear on a television awards show. I was so excited about the chance to see her that I went to the theater where the awards were taking place and waited outside for hours, hoping to be let in. Unfortunately, the quota for the audience was filled, and I couldn’t get in. I went home frustrated and disappointed.

That experience, although disheartening at the time, stayed with me throughout my life. While my youthful obsession eventually faded, my admiration for Brooke Shields remained strong. I continued to follow her career from afar, watching her grow from a child star into a respected leader. Over the years, I have come to realize that Brooke Shields’ journey offers valuable lessons in leadership, showing how one can evolve, adapt, and inspire others through personal and professional growth.

Brooke Shields: From Child Star to Labor Leader

Brooke Shields, born in Manhattan, New York, on May 31, 1965, rose to global fame as a child star in “Pretty Baby,” directed by Louis Malle (also director of Au Revoir les Enfants; Goodbye, Children), and “The Blue Lagoon,” directed by Randal Kleiser (also director of Grease).

Over the years, she has transformed from a child star to a successful actress, Broadway performer, and recently elected president of the Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union representing actors and stage managers in live theater. Shields also graduated from Princeton University. She majored in Romance Languages, with a focus on French literature.

Warren Bennis and the Performing Art of Leadership

Before we delve into Brooke Shields’ leadership lessons, let me introduce you to Warren Bennis. Bennis was a renowned academic, consultant, and author who profoundly impacted leadership studies. The first time I read that leadership can be understood as a performance was in his 2002 essay “Leadership as a Performing Art.”

Bennis believed that leadership is like acting, requiring engagement, presence, and the ability to inspire others. In his 2002 essay, Bennis highlights four essential leadership traits: (1) charisma, (2) authenticity, (3) capacity to adapt, and (4) vision and advocacy. Let’s analyze Brooke Shields’ case using these four traits.

Charisma

Charisma is crucial in leadership. Bennis noted that great leaders have a star quality that captivates their audience. Brooke Shields’ natural charisma has always been a part of her charm, allowing her to connect deeply with her fans. This is not only evident in her films and TV shows, but in her ability to replace principal actors in Broadway shows and still captivate the audience. She has had five roles on Broadway, each time replacing a principal in an already-running show (“Grease,” “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” “Wonderful Town,” and “The Addams Family”). Her charisma also played a role in her being elected as the president of the union.

Authenticity

Authenticity builds trust. Shields is open about her struggles and learning curve in her new role. In a recent interview with the New York Times, she talks candidly about her first meeting being “something out of Monty Python.” This honesty and transparency build trust and credibility.

Shields also showed her authenticity when she attended the Tony Awards this year wearing Crocs. When they asked her about her odd choice, she explained that she had just had surgery and couldn’t imagine wearing anything else. This choice showed she is true to herself and also very relatable.

Capacity to Adapt

Brooke Shields has shown remarkable adaptability throughout her career, transitioning from a child model and actress to a Broadway performer and now a labor leader. She acknowledged in the interview with the New York Times the huge learning curve she faces with union activism but expressed confidence in her ability to learn and adapt, drawing on her past experiences of overcoming challenges.

“This is going to be a huge learning curve for me. My first time chairing a meeting was something out of Monty Python. I hadn’t learned the vernacular. Robert’s Rules? I’ll get to know them! But if that’s my weakest place, then I’m OK, ’cause I can learn it, or someone who can do it better can do it and I can sit right by them.”

Vision and Advocacy

As president of the Actors’ Equity Association, Shields is committed to advocating for fair compensation for theater workers and addressing the needs of various groups within the union, such as Disney’s theme park performers. It is important to note that this is a non-paid job. Her vision is to make the union more inclusive and kinder:

“I hope I’m able to carry through many of the little changes that can make a bigger difference, and that I leave the association feeling kinder and more inclusive and not angry or fractured.”

Shields has also been a strong advocate for women’s health, mental health, and education. She has supported charities focusing on women’s empowerment, such as the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, where she spoke about the importance of education and mental health for women.

Brooke Shields’ journey teaches us that leadership is about engaging, inspiring, and evolving. For years, Shields’ charisma, authenticity, adaptability, and vision have drawn us into her narrative, making us feel connected to her journey. Her ability to reinvent herself, maintain her integrity, and lead with grace offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills. Whether you’re in the boardroom, on the stage, or in everyday life, Shields’ story illustrates that true leadership is about more than just commanding attention and charisma — it’s about being authentic, adapting to change, and creating a lasting and meaningful impact on those around you.

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