I was in a breakout group with other executive coaches at a conference.
Someone asked:
"What is your favorite animal and why?"
I thought about the question, and several animals went through my mind.
THE GIRAFFE
Giraffe—I had read a book many times to my grandkids about Gerald, a giraffe who couldn't dance and the other animals made fun of him until a cricket told him, "You can dance, just listen to the music that makes sense to you."
When Gerald began hearing music that made him feel good, he began doing all kinds of moves, and the entire kingdom was blown away.
All the animals wanted to know Gerald's secret. I loved the story because it was a message that I encourage my clients to uncover, and that is what speaks to them so they can function with authenticity.
Back to answering the question of my favorite animal…
THE LION
Lions—I went on a safari in South Africa and recalled their majesty in Kruger National Park. Riding through their natural habitat and observing their power and grace is a treat.
Of course, there's the amusement I get from watching Simba, the adorable lion in The Lion King, both in movies and on stage. Even though it was exhilarating to visit and see lions in their homes, they are not my favorite animals.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and saw a sleek, elegant panther.
THE PANTHER
Panther—My uncle, as an early teen, was in a hospital for a year from a debilitating disease of the limbs. This was what the doctors said, but nothing stopped my uncle. With his limbs that didn’t allow him to walk, he learned to dance.
While in the hospital, there were art classes, and he made the most exquisite panther sculpture.
This panther took center stage on my grandparents' coffee table. It was a conversation piece. I couldn’t believe my uncle made it—it looked like a piece that should have been in a museum. Through a challenging time in my uncle’s life, he produced a masterpiece.
My favorite jeweler is Cartier, and the Panther is the icon for the line.
In 1933, Jeanne Toussaint was appointed director of Fine Jewelry for Cartier (the first woman in jewelry appointed to such a high position. She went on a safari where she saw panthers and returned to France to incorporate panthers into her jewelry line. She said, “It symbolizes femininity and independence."
However, I have observed many parallels for women in leadership to the Panthers.
The panther's qualities resonate deeply with the qualities of decisive, impactful leaders:
Presence and Confidence: Panthers move with a presence that is felt even when unseen. As leaders, it’s crucial to develop a presence that commands respect and attention, even in the subtleties of our actions. This majestic creature doesn’t need to roar to assert its influence.
Adaptability and Stealth: Panthers are known for their stealth and adaptability in the wild. Similarly, successful women executives master the art of strategic thinking and adaptability, navigating complex corporate landscapes with poise and precision.
Resilience and Mastery: My uncle's perseverance to create a masterpiece despite his confinement for a year in a hospital speaks volumes about resilience. Executive leaders face countless challenges and unexpected situations. Harnessing resilience turns obstacles into opportunities to create significant impacts.
Although Jeanne Toussaint was on a safari In Africa, her fascination with the animals in the wild and her keen observations brought the idea of taking elements of the majesty, elegance, and presence she saw in the Panther and bringing that to Cartier—another example of how leaders can find inspiration to bring about innovation.
The panther's grace, strength, and strategic nature mirror the qualities of high-level executive women. By channeling the spirit of this magnificent animal, women in leadership can navigate their careers with confidence, power, and resilience.