What can businesses learn from Anna Wintour?

As you may know, summer is the hottest season when it comes to new releases in the fashion, cinema and technology industry. Looking back at the infamous Cannes Lions International Festival 2016, I remember queuing in line to secure a front row seat for the Anna Wintour presentation. But what can we specifically learn from her?

Anna was in Cannes to speak about being innovative. She is an embodiment of innovation by being the Editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine since 1988, and the Artistic Director of Condé Nast. I mean this person of steel has managed all forms of media; from traditional to digital to social and very soon virtual. Anna started the session by mentioning what notable people in her domain have said about her. According to them, she is known to be a doer not a talker, someone who doesn’t do anything half-heartedly, and who does everything with integrity and value.

Always aim higher

Invest more time in your ambition. Work on something that has both immediate interest and a lasting significance, even if it might seem out of your reach.

Dare to be different

The audience is seeking something beyond normalcy. We live in an age that prizes authenticity, sincerity rather than extravaganzas. So try what hasn’t been done before even if it appears risky from the first glance.

Be as inclusive as possible, invite everyone to the table.

Anna Wintour

Use all of your goals

Make your goals your own learning lessons, and evaluate what you have done. Allow yourself to make mistakes, but be sure to look back at them honestly to improve.

Make interesting friends

Be as inclusive as possible, invite everyone to the table. Stay close to your network yet don’t hesitate to go out and meet new people. Do that to learn more about what’s going on around you and outside of the circles you operate in.

Anna concluded by saying that when we are young, we dream about moving upward, but in fact, the real pleasure comes from moving forward and developing gradually.