Channeling the Panther: Unleashing Grace, Strength, and Resilience in Leadership

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:

1. 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. 

2. 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.

3. 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.

Share your favorite animal with me and your why.

Three ways to Live an Impactful Life

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Keith Haring exhibit at the Broad Museum, and I want to share a quote from the artist that was thought-provoking. As I entered the gallery, these words greeted me, "My contribution to the world is my ability to draw. I will draw as much as I can for as many people as I can for as long as I can." Keith Haring

His prescription for living a fulfilling and productive life can be encapsulated in just those two sentences. I believe these words hold valuable insights for each of us, guiding us toward a more meaningful existence.

In my journey through the exhibition, I couldn't help but be inspired by Haring's awareness of what he was here to do. Despite his tragically short life of 31 years, he accomplished exactly what he set out to achieve. His message holds valuable lessons for all of us, particularly in our pursuit of a fulfilling and impactful life.

Here are three points inspired by Keith Haring's prescription for living a meaningful life: 

1. Discover your unique contribution: We are all brought into this world with a purpose, but sometimes we lose sight of it or allow others to define it for us. It's essential to set aside time each day for reflection, to listen to your inner voice, and ask yourself, "What do I have to offer? What does the world need from me?" Be still and receptive, allowing the answers to emerge. It may take time and patience, but trust the process. Keep a notepad handy to jot down any inspirations or tidbits that come to you. These could be the breadcrumbs guiding you toward your answers.

2. Create a plan to share your gift: Once you have clarity on your purpose, it's time to develop a plan to bring your gift to the world. Just as Keith Haring proclaimed his intention to draw for as many people as possible,  aim to share your talents, skills, and passions with inclusivity. In a world often clouded by negativity and division, find ways to reach and connect with a wide audience.  Your mission should not be limited to a select few but should have the potential to inspire and impact the masses. 

3. Leave a legacy: Keith Haring's commitment to his mission remained unshaken even in the face of adversity. Despite being diagnosed with AIDS, he continued to produce art, ensuring that his creative legacy would endure beyond his lifetime. Similarly, how can you embrace the concept of "for as long as I can" in your own life? Dedicate yourself to your mission, persist through challenges, and create work that will impact others long after you are gone.

While not a lot of the art in the exhibition may have resonated with me, I realized that the important thing isn't pleasing everyone but rather learning and speaking my own truth. He certainly spoke his truth. By sharing our authentic voices and experiences, we have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of others.

 Embark on your journey because it is yours to do.   Explore your purpose, create your plans, and persevere in the face of obstacles. Your truths have the potential to help and inspire those around you, contributing to a more fulfilling and meaningful life not only for you but also for many others.

On my journey back home, I couldn't help but reflect not only on the exhibit itself but also on the remarkable awareness Keith Haring possessed regarding his purpose in life and his unwavering commitment to it. Despite his short life of only 31 years, he achieved exactly what he set out to do.